Yuge Atthavees (Pandurang Aarti) — Benefits & How to Chant
युगे अठ्ठावीस (पांडुरंग आरती)
Complete guide to chanting correctly for maximum benefit
Benefits of Chanting Yuge Atthavees (Pandurang Aarti)
Invokes the full grace and darshan of Vitthal (Panduranga) of Pandharpur
Recalls the holy story of Pundalik for whom the Lord eternally waits on the brick
The central daily aarti of the Varkari tradition, uniting the devotee with Pandhari's glory
Builds longing for pilgrimage (Wari) to Pandharpur and a bath in the sacred Chandrabhaga
Affirms that even a moment's darshan of the Lord bestows liberation
Especially powerful on Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi and during the Wari
How to Chant Yuge Atthavees (Pandurang Aarti)
Instructions
Sing this aarti while waving the lamp before an image of Vitthal (Panduranga), joining the refrain 'Jai Dev Jai Dev Jai Panduranga'. It is the principal aarti of Vithoba, sung morning and evening and with great fervour during the Ashadhi and Kartiki pilgrimages. It is customarily followed by 'Yei O Vitthala', other abhangs and the closing prayer 'Ghalin Lotangan'.
Spiritual Significance
The aarti proclaims that by 'darshana-hela-matre' — a mere instant of beholding Vitthal — and a bath in the Chandrabhaga, the devotee attains mukti (liberation). Varkari tradition holds that the Lord, who has waited twenty-eight ages on the brick, turns away none who come to Pandharpur with love.
Origin & History
Source: Marathi aarti tradition (Varkari sampradaya)
Author: Sant Namdev
Yuge Atthavees is the principal aarti of Vithoba, the deity of Pandharpur, composed by Sant Namdev. It tells how the Supreme Lord came to Pandharpur to honour His devotee Pundalik — who, absorbed in serving his parents, threw down a brick for the Lord to wait upon — and has stood there with hands on His hips for twenty-eight ages ever since. The aarti paints the temple's living worship: Rukmini at the Lord's side, the Chandrabhaga at His feet, gods and Garuda and Hanuman in attendance, and the great throngs of singing, dancing Vaishnavas who come on the Ashadhi and Kartiki pilgrimages.