History and Traditions of the Pandharpur Vithoba Temple

‘Blessed are the fortunate people of Pandhari who enjoy the happiness that the love of Vithoba brings’ - Bahinabai.

Why is Pandharpur famous?

What is the meaning of Vitthal?

What is the meaning of Vithoba?

What is the story of Pandharpur?

As per another legend, Rukmini, wife of Shri Krishna, was deeply saddened when she found out that he was closer to Radha. She went to Dindir Van where she started meditating in search of solace. When Krishna came to Pandharpur, she reunited with him.

Pundalik and Pandharpur

History of Pandharpur temple

In 1189, it was under the Yadavas.

Then in 1237, it came under Hoysala rule.

In 1273, it went back to the Yadavas.

According to inscriptions found in Shimoga, Hassan, and Kadur dating back to 618 CE, the place was called ‘Pandaraga Vittaga’ which later got modified into Panduranga Vitthala.

An inscription calling Vithoba ‘Panduranga Vitthala’ dates back to 1270 CE.

By 1237 CE., Pandharpur also became famous as the place of Pundalik (Pundarika Muni).

This is where Pundalik took samadhi.

Namdev was born at Pandharpur around 1270 CE.

His works talk about Pundalik.

In 516 CE., Pandharpur was a small village.

It was donated to Jayadvittha.

It is believed that the villagers worshiped Vithoba for the welfare of their cattle.

By the 12th century CE., many temples dedicated to Vitthala were built at different places, particularly on the banks of Tungabhadra.

An extensive temple was constructed in the second half of the thirteenth century following the Hemadpanti style of architecture.

Only the Namdev-gate and a stone slab with an inscription remain from that structure.

The temple was attacked by invaders and completely damaged.

It is believed that the idol was taken to Vijaynagar towards the end of the fifteenth century and brought back at the beginning of the sixteenth century.

The present temple was built in the sixteenth century.

It was in the year 1958 CE that Badvas, the traditional administrators, threw open the temple to all irrespective of caste or creed.

Worship of Vithoba

The ritualistic worship of Vithoba at Pandharpur temple is carried out by a Brahmin community called the Badvas.

There are seven roles of priests in the worship -

• Pujari - bathing of the idol, dressing, putting garlands, aarti, and offering dhupa.
• Benari - chanting of mantras.
• Paricharaka - providing water, preparing dhupa and aarti, and distributing holy ashes to the devotees.
• Haridasa - sings songs in Marathi during aartis.
• Dingre - showing a mirror to the Lord and spreading a carpet between the idol and bedroom.
• Divate - holding a torch when Vithoba goes to the sleeping chamber and when his padukas are taken out during Ashadi and Karthik Purnimas.
• Dange - holding of a mace during ceremonies.

Daily Pujas

Kakadarati

Kakada is the name of the coarse wick used for this aarti.

Kakadarati starts at 3 a.m.

A trumpet called Karna is blown.

All priests and attendants assemble.

The Badva comes with the key, stands in front of the garbhagriha, and prays to the Lord to wake up.

Then the door is opened.

All priests except Haridasa are allowed to enter the garbhagriha.

Food offerings placed on the previous night in the bed-chamber are removed.

The Pujari washes the feet of the idol with milk and water.

All the garlands and flowers from the previous day are removed.

Fresh garlands are put.

Dhoop, lamp, and naivedya are offered.

Kakadarati is performed.

During this time, Haridasa sings hymns from outside.

After the aarti, fresh butter and sugar are offered to the Lord.

Then, niranjan is performed.

Devotees offer flowers.

Tirtha and flowers from the previous day are given as prasada.

Panchamrita Puja

The idol is bathed first with water followed by milk, curd, ghee, honey, and sugar.

Then it is bathed with water again, water is poured over the head with a shankha, and then again bathed with scented oil and warm water. 

The Benari chants Veda mantras during this time.

The idol is wiped, adorned with fresh clothes, sandal powder and scented oil are applied to the face, a turban is tied around the mukuta, sandalwood paste is applied to the forehead, and garlands put around the neck.

Then dhoop, lamp, and sweets are offered.

After this, devotees can enter for darshan.

Madhyahna Puja

Old garments and garlands are removed.

The face is washed and sandal paste is applied to the brows.

Fresh garments are put on.

Mahanaivedya is offered.

Aparahnapuja

Performed at sunset.

The Pujari washes the feet of the idol.

Fresh sandal paste is applied.

Old garlands are removed and new garlands put on.

Aarti is performed.

Naivedya is offered.

Ashes from the lamps are applied as tilak on the foreheads of the devotees.

Sejarti

It is the ritual of putting the Lord to sleep.

It is done around 10 p.m.

The bedroom is opened and the bed is prepared.

A lamp, milk, sweets, and a spittoon are kept near the bed.

The path between the idol and the bedroom is cleaned, sprinkled with water, and rangoli is drawn.

A carpet is spread between the idol and the bedroom.

The Dange and Divate stand on either side of the carpet.

The Dingre and Benari stand near the idol.

