Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, July 6: The serene halls of Sri Pejawara Math in Santacruz East echoed with devotion and chanting on Sunday, July 6, as hundreds of devotees gathered to celebrate Ashada Ekadashi, one of the most sacred observances in the Vaishnavite tradition.

The Mumbai branch of Udupi’s Sri Pejawara Math, located in Prabhat Colony, hosted the celebrations with grandeur at the Sri Vishwesha Teertha Sabha Bhavan (Madhwa Bhavan). The occasion marked Sarva Ekadashi Devashayani, also known as Prathama Ekadashi, which signals the beginning of the Chaturmasya Vrata, a spiritually significant four-month period of penance and devotion.

A highlight of the celebration was the Laksha Tulasi Archana, a grand offering of one lakh tulasi leaves to the deity, accompanied by Bhagavad Gita recitations, soulful bhajans, and spiritual discourses, all carried out in a deeply devotional atmosphere.

In a key religious moment, Tapta Mudradharana (sacred branding) and the formal commencement of Chaturmasya took place with rituals performed at the newly built stone sanctum of Lord Krishna. The ceremonies were led by Dr Renjala Ramadasa Upadhyaya, chief administrative officer of the Mumbai branch, who also addressed and blessed the gathered devotees.

Several prominent members of the religious and spiritual community were present, including trustees and members of the Sri Poornaprajna Vidyapeetha Foundation, Math manager Vidwan Hari Bhat Puttige, Niranjan Gogte, resident priests, assistant archakas, and a large congregation of devotees, all of whom actively participated in the day’s events.