Pune

Gani Sayyad, a Muslim man from Latur who breaks stones at the Vitthal temple, Phandarpur, for a living, offered a one-kilogram silver crown worth Rs. 1 lakh to Lord Vitthal ahead of Ashadhi Ekadashi, a Hindu festival.

His gesture, born from frequent visits and his deepening faith, was praised by temple authorities. Sayyad’s act is being celebrated as a beautiful example of communal harmony, winning hearts and highlighting unity in spiritual devotion and service.

The famous Vithoba Temple, officially known as Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir is located at Pandharpur, Maharashtra. It’s dedicated to Lord Vitthal, an incarnation of Lord Krishna or Vishnu. In this temple, Krishna is seen with his consort Rukmini.

This simple hard-working Maharashtra man, who gave a message of social and religious equality is being appreciated everywhere for this act.

Co-chairman of the Vitthal Temple Committee, Gahininath Maharaj, felicitated Gani and welcomed his devotion. This act has become a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity and the principle of equality of the Warkari sect.

Gani Sayyed is a resident of Latur and works as a stone cutter. Gani is working to provide the stone required for the preservation and conservation of the Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur.

Due to this work, his visits to the Vitthal Temple increased. During this time, he was touched by the devotion of Vitthal.

Gani Sayyed made a one-kilo silver crown from his hard-earned money and offered it at the feet of Pandurang.

This incident has acquired more significance as it happened during the Pandharpur Wari.

Gani says about his devotion and dedication, "I offer prayers in the mosque, but Vitthal is as dear to me as my Hindu brothers. God, country and religion are one."

Gani Sayyid's devotion reminds us of the loving relationship between Saint Tukaram and Saint Angadshah Baba.

The friendship between Saint Tukaram and Angadshah Baba is a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity.

Angadshah Baba was a Muslim saint who was a devotee of Vitthal. He had adopted the path of devotion with Tukaram Maharaj.

This tradition is still preserved in the Wari of Pandharpur. It would not be an exaggeration to say that Gani Sayyid also carried forward the legacy of this tradition.

In today's times, when hatred is being spread in society by some social evils, Gani Sayyid's actions have given a new lease of life to the unity of the society.

This act of Gani Syed has received a huge response from the people. Many have praised Gani's act and called him a devotee who gives the message of social equality.

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The Warkari sect and Shri Vitthal are considered a symbol of equality. Devotees of Hindus, Muslims, and other religions participate in the Warkari sect. People of this sect are devotees of Vitthal. Gani Syed from the Muslim community of Latur is also a Vitthal devotee.