Solapur, July 20: Over 10 lakh devotees thronged the neighbouring pilgrim town of Pandharpur to pay their obeisance at the famous 'Vitthal-Rukmini' temple on the occasion of 'Aashadhi Ekadashi' today.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh, along with his wife Vaishali, performed 'Mahapooja' at the temple this morning, temple committee sources said. A silver image of lord Vitthala and Rukmini and a copy of 'Gyaneshwari' was presented to the Chief Minister by committee Chairman Shashikant page.
Accepting the felicitation, Deshmukh said the government would ensure a perennial water flow in the Chandrabhaga river to enable the devotees to take holy dip on the lines of facility available at Haridwar and a special provision would be made in state budget for this purpose.
The Chief Minister also assured monetary help for a 'Bhakta Niwas', proposed to be built by temple committee trust at Pandharpur.
`Warkari' (pilgrim coming on foot every year to Pandharpur) Pandharinath Sayaji Talekar and his wife Girijabai from Bhokardhan village from Jalana district of Marathwada region received the honour of performing pooja of Vitthal-Rukmini along with the Chief Minister this year.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh was also present on the occasion.

Bureau Report