History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Social & Religious Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Shri Vithoba Temple, Pandharpur, India
The Vitthal Rukmini Temple, also known as the Vithoba Temple is highly famous Hindu temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra. The main deity here is Vithoba, form of Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Krishna in form of Vithoba is mainly praised in the parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra. Vithoba is often portrayed as a dark young boy. A statue of Goddess Rukmini is also placed beside Vithoba. King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire built the temple between 1108-1152 CE. He built the temple after being persuaded by Pundalik, a historical figure, great devotee of Lord Krishna and devoted son. The shrine is the one most explored temple in Maharashtra and Pandharpur Wari means Pandharpur Yatra during Ashadi Ekadashi is very popular in local people of state. The temple was the first shrine in India that welcomed people and women from backward categories as priests in 2014.
Interesting story associated with Vithoba Temple, Pandharpur, Maharashtra
The history behind the temple depicts the story of how Vithoba reached Padharpur. Pandulik was a boy who lived in a forest named Dandirvan. He was a dedicated son to his parents Satyavati and Janudev. Pandulik started to misbehave with his parents just after getting married. Exhausted with his torture, one day, the parents decided to run off for Kashi. It is believed that people who expire in Kashi, attain liberation and rescue from the cycle of birth and death. However, the aged couple could not escape from their sufferings so simply. When Pundalik heard his parents’ plan, he decided to join them in the yatra with his wife. The torture continued. The old couple had to walk in bad weather, while the son with his wife rode on horseback. He even forced his parents to do other jobs while he preferred taking rest.
On the way, they reached the hermitage of a spiritual and revered Sage, named Kukkutswami. They were tired of the journey and decided to take a rest there. That night when everyone was sleeping, Pundalik had a vision. A group of young and gorgeous women entered the hermitage. Their clothes were dirty. They were there to clean the floor, wash the sage’s attire and bring water. After finishing their work, they went to the prayer hall. When they came back, their dresses were perfectly clean. They became vanished as fast as they appeared. Pundalik felt inner peace after having the vision. He kept thinking of it the whole day and decided to remain sleepless the next night to confirm what exactly happened. The next night when they appeared, Pundalik asked them about the incident. They introduced themselves as the Ganga, Yamuna, and other sacred rivers of India – respected for their holiness. The devotees take a bath in their sacred waters to remove their sins, which also make their clothes dirty. Then the woman told Pundalik that he was the greatest sinner for torturing his parents. After that, Pundalik realized his mistakes and became dedicated to his parents. He started taking great care of them.
Intimidated by Pundalik’s dedication, Lord Krishna decided to bless him, so he reached Pundalik’s home. Pundalik was serving food to his parents when Krishna knocked on the door. Pundalik understood who was at the door but he did not stop serving food. Pundalik threw a brick outside the door for the deity to stand on. As it was raining outside, Krishna stood on the brick that helped his feet remain clean and dry. Krishna was very impressed with this and waited for Pundalik to come out. Pundalik asked for forgiveness but seeing his devotion and care for his parents, Krishna approved a boon. At Pandulik’s request, Krishna took the form of Vithoba and a shrine came up there.
Vithoba Temple Pandharpur Architecture, Festival celebration, Contact Details and Darshan timings
The architecture of the temple has a North Indian flavor in it. The main temple encircles many other smaller temples that were built at different times.
The biggest festival celebrated here is Ashadhi Ekadashi. the Pandharpur Wari, the Palki Yatra to honor the Lord Vithoba which arranged 21 days before the festival. Thousands of devotees visit the temple to attend the palki yatra by walk. They offer many things in their invocation to Lord Vithoba. The 800 year old tradition which involves carrying the paduka of a saint in a palkhi, most notably of Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram, from their respective shrines to Pandharpur and other Palkhi also join in midway also.
The temple opens at 4.00 am and closes at 11.00 pm every day. One can visit the temple in between the time.
People can contact the temple authority over the phone, on this number – 02186 224 466.
The Vitthal Rukmini temple is one of the most crowded places in Maharashtra. The uniqueness of the idol and the architecture is the main reason for attraction.
How to Reach Vithoba Temple, Pandharpur, Maharashtra, India
The Pandharpur temple is easily reachable by various modes of transport. The nearest airports to reach there are Solapur and Pune. Buses are also available for Pandharpur from the nearest towns and villages. Pandharpur is major tourist destination of Maharashtra and close to many towns of Maharashtra, thus it is very well connected by road, rail and air network. Pandharpur is at distance of 75 km from Solapur, 170 km from Ichalkaranji, 125 km from Bijapur, 190 km from Latur, 213 km from Kolhapur, 189 km from Ahmadnagar, 361 km from Mumbai, 210 km from Pune, 273 km from Shirdi, 282 km from Rantnagiri. Pandharpur has major railway junction from where you can find train for almost all major cities. Solapur and Pune airport are the nearest airport from the Pandharpur.
