- By Kashish Rai
- Wed, 02 Jul 2025 02:55 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ashadhi Ekadashi 2025, observed on the eleventh day (Ekadashi tithi) of Shukla Paksha in the month of Ashadha, holds great spiritual importance, especially in Maharashtra. It marks the beginning of Lord Vishnu’s four-month cosmic rest known as Yog Nidra. Devotees offer prayers and fast to seek His blessings for peace and protection. This day is also deeply connected with Lord Vitthal, a beloved form of Vishnu. Thousands of pilgrims walk to Pandharpur to honour Vitthal and express their devotion through song, prayer, and heartfelt faith. Ashadhi Ekadashi is a time to reflect, renew devotion, and feel connected to divine love and purpose. This year, Ashadhi Ekadashi will be observed on 6th July 2025, Sunday.
Lord Vitthal stands with his hands on his waist and eyes gently closed. Have you ever wondered about the significance behind this unique depiction of the Lord? Know the spiritual significance of this iconography of Lord Vithoba below:
Ashadhi Ekadashi 2025: Why Eyes Of Lord Vitthal Are Closed? Know Spiritual Significance
The closed eyes of Lord Vitthal, also known as Vithoba, hold deep spiritual and symbolic meaning in the hearts of devotees. Unlike most deities whose eyes are wide open, Vitthal’s calm and meditative posture with half-closed eyes suggests deep inner focus and divine detachment. This serene expression reflects the Lord’s yogic nature, as He is believed to be in a state of Yog Nidra or divine contemplation, fully aware of everything around yet unaffected by worldly distractions. His posture, with hands resting on His waist and His gaze turned inward, invites devotees to pause, reflect and cultivate patience and faith.
Lord Vitthal’s gently closed eyes symbolise deep inner peace and divine patience. They reflect his calm acceptance, spiritual detachment, and unwavering love for his devotees, guiding them beyond worldly distractions. (Image Source: Instagram)
There is also a beloved legend behind Vitthal’s posture and closed eyes. It is said that the young devotee Pundalik, devoted to serving his aged parents, once made Lord Vishnu wait at his doorstep while he completed his duties. In response to this selfless act, the Lord agreed to stay and wait, blessing the boy and manifesting in the form now worshipped as Vitthal. As he waited, Lord Vitthal stood in that iconic pose with closed eyes, showing His patience, love and silent approval of devoted service. This moment became eternal, and the Lord’s form came to represent steadfast devotion and surrender.
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The closed eyes of Lord Vitthal gently remind devotees that true worship lies not just in rituals but in heartfelt service, discipline, and inner stillness. His divine form teaches the values of humility, faith and looking within for spiritual truth. To many, His gaze may seem turned away, but in reality, it looks into the soul, encouraging each devotee to walk the path of bhakti (devotion) with love and trust, even when the answers seem hidden or the journey long.
(Disclaimer: This content includes advice providing generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified spiritual or astrological opinion. Always consult a specialist for more information before adopting any measures.)