Team Goemkarponn
MORMUGAO: Amid chants of “Vitthal Vitthal Jai Hari Vitthal” and an atmosphere filled with devotion, hundreds of Varkaris from Mormugao on Friday embarked on the third edition of their annual sacred Pandharpur Vari, a 15-day, 420-kilometre pilgrimage on foot to the holy town of Pandharpur in Maharashtra ahead of Ashadhi Ekadashi.
The pilgrimage commenced from the Brahmaneshwar Temple at Sada with devotees seeking divine blessings before beginning the arduous journey. The number of participants has witnessed remarkable growth over the years, increasing from just 54 devotees during the inaugural edition to around 140 in the second year. Organisers said this year’s participation is expected to be even higher, with a large number of devotees from Vasco, Dabolim and Cortalim joining the yatra.
One of the unique attractions of the pilgrimage continues to be “Shwan Mauli,” the dog that first joined the Varkaris during the maiden edition from Cortalim and completed the entire pilgrimage before being adopted by one of the devotees. The faithful canine has since become an integral part of the annual Vari and is once again accompanying the pilgrims this year.
The procession first halted at the Damodar Temple in Vasco, where the Varkaris were accorded a warm welcome by Vasco MLA Krishna Salkar, his wife Shami Salkar and Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho. After offering prayers, several devotees from Vasco and Dabolim joined the pilgrimage. Later in the day, the group reached Cortalim, where more devotees welcomed the Varkaris and joined the procession after prayers at the temple.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Krishna Salkar said he felt blessed to witness and participate in the spiritual movement for the third consecutive year. He extended his best wishes to all the pilgrims and prayed for their safe journey to Pandharpur to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal.
Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho praised the Murgao Varkari Saunsthan for organising the pilgrimage and said it was heartening to witness people aged between 18 and 70 years, including many women, participating with unwavering faith and devotion.
Both Salkar and Godinho expressed confidence that the number of Varkaris would continue to increase in the coming years and lauded the discipline, dedication and spiritual commitment displayed by the devotees as they embarked on the sacred journey to Pandharpur.
