Pandharpur Temple
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| Pandharpur Temple |
Shri Kshetra Pandharpur is located in a well-known
pilgrimage area on the Chandrabhaga river in the District of Solapur,
Maharashtra, India. A small temple of Sri is also located at Vitthal-Rukmini,
which is as old as the main Vitthal-Rukmini Temple, in the Isbavi area of
Pandharpur, also known as Wakhari Va Korti Devalayas or Visava Temple. The antiquated temple of Shri. Vitthal was revamped in 1195
A.D. The Vithoba Temple attracts around one million Hindu
pilgrims during the big Yatra in Ashadha (June to July). Devotional saint, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is said to have spent
seven days in the city at the Vithoba temple. Many saints of Maharashtra have worshiped deities.
Some of the prominent saints are Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant
Tukaram, Sant Namdev, Sant Eknath, Sant Nivarttinath, Sant Muktabai, Sant
Sawata Mali, Sant Chokhamela, Sant Narhari Sonar, Sant Gora Kumbhar, and Sant
Gajanan Maharaj. The main ghat of Pandharpur is "Mahadwar Ghat" and
there is a temple of devotee Pundalik on the Mahadwar Ghat. It is the main campus and the main market in the city. It is said that Lord Vitthal came to meet the devotee
Pundalik in Pandharpur. He was busy serving his parents at that time, so he offered
brick for Vittal to stands sometimes. When Vitthal stands, it is said to be 28 yug. In the Aarati of Vitthal, it is mentioned that "yuge
atthavis (28), Vithevari ubha". It is also called South Kashi because of a major holy place
in Maharashtra. It is famous for the temple of Lord Vitthal situated on the
banks of the river Bhima. The river Chandrabhaga (Bhima) flows through the city. The Bhima River is also known as Chandrabhaga because it
takes shape like a moon close to the city.
Apart from the regular crowd of devotees every year, Ashadhi
and Kartikis gather in Pandharpur all over Maharashtra and surrounding states
to celebrate Ekadashi. Devotees come from all over Maharashtra when there are 4
yatra's (collective of pilgrims/devotees) every year, of which Ashadhi and
Kartiki is the main yatra. They usually walk hundreds of miles away from their
hometown. There are many different temples of Indian Deities and
Matha's (Dharmshalas) of many Saints.
Temple Opening Time: 4 AM to 7 PM
Entry Fees: No Entry Fees
Duration: 3 to 4 Hr
Entry Fees: No Entry Fees
Duration: 3 to 4 Hr
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