Vithoba Temple, Pandharpur

Vithoba Temple, Pandharpur

• The Vithoba Temple, officially Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir, is located in Pandharpur, Maharashtra.

• Pandharpur is famous for saints like Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar, who worshiped Lord Vitthal. 

• It is the main worship center for Vithoba (a form of Vishnu/Krishna) and his consort Rakhumai (Rukmini).

• It is one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethras in the Vaishnavite tradition.

• Originally built by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire (1108–1152 CE), influenced by Pundalik, a revered devotee.

• A 1237 CE inscription by Hoysala King Vira Someshwara grants a village to the temple for its upkeep.

• Most visited temple in Maharashtra, especially by the Warkari sect, during Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi pilgrimages.

• Devotees reach Pandharpur in processions called Dindi, bathe in the Chandrabhaga River, and touch Vithoba’s feet in devotion.

• In May 2014, it became the first temple in India to allow women and backward class individuals to serve as priests.

• While parts date back to the 12th–13th century, the current Deccan-style structure is mostly from the 17th century onward, featuring domes and arches.

• Vitthal temple, homes totally nine doors on four sides.

• During an attack by Afzal Khan, Brahmin priests protected the original idol by substituting a similar one, saving the shrine's sanctity.