Ashadhi Wari 2025 In Pune: Sant Dnyaneshwar Mauli’s Ceremonial Horses Pay Unique Tribute At Shrimant Dagdusheth Ganpati Mandir
Ashadhi Wari 2025 In Pune: Sant Dnyaneshwar Mauli’s Ceremonial Horses Pay Unique Tribute At Shrimant Dagdusheth Ganpati Mandir
Pune, June 18, 2025: In a rare and devotional gesture ahead of the Ashadhi Wari, the royal ceremonial horses participating in the Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi procession offered a unique tribute to Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir in Pune. The ceremonial horses entered the temple’s main hall (Sabhamandap), bowing before Lord Ganesha in a symbolic act of reverence that was met with enthusiastic chants of “Mauli Mauli” and “Ganpati Bappa Morya” by gathered devotees.
These two esteemed horses, owned by the Shitole royal family of Ankali village in Belgaum, Karnataka, were welcomed and worshipped by members of the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Public Ganpati Trust and the Suvarnayug Tarun Mandal. A large crowd of devotees assembled at the temple to witness this spiritual meeting of traditions.
Key attendees included Trust President Sunil Rasane, Treasurer Mahesh Suryawanshi, along with trustees Dnyaneshwar Rasane, Mangesh Suryawanshi, Rajabhau Paymode, Pratik Ghodke, Raju Waykar, and Rohit Londhe. The Shitole family was represented by Shrimant Urjitsingh Shitole, Shrimant Mahadaji Raje Shitole, Yuvraj Vihanraje Shitole, and Shrimant Mohiniraje Shitole.
According to the Shitole family, these horses travel nearly 300 km on foot every year as part of the Wari. Previously, they would offer darshan from outside the temple, but in recent years, they’ve been welcomed inside the temple hall for a direct tribute—an auspicious tradition that continues to grow in significance.
Trust President Sunil Rasane noted, “For the past few years, these ceremonial horses have been entering the temple to pay homage to Lord Ganesha. The Ashadhi Wari is a centuries-old tradition of devotion to Lord Vitthal, and for those unable to participate in the full pilgrimage, witnessing the horses offers a spiritual connection.”
Trust Treasurer Mahesh Suryawanshi added that this event also marks the beginning of several social initiatives under the Wari campaign, such as “Harit Wari,” cleanliness drives, ambulance services, health checkups, and food distribution for Warkaris.
