Pandharpur

Pandharpur is a revered and important place of pilgrimage situated on the banks of River Chandrabhaga is Maharashtra’s Solapur district. The town is famous for its ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vitthal and his consort Rukmini or Rakhumai. Lord Vitthal is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu or Lord Krishna, and is also known by the names of Vithoba and Pandurang. Every year during the month of Ashaadh, lakhs of devotees embark on a yatra or pilgrimage, popularly known as the ‘Pandharpur Wari’ that culminates at the Vithoba Temple in Pandharpur.

During the annual Pandharpur Wari, lakhs of people of the Warkari sect journey on foot (often barefoot) from Dehu and Alandi, carrying the ‘Palkhis’ (palanquins) with ‘Padukas’ of Saint Tukaram and Saint Dnyaneshwar from their respective shrines to the final destination of Pandharpur. The Warkari tradition is a part of the Bhakti Movement and has been prevalent in Maharashtra since the 13^th century. For over 800 years now, hundreds of thousands of Warkaris and devotees of Lord Vithoba have undertaken this often-arduous pilgrimage which ends at Pandharpur on Ashaadhi Ekadashi, the 11^th day of Ashaadh.

Pandharpur’s Vithoba Temple, officially known as Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir is the most visited temple in Maharashtra. The origin of parts of this temple can be traced back to the 12^th and 13^th centuries, but the existing Deccan-style structure dates back to 17^th century or later. The temple’s first step is called ‘Namdev Chi Payari’, and it is named so after Saint Namdev. The ‘Samadhi’ of Saint Chokhamela is located in front of the main temple. It is also believed that revered Saint Tukaram spent his last days in this temple.

Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir is open to public between 4.00 am and 11.00 pm every day. On most days, there is long queue for the ‘Darshan’ of Vithhal-Rakhumai.  There are two kinds of ‘Darshans’ – first is Mukh-Darshan, where you can see the idol from afar and second is Padha-Darshan, where you can touch the feet of Lord Vithoba’s idol.

For the benefit of devotees, the temple authorities have set up the facility of online reservation for ‘Darshan’. A few days prior to visiting the temple, you can book an online ticket for darshan on the temple’s website. A specific date and time-slot is mentioned on the ticket. Reach the temple 20-30 mins prior to the time mentioned on the ticket and get the online pass stamped at the Tukaram Bhavan. Afterwards, join the ‘online pass’ queue. The darshan is very quick and smooth this way, and you can easily touch the idol’s feet.

Besides the main shrine of Vithoba-Rukhmai, the temple premises also have the shrines of Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman, Sathyabhama Devi, Radhika Devi, Lord Narasimha, Lord Venkateshwar, Goddess Mahalakshmi, Annapurna Devi and many more deities and saints. After soaking in the divine atmosphere of the beautiful temple, you can proceed to the banks of the Chandrabhaga River. Dip your feet in the soothing water of this holy river. It is believed that a dip in the Chandrabhaga River can wash away all your sins.

During lunch hours, all devotees are served a delicious ‘Anna Prasad’ – a free meal at the community dining hall next to the Tukaram Bhavan. There are many other nice restaurants in the vicinity of the temple serving wholesome vegetarian fare. In addition to the Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir, Pandharpur is home to several other prominent temples such as the ISKCON Temple, the Pundalik Temple, the Vishnupad Temple and the Kaikadi Maharaj Matt.