Ashadi Ekadashi – Mahasmadhi Day of Tulas Amma

Mahasamadhi Day of Shree Tulas Amma – Ashadi Ekadashi

Ashadi Ekadashi marks the Punyatithi of Shree Tulas Amma, a blessed soul whose life was a divine offering of devotion, austerity, and Guru Seva. On this sacred Ekadashi, she laid down her mortal coil, dissolving into the Infinite like a river into the ocean. Years of intense sadhana and self-effacement had purified her body and mind to such an extent that it could no longer sustain the weight of her Oneness with the Divine. She had become Nityanandamayee—completely absorbed in the essence of Bhagavan Nityananda.

To her, the dualities of the world had disappeared. She experienced Advaita, perceiving Nityananda in all things—animate and inanimate. For her, the entire Cosmos had become the formless play of Nityananda. Her journey had come full circle. On this Ekadashi day, Bhagavan Nityananda suddenly declared,

“Anandi has merged with the SUN.”

With these words, He proclaimed that Tulas Amma had realised Vishwaroopa—the Cosmic Form, the Supreme State of Oneness beyond birth and death. A Jeevanmukta had finally cast off the body, her mission complete.

Lord Vitthal’s Subtle Manifestation in Ganeshpuri on Ashadi Ekadashi

That very day in Ganeshpuri, Ashadi Ekadashi—the day of Lord Vitthal’s darshan in Pandharpur—was unfolding with profound inner silence. The ashram was hushed except for the rain falling gently, the rhythmic sound of water tapping on the roof, and the occasional gusts of wind.

Bhagavan Nityananda sat still, absorbed, deep within. A powerful Bhava arose in the room: the Bhava of a Divine Mother, silently watching over the return of Her countless children. Though physically in Ganeshpuri, His Presence felt vast, permeating Pandharpur, the hearts of the Warkaris, the sky, the clouds, and the longing of thousands.

In reverence, we approached Him with a freshly made Tulsi mala—the sacred basil leaves rich with fragrance. An elder in our family gathered courage and placed it around His neck. He remained unmindful—His gaze far away, unanchored from the physical moment. It was unlike Him.

Then, our elder sister-in-law broke into a spontaneous abhang:

“Aji Soniyancha Diwasu, Sadgurunath Majha Bhetala…”
(Today is a golden day—my Sadguru has met me…)

As the song reached its crescendo:

“Vitthal Vitthal Bola, Pandurang Pandurang, Nityananda Bola…”
(Chant Vitthal, Pandurang—call out Nityananda!)

—He slowly returned from the trance. In that instant, His face radiated the divine majesty of Lord Vitthal. He shone like Vitthu Mauli—the beloved Lord of Pandharpur. His eyes sparkled, acknowledging all. In a moment of infinite grace, He extended His Lotus Feet before us. We bowed in silence, our heads resting on the very Feet that walk the worlds unseen.

Even today, every Ashadi Ekadashi evening, as the Dhoop Arati is performed and the Tulsi garland adorns Him, He appears once again as Vitthal—the Supreme Lord of Love and Compassion. In that sacred silence, He waits—as if expecting all His children to return home. And four days from today… many shall, for it will be Gurupurnima!