Ashadhi Ekadashi 2023: Ajinkya Raut to Bharat Jadhav; Marathi actors who played Lord Vitthal on television

Devshayani Ekadashi, also known as Ashadhi Ekadashi, is one of the most important Ekadashi of the year. In Maharashtra, the festival will be celebrated tomorrow ( June 29) and lord Vishnu's avatar Vitthal aka Vithu Mauli and his wife Goddess Rukmini will be worshipped on the auspicious day. The devotees of the divine couple celebrate the special day with much enthusiasm and seek blessings by offering prayers every year. Ahead of the festival, a look at the Marathi actors who have played the roles of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini Devi in various devotional TV shows and won hearts with their performances.

Actor Ajinkya Raut made his debut on television with the show Vithumauli where he played the role of Lord Vitthal. The actor shot to fame with the character and won hearts with his performance in the limited-episode show. Ajinkya's look as Vitthal was one of the most talked about topics among viewers.

Actor Bharat Jadhav played the role of Lord Vitthal in the show Tu Maza Sangati which was based on saint Tukaram, who was also a devotee of Lord Vithoba. In the final few episodes of the show, Bharat played the mythological character for the first time and surprised everyone with his on-screen appearance.

Actor Atul Aaglave's role as Lord Vitthal was also known as one of the iconic devotional roles on Marathi TV. Atul's role entertained the audience in the early episodes of Tu Maza Sangati. Later, Bharat Jadhav replaced Atul for the older Lord Vitthal's role.

Goddess Rukmini plays an important role in the life of Lord Vitthal. Vitthal and Rukmini are considered divine partners or divine couple. Actress Ekta Labde played the role of Rukmini in the show Vithumauli. It was Ekta's debut on TV and she managed to woo the audience with her performance.

Actress Smita Shewale too played the role of goddess Rukmini opposite actor Bharat Jadhav who played lord Vitthal. The actress played a devotional role for the first time. Though it was a very small role, due to Smita's acting skills and on-screen presence, the show managed to get into the TRP charts.