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Ashadi Ekadashi 2024: Lord Vithoba, also known as Vitthala and Panduranga, is a Hindu god worshipped mostly in the Indian states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. He is considered as the manifestation of Lord Krishna or Vishnu. Vithoba is frequently represented as a dark young lad standing with arms akimbo on a brick, accompanied by his spouse Rakhumai.

Lord Vitthala is seen wearing extravagant fish earrings. The reason behind Vitthal's big and noticeable fish earrings is related to devotion. Let us check out the significance behind lord Vitthal wearing large fish earrings below:

Ashadi Ekadashi 2024: Why Lord Vitthal Wears Big Fish Earrings?

As per the legends, once a poor fisherman came to seek the darshans of Lord Vitthal. He wanted to present Lord Vitthal with the fish he had caught that day. The high-class inhabitants of the region, priests, and other ignorant followers refused to allow the fisherman to see Lord Vitthal. The priests requested him to leave the temple grounds because they believed carrying fish was a sin.

The poor fisherman made an attempt to reason with them, claiming to be a devoted follower of Vitthal. There was nothing in his possession to offer the Lord. He wanted to give the two beautiful fish he caught today to the Lord. His entreaties met with no response from the gullible priests. With tears in his eyes, the fisherman stood there. He pleaded with Lord Vitthal to receive his offerings.

Lord Vitthal of Pandharpur, a manifestation of Bhagavan Shri Krishna, wears enormous fish earrings. (Image Source: Canva)

Seeing the fisherman’s devotion, Lord Vitthal went out of the sanctum sanctorum, took the fish, and wore them as earrings. Even today, these earrings are a testament to what a person can do with unshakable commitment.

ALSO READ: 50 Unique Baby Boy Names Inspired By Lord Vitthal

Testimony Of Unshakeable Faith And Devotion

Lord Vitthal welcomes any offering made with love and dedication. In Hinduism, gods are exempt from the norms of man-made civilization. Caste, creed, religion, male, female, animal, child - all of these divides stem from man's ignorance. Lord Vitthal does not support any of them. Everything is the outcome of his will, and he exists in all things, both alive and inanimate.