Spiritual Significance and the Form of Vitthal
Through many of his discourses and editorials, Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Bapu has often spoken about the tradition of Bhagwan Vitthal devotion and the pilgrimage (Vari) to Bhagwan Vitthal that has been cherished in his family for generations. He has also repeatedly explained the lives and teachings of the saints, their abhangs, and the rich spiritual heritage of the Warkari tradition.
Devotees regard Bhagwan Vitthal as their guardian, benefactor, and loving mother and father. Sant Dnyaneshwar refers to Bhagwan Vitthal as “Bap Rakhumadevivaru,” (’बापरखुमादेवीवरू’) emphasizing the divine couple Bhagwan Vitthal and Rakhumai as the compassionate parents of all devotees. Likewise, Sant Janabai affectionately addresses Him as “Vithu Majha Lekurwala” (’विठू माझा लेकूरवाळा’) — “Vitthal, the tender and loving caretaker of His children.”
According to the saying, “Vitho Vahi Shiri Kailasicha Rana” (’विठो वाही शिरी कैलासीचा राणा’ - Bhagwan Vitthal bears upon His head the Lord of Kailasa that is Bhagwan Shiva”), Bhagwan Vitthal, who is a form of Hari (Bhagwan Vishnu), carries the Shivalinga, that is the symbol of Har (Shiva), upon His head. Thus, as Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Bapu explained in one of his discourses, the idol of Bhagwan Vitthal at Pandharpur represents the unified form of both Hari and Har. Swayambhagavan Trivikram (The Supreme Personality of Godhead), is likewise the unified manifestation of both Hari and Har. Therefore, on the sacred occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, Shraddhavans lovingly offer Tulsi leaves, so dear to Bhagwan Vitthal, upon the Shree Trivikram Linga at Shree Aniruddha Gurukshetram with deep devotion and reverence.
An Unforgettable Experience in 2013
On the sacred occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi in 2013, Sadguru Shree Aniruddha was invited to perform the worship of Shree Vitthal and Shree Rakhumai at the old and renowned Shree Vitthal Temple in Wadala, Mumbai.
During his childhood, while living in Parel, Bapu would frequently visit this temple with his grandmother. It was here, at the age of eight, that he first met Sadhanatai Upadhye. On that occasion, Bapu had gifted her a peacock feather. An account of this incident, narrated by Sadhanatai Upadhye’s son, can be viewed in a video available on Sai Niwas.
Witnessing Bapu immersed in the worship of Vithu Mauli (Mauli means loving mother, devotees lovingly refer Bhagwan Vitthal as Vithu mauli) at this Vitthal Temple in Wadala, offering his prayers with immense love, devotion, and reverence, was truly an unforgettable experience for all those present.
The Pandharpur Bhav-yatra 2001
Situated on the banks of the sacred Chandrabhaga River, Shree Kshetra Pandharpur is the holy place where Bhagwan Himself came to meet His ardent devotee, Pundalik. Such is the glory of Pandharpur that it is said, “Aadhi Rachili Pandhari, Mag Vaikuntha Nagari” (’आधी रचिली पंढरी, मग वैकुंठ नगरी’)—“Pandhari was established even before Vaikuntha.”
It was to this sacred town of Pandharpur that Sadguru Shree Aniruddha led a Bhavayatra in the year 2001. This pilgrimage was announced by Sadguru Shree Aniruddha after the successful completion of four Rasayatras—to Shirdi, Akkalkot, Alandi, and to the temples of Mangesh and Shantadurga in Goa. The Pandharpur Bhavayatra thus became the next blessed opportunity for Shraddhavans to embark on a spiritually enriching journey in the company of their beloved Sadguru.
While describing the unique significance of the Pandharpur Bhavayatra, Bapu had said:
“At Pandharpur, the sixteenth divine treasure that we receive from Bhagwan Vitthal is Bhakti. The saints have regarded Pandharpur as their maternal home, Chandrabhaga as their sister, and Pundalik, the supreme devotee of Panduranga, as their brother. A devotee walks the path to Pandhari solely to reach this maternal home, that is, to attain Bhakti, the sixteenth treasure. Bhakti alone is the link between Bhagwan and the devotee; there is nothing else besides it.”
Bapu further explained that this Bhavayatra represents one of the most precious periods in a devotee’s life. It is a time meant for becoming completely absorbed in the divine Nama of Parabrahma Vitthal and returning with the inexhaustible treasure of supreme bliss gathered through loving devotion. This four-day Pandharpur Bhavayatra commenced on 5th May 2001 and concluded on 8th May 2001.
Bhakti as Selfless Service
In the first volume of Shreemad Purushartha Grantharaj, Satyapravesh, Bapu writes: “Bhakti is selfless seva offered with love, it is a heart filled with tender emotions, with ever-growing inner power of love.” Therefore, along with singing the glories of Bhagwan, participating in kirtans, and chanting His Nama, Shraddhavans also lovingly engage in Bhaktiseva.
Disaster Management Seva (AADM)
At the request of the police and government administration, Disaster Management Volunteers (DMVs) of Aniruddha's Academy of Disaster Management (AADM) render selfless crowd-management seva in Pandharpur during Ashadhi Ekadashi, working round the clock. This initiative is carried out under the guidance of Sadguru Shree Aniruddha Bapu. With devotion and dedication, the volunteers help manage the immense crowds of lakhs of pilgrims who come for darshan of their beloved Vithuraya, ensuring their safety and facilitating smooth and orderly darshan.
This seva not only benefits the devotees but also considerably eases the burden on the local administration, the police, and the temple authorities. Many senior officials have sincerely appreciated the disciplined, dedicated, and devotion-filled manner in which the DMVs carry out their responsibilities. For the Shraddhavans who participate in this seva out of their love for Sadguru Shree Aniruddha, it is a living expression of Bhakti-bhava Chaitanya (Devotion Sentience).
On this sacred day, many Shraddhavans also lovingly perform sixteen malas of the sovereign mantragajar of Swayambhagavan Shree Trivikram and offer this upasana at the holy feet of Sadguru Shree Aniruddha.
The sovereign mantragajar of Swayambhagavan Shree Trivikram
रामा रामा आत्मारामा त्रिविक्रमा सद्गुरुसमर्था
सद्गुरुसमर्था त्रिविक्रमा आत्मारामा रामा रामाRama Rama Atmarama Trivikrama Sadgurusamartha
Sadgurusamartha Trivikrama Atmarama Rama Rama
