Pandharpur Temple — Attraction in Maharashtra

The Vithoba Temple, officially known as Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir (Marathi: श्री विठ्ठल्-रूक्मिणि देऊळ), is a Hindu temple in Pandharpur, in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the main centre of worship for Vithoba, a form of the god Vishnu or Krishna, and his consort Rakhumai. It is Classified one among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavate tradition.[citation needed] The temple was built by King Vishnuvardhana of Hoysala Empire between 1108 and 1152 CE upon being convinced by the historical figure Pundalik. Also, there is an inscription in the temple, of a Hoysala King Vira Someshwara dating back to 1237 CE, which grants the temple a village for its upkeep. It is the most visited temple in Maharashtra. The Warkaris start marching from their homes to the temple of Pandharpur in groups called Dindi (procession) to reach on Aashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi. A dip in the holy river Chandrabhaga, on whose banks Pandharpur resides, is believed to have power to wash all sins. All the devotees are allowed to touch the feet of the idol of Vithoba. In May 2014, the temple became the first in India to invite women and people from backward classes as priests. Although parts of the temple date to the 12th or 13th century, the existing structure mainly dates to the 17th century or later, and reflects the later Deccan style, with dome motifs and lobed arches. Attempts were made to destroy the temple by Afzal Khan, however the original central figure of the shrine was protected by the Brahmin priests Badve while Afzalkhan destroyed a similar idol. Pundalik is a devoted son to his parents Janudev and Satyavati, who lived in a forest called Dandirvan. But after his wedding, Pundalik begins ill-treating his parents. Tired with their son's misbehavior and ill treatment, the elderly couple decide to leave for Kashi. Legend holds that people who die in the city of Kashi attain salvation and emancipation from the cycle of birth and death. Many Hindus would relocate to Kashi before the died. Upon hearing his parents' plans, Pundalik and his wife decide to join them on pilgrimage. The ill treatment continues. While the Pundalik and his wife ride on horseback, his parents walk. Pundalik even makes his old parents work to make his own journey comfortable. Every evening, when the party camps for the night, the son forces his parents to groom the horses and do other jobs. On the way to Kashi, the group reached the ashram (hermitage) of a pious and venerable sage, Kukkutswami. Exhausted, the family decides to spend a few days there. That night, when all were asleep, Pundalik by chance is awake and sees a remarkable vision. Just before dawn, a group of beautiful young women, dressed in soiled clothes, enter the ashram; they clean the floor, fetch water and wash the venerable sage's clothes. After finishing their chores, they go to the prayer-room. When they reappear after prayer, their clothes are spotlessly clean. Then, they vanish as inexplicably as they had appeared. Pundalik feels a deep sense of peace witnessing the scene. It remains on his mind the whole day and he resolves to remain awake the next night, and confirm it was not merely a dream. The next night, Pundalik approaches the beautiful women and asks who they are. They reveal themselves as the Ganga (Ganges), Yamuna and other holy rivers of India. Pilgrims wish to take a dip in their holy waters to wash away their sins, which in fact are soiling their clothes. Then, the women say: "But O Pundalik, you, with your ill-treatment of your parents, are the greatest sinner of them all!"[citation needed] Pundalik realizes his misdeeds, becomes entirely devoted to his parents and ensures their comfort, even risking his own. Impressed by Pundalik's devotion to his parents, Krishna, plans to bless Pundalik immediately. So, he left (His abode) for Pundalik's ashram. Krishna knocks at Pundalik's door while he is busy serving his parents food. Pundalik realizes that God is at his door but decides to serve his parents first. So, Pundalik throws a brick outside for...

Pandharpur and kholapur

On the 22nd of April 2012 five of us four adults and a child left by car from Pune to Pandharpur.. We left Pune at about 8.30 A.M.The distance from Pune to Pandharpur is 206 kms and it took us three hours to reach there. Sugarcane was just harvested and we could see carts, lorries loaded with piles and piles of the sweet plant.

We located Gajanan maharaj’s ashram and the men went to book rooms while we waited. They finally came and after parking the car we went to our rooms-AC rooms with attached baths and a balcony with a view. The cost Rs.700 per room. The rooms were neat and clean so also the toilets.After having our packed lunch went to have darshan of Panduranga and Rakmai. We located the Eastern door. The first step was called Namdev chi payari or the step of Namdev which was reminiscent of our Kulasekhara padi. At the entrance was a blue tent like structure which was the samadhi of Chokamela a devotee of Panduranga. Even today thousands of warkaris whose mantra is RamakrishnaHari walk from Dehu Road and Alandi to Pandharpur for Ashada ekadasi..

