Vithoba
Description
Every eleventh day of the lunar cycle in each month of the Hindu calendar is known as ekadashi. Devotees of Vishnu observe Ekadashi vrata with pious observances like fasting and pilgrimages. The Ekadashis in the bright halves of the months Ashadha (June-July) and Kartika (October-November) are most important. It is believed that Lord Vishnu falls asleep in Kshirsagara – cosmic ocean of milk – on Sheshanaga, the cosmic serpent for four months and awakes from his lumber after four months on Kartiki Ekadashi. These four months (Chaturmasa) are prescribed for penance, austerity, bathing in holy rivers, worship and charity.
Ashadhi ekadashi is a very auspicious day and important to varkari smpradaya. Several days before the ekadashi the varkaris- devotees of Vitthal start their pilgrimage in groups on foot (dindi) singing devotional songs and reach the Vitthal temple at Pandharpur, Maharashtra
Sir Ratan Tata Art Collection
Collection
Indian Decorative Art
Object Type
Figurine
Material
Bronze
Schools/Culture/Period
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Technique
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Date
Early 19th Century CE
Location
South India