Attractions & Activities in Pandharpur

A popular myth in Pandharpur narrates how Lord Vitthal got the name here. An avatar of supreme Lord Krishna, the god once visited the Pundalik, one of the residents of Pandharpur and a devout Lord Vitthal. When the god visited Pundalik he found his devotee serving his parents wholeheartedly. On hearing his name from the divine visitor Pundalik threw a stone, handy at the time, in the direction of his visitor requesting him to stand on it as he was busy. However, so engrossed was Pundalik that he forgot all about the visitor. Later, when he went out to check he saw that his divine visitor turned into the brick as the Lord wouldn’t have left without the permission of his staunch devotee. The Lord got his name from the Veet, meaning brick in Marathi, on which he stood. Since that time he came to be called Lord Vitthal. Thus, from that day Vitthal stands in the brick on the bank of Chandrabhaga River in Solapur. 

The temple structure defies the senescence but the witness to a two millennia-old temple is the scripture that was written in 1195. Exquisite carvings can be seen on the pillars and roofs of the temple. There is another shrine of Saint Namdeo, Lord Vitthal’s ardent devotee. Also, there is a small well called as Namdeo Payari constructed in the name of saint Namdeo. Recently renovated, the temple has a Darshan Mandap, built with the capacity to accommodate 80,000 devotees during the vari (Marathi) or procession. Inside there is another hall known as Solkhambi Mandap, a 16 pillared stone structure, constructed in 1802. All 16 pillars have intricate carvings and the innermost is made of silver. There is a custom among people to embrace the silver pillar before praying to the Lord. There is a total of six gates in the shrine and the eastern entrance is the main entranceway into the temple. Also, a total of 25 temples comprising shrines of famous saints are found in the temple. 

Temple Timings: 6am-10.45pm

The age of the temple is said to be more than 2,000 years old. The idol of Rukmini and Vitthal wear a splendid look and it seems that the Lord is staring at you with his consort. On special days such as during Vari (procession) time, the temple remains open throughout day and night. After a month-long procession, the temple is washed with water and the Sri Vitthal and Rukmini idols in the temple are bathed and a new diet of sugars and spices are offered along with a whole new set of clothes since it is believed that the lords get tired of the busy days. As a custom, one has to offer earnest orison to the Lord at ‘Pad Sparsh Darshan’, which is bowing and touching the feet of the Lord Vitthal. Irrespective of caste any devotee can enter the sanctum sanctorum and can place his/ her head at the feet of Vitthal. Pilgrims can participate in the Kakad Aarti (early morning puja), Mahapuja (Mega worship), Mahanaivedya (offering food to god), Poshak (offering of clothes to the lord) that are performed regularly. 

Timings: 4am-7pm

This temple is dedicated to Vitthal’s devotee Pundalik and the temple is managed by the fisher folks who live by the side of the sea. Devotees wash their feet at the warm water spring Outside the temple is a small stone boat 2-3 ft long and extremely heavy to lift. Miraculously, back in the days of yore, an abhang (a couplet sung in the praise of Lord) from Saint Tukaram made the boat afloat in water one evening. Additionally, a ferry across the river takes you to Gopalpur which is supposed to be the cattle grazing ground where Lord Krishna took his cows to. A small old dilapidated mandir here stands to evidence the fact. Adjacent to these temples is situated the ISKCON temple, a quiet place to pray, and Mhasoba Temple. 

Vishnupad is a rock in the center of the Chandrabhaga River and nearing this pious rock one gets a beautiful view of the river. It is also the best place to click a few snaps. 

Every year more than two lakhs of people set on to vari, the word which means something which should be done again and again, to Pandharpur to get the blessing of their Lord Vitthal.

Every year more than two lakhs of people set on to vari, the word which means something which should be done again and again, to Pandharpur to get the blessing of their Lord Vitthal.