Pandharpur Vittala
Budhvar (Wednesdays) in Shravan month is dedicated to Lord Vittal (Vithala of Pandharpur). In 2026, Budh Pujan dates are: 12 August, 19 August, 26 August, 2 September and 9 September as per Marathi calendar.
Vittal Pujan is observed on Wednesdays in Shravan Maas in Maharashtra and some parts of Karnataka (North Karnataka – Gulbarga, Bidar, Belgaum, Bijapur, Bagalkot, Gadag, and Koppal districts).
Many devotees visit Pandharpur Vithoba Temple and offer special pujas on Shravan Budhwar. Budh Pujan is also observed on Wednesdays in Shravan month in Maharashtra.
The significance, rituals, and traditions associated with Vitthal Puja on Shravan Budhwar involve specific cultural practices:
1. The Significance of Wednesday (Budhwar) & Shravan
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The Day of Mercury & Vishnu: Wednesday is traditionally associated with the planet Mercury (Budha Grah) and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Since Lord Vitthal is worshipped as a form of Vishnu, Wednesday is considered the most auspicious weekday to seek his blessings.
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The Holy Month of Shravan: Shravan is the most sacred month in the Hindu calendar, dedicated to intense devotion, fasting, and purification. Performing Vitthal puja on a Wednesday during this month brings mental peace, removes obstacles, and yields strong spiritual merits.
2. How the Puja is Performed
Devotees follow a disciplined morning routine to worship Lord Vitthal and Rukmini Devi at home:
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Cleaning and Abhishek: The altar is thoroughly cleaned. If you have an idol of Lord Vitthal (and Rukmini), a ritual bath (Abhishek) is performed using water, milk, or Panchamrut (a holy mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar).
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The Tulsi Offerings: Lord Vitthal is deeply fond of Tulsi (Holy Basil) leaves. A garland made of fresh Tulsi leaves or loose Tulsi leaves is offered at his feet. A puja to Vitthal is considered incomplete without Tulsi.
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Chandan and Flowers: Yellow or white flowers are offered alongside sandalwood paste (Chandan), which is applied to the Lord’s forehead.
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Naivedya (Food Offering): Devotees offer a simple, pure vegetarian offering. Common offerings include Kheer, curd-rice, or traditional sweets.
A beautifully adorned black stone statue of a Hindu deity with traditional garlands and lamps.
3. Spiritual Practices on this Day
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Chanting and Bhajans: The day is marked by singing Vitthal Bhajans and Abhangas (devotional poetry written by saints like Tukaram, Dnyaneshwar, and Chokhamela). Devotees continuously chant “Vitthal Vitthal Vitthala” or “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya”.
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Fasting (Vrat): Many strict devotees observe a fast on Shravan Budhwar, consuming only fruits, milk, or specific fasting foods (Upvas food) to maintain mental and physical discipline.
4. Overlapping Traditions: The Budh-Brihaspati Vrat
In many traditional Maharashtrian households during Shravan, Wednesday is also tied to the Budh-Brihaspati Vrat. Households draw or keep images of the planetary deities Budh (Mercury) and Brihaspati (Jupiter) alongside their regular deities. They perform a simple puja and offer a symbolic meal of curd and rice to pray for intelligence, wisdom, and prosperity for the family.