As we stood in the line we remembered how the Lord and His consort came to Pandharpur and accepted the bricks given as asanams. Pundalika and his wife did not respect their parents and treated them with contempt. Pundalika repented and started treating his parents affectionately and respectfully. So much involved was he in serving them that when Krishna and Rukmini came in person to see them Pundalika did not stop serving his parents and threw bricks for the divine couple. Happily the Divya Dampathis accepted the asanam offered and in order to balance themselves placed their hands on their hips. This is the pose we find Them. We were lucky there was not much of a crowd. The devotees moved in a queue and we were awestruck by the sight of Panduranga with His Makara kundala and Peethambharam. We felt elated to touch His divine feet. After offering coconuts we went to have darshan of Rukmini or Rukma bai. Again we got to touch the feet of Mahalakshmi. Satisfied we went out and looked around. Ladoo Prasad was sold at a counter and after buying some we went back to our room. After some rest we took a tonga-ride (horse-cart) to the Chandrabhagha river. Since it was peak summer the water was little and muddy so we traced our steps back and visited Dwarkadeesh temple on the banks of the river. This temple resembled a palace and was built by the Rajput kings of yore. After worship we went to the shops and had lassi and bought some brass kujas (these are useful for carrying perumal theertham for those at home) for gifting. Then we went to have ‘Mukh darshan’ of Panduranga. This entrance took us through staircases and we finally reached Panduranga and Rakmabai. We bent our heads at their feet and made our way out. We went to bed early with the plan to leave for Kolhapur as soon as we could. Morning after bath and prayers we visited the Gajanan temple and had photo sessions at the place. There was a beautiful statue of Radha Krishna and we had photos taken there.

We left Pandharpur after breakfast. We reached there in about two hours and went searching for the Mahalakshmi temple. Kolhapur is the place where Mahalakshmi did Tapas when she came to earth angered by Bhrigu Maharisi kicking Vishnu on His chest which was Her permanent residence. Brighu Maharishi wanted to establish The Absolute God and tested Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu. Since Vishnu was not angered even when He got kicked on His chest-the abode of Sri, Brighu concluded that He alone was worthy of worship. Though temples for Vishnu started coming up Mahalakshmi was angered and came to Kolhapur to meditate. Just a slide glance of Mahalakshmi confers all auspiciousness and wealth people throng to get Her Kataksha. After offering flowers and kumkum we came out and shopped for Laksmi pictures for friends in different sizes. But what took a longer time was the shopping for Tushi jewellery. It was then time to leave. We left the place after lunch and reached...

Vitthal Mandir (also known as Vithoba or Panduranga Temple) in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, is one of the most celebrated pilgrimage sites in India, especially for devotees of Lord Vitthal, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Origins and Historical Inscriptions: The earliest structure was erected around 1189 CE, under the patronage of Yadava king Bhillamma. However, significant developments and reconstructions are attributed to Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana (Bittideva) between 1108 and 1152 CE, guided by the legendary devotee Pundalik.

Legends: The temple’s founding is steeped in the story of Pundalik, whose deep devotion to his parents and service brought Lord Vitthal to Pandharpur, standing upon a brick handed by Pundalik—a symbol immortalized in the temple's main icon.

Architectural Evolution: The temple was expanded in the Hemadpanthi style in the late 13th century, noted for its use of stone and lime without mortar, distinctive of Maharashtra's medieval architecture. The temples suffered damage during invasions, with the idol believed to have been hidden in Vijayanagar and returned later. The present structure largely dates from the 17th century and was influenced by Deccan architectural motifs, sponsored by Maratha and regional dynasties.

Cultural Importance: The Varkari sect of Maharashtra and the Haridasa tradition of Karnataka are closely linked to Pandharpur’s devotional culture. Saint-poets like Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Eknath, and Tukaram played a pivotal role in shaping the temple's spiritual legacy.

Architecture The main temple complex features six gateways. The east-facing Namdev gate is particularly popular.

The main sanctum holds a 3.5-foot black stone idol of Vitthala, adorned with a Shivalinga on the head and Kaustubha Mani around the neck.

The temple includes a deeply atmospheric quadrangular wooden hall with deepmalas (lamp towers), the Sola Khambi hall with 16 pillars, shrines to Rukmini, and other deities like Ganapati, Krishna, Rama, Vishwanath, and Dattatreya. Many structural elements feature Deccan-style domes and arches.

A unique aspect is the opportunity for devotees to touch the idol’s feet—a rare and cherished privilege for Hindu pilgrims.

Festivals and Rituals The temple is renowned for its grand festivals, most notably Ashadhi Ekadashi (June/July) and Kartiki Ekadashi (November), when tens of thousands of “Warkaris” converge in a musical and spiritual procession known as “Wari.” Other festivals like Navaratri, Diwali, and Holi are celebrated with passion.

Visitor Experience & Reviews Spiritual Atmosphere: Devotees consistently describe their visit as a life-changing spiritual experience, with many emphasizing the tranquillity and deep sense of divine presence inside the temple. The opportunity for the Padasparsha Darshan (touching the Lord’s feet) is frequently highlighted as profoundly moving.

Queue and Booking: The temple now has a well-organized system. Online booking for Darshan is available and recommended, especially on festival days or weekends, as lines for general entry can be long (2–3 hours on regular days, longer during festivals). Special instructions are to validate and stamp your online tickets before entry at the temple complex.

Facilities: Visitors appreciate the orderly queue system, clean temple surroundings, and helpful local guides and staff. The temple has made efforts to be inclusive, with access open to all castes and women priests appointed in recent years.

Nearby Attractions: In addition to the main temple, nearby sites include Rukmini Devi temple, Pundalik Mandir, Gopalpur Mandir, and Tulsi Brindavan, making day trips highly enriching for pilgrims. Quick Tips for Visitors Avoid visiting on major festivals unless intending to be part of the massive crowds.

Book online Darshan in advance and be mindful of entry procedures.

Use mobile lockers provided near the temple.

Local auto-rickshaw drivers can offer knowledgeable guidance for...