Benari chants mantras.

The Pujari washes the Lord’s feet.

Then he changes the Lord’s garments and applies fresh sandal paste.

Fresh garlands are put and sweets are offered.

The Bavda performs the final aarti, everyone leaves, and the door is closed.

Which form of Krishna is Vithoba?

Vithoba is Krishna’s GopalaKrishna form. It represents how the Lord came to Pandharpur from Dwaraka along with his cows. This is evident from the following facts -

• At Vishnupada, the footprints of cows are also worshiped along with the footprints of Krishna.
• During Sejarati, a carpet is placed between the idol and the bedroom of the Lord. On this carpet, there are footprints of both Krishna and a cow.
• On the back of the idol, there are marks left by a bag in which Krishna used to carry his food while grazing his cows.
• The food offered in the name Namdev (kala) is a traditional pastoral food.

Features of Vithoba’s idol

• Standing in the SamaPadaStanaka posture.
• The legs are straight and parallel.
• Both arms are placed on the hips in the akimbo position.
• The left-hand holds a shankha and the right-hand holds a kambal.
• The feet are at the same level and rest on a small platform called the brick.
• The mukuta is high and cylindrical in shape.
• The Lord wears a loincloth.

Pilgrimage to Pandharpur

Annual pilgrimage to Pandharpur is an integral part of a Varkari’s life.

They must go there at least twice a year, on Ashadi Ekadashi and Karthik Ekadashi. 

Another important day is Chaitri Ekadashi.

Ashadi Ekadashi is a group activity and the entire VarkariPanth assembles at Pandharpur on that day.

The pilgrims should walk all the way to Pandharpur.

In the earlier days, Santas used to undertake these pilgrimages along with their disciples.

For those on the way, these Santas were walking Gods.

Getting their darshan was like getting the darshan of Vithoba himself.

The pilgrims are respected everywhere.

They are provided food and a place to rest by villages on the way.

Each procession of Pandharpur pilgrims is called a Palkhi. 

The Palkhis carry a palanquin with a pair of padukas of a Santa.

The palanquin itself is placed on a cart.

The most important of the Palkhis is the Palkhi of Jnaneswar starting from Alandi.

The procession is divided into smaller groups called Dindis.

Each Dindi has a leader carrying a Vina (string instrument).

He represents Sant Tukaram.

There is also a drummer in every Dindi.

All the men carry cymbals and the singing of abhangs goes on continuously as long as the Palkhi is on the road.

All pilgrims wear a rosary of Tulsi.

Some women carry pots of Tulsi on their heads.

Many carry flags.

More and more pilgrims join the procession on the way as it proceeds.

On the Navami, all Palkhis reach Wakhri village.

The next day, they proceed towards Pandharpur and reach there at night.

Everyone takes darshan of Vithoba on Ashadi Ekadashi and that is the culmination of the pilgrimage.

Vithoba Temple

The temple of Vithoba is on top of a small hillock.

It is surrounded by houses and small lanes.

A street called Pradakshina Road surrounds the base of the hillock.

From each cardinal direction, a lane starts from Pradakshina Road and goes up to the temple.

These lanes are considered very holy.

Every time someone crosses it, he has to do atma-pradakshina.

The main entrance to the temple is in the east and it faces the river.

The temple complex houses many buildings of various shapes, sizes, and ages.

They have been built over a period of time catering to the needs of the devotees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the brick upon which Vitthal is standing?

Which God is in Pandharpur temple?

Why does Vitthal have fish in ears?

Which day of the week is for Lord Vitthal?

What are the benefits of chanting Vitthal?

Why did Krishna come to Pandharpur?

What was Vithoba called in Kannada?

Which is the closest airport to Pandharpur?

Pune at a distance of 180 km.

How to reach Pandharpur from Mumbai?

• Overnight Train - 9 hrs.
• Direct bus - 8 hrs 30 mins.
• Drive - 360 km

How to reach Pandharpur from Pune?

• Bus - 3 hrs 45 mins
• Train - 5 hrs 10 mins
• Drive - 210 km

How to reach Pandharpur from Solapur?

• Bus - 1 hr.
• Drive - 70 km.

How to reach Pandharpur from Nagpur?

• Train - 18 hrs 30 mins
• Drive - 640 km
• Fly to Pune, Then
• Bus - 3 hrs 45 mins
• Train - 5 hrs 10 mins
• Drive - 210 km

How to reach Pandharpur from Shirdi?

• Train - 7 hrs 30 mins
• Drive/Taxi - 4 hrs

How to reach Pandharpur from Kurduvadi?

• Train - 40 min
• Drive/Taxi - 52 km

Location

Why does Vithoba stand on brick?

Sant Pundalik was very much devoted to the service of his old parents. When Lord Krishna heard about him, he came to visit all the way from Dwaraka. Pundalik was busy. The Lord waited watching him in amusement standing on top of a brick. It is in memory of this that the idol of Vithoba has him standing on a brick.

What is the old name of Pandharpur?

According to a 618 CE inscription, Pandharpur was then known as Pandaraga.