The story of Vitthal is inseparably linked to Pundalik and the devotion to his parents that led him to make Lord Krishna wait upon His arrival.


Pundalik had come to resent his parents. They seemed like a burden on his happy married life. He scolded them at every opportunity and made them do all the household chores. Heartbroken by their son's cruelty, his elderly parents decided to leave for Kashi, hoping to spend their final days in prayer and attain salvation. They could not understand how the son they had raised with so much love had changed so completely.


When they announced their pilgrimage, Pundalik and his wife decided to accompany them. Yet even on this sacred journey, the elderly couple found no relief. While the young couple rode comfortably on horseback, Pundalik's parents were forced to walk and do all the chores.


One night, while staying at a wayside hermitage, Pundalik noticed a group of beautiful young women dressed in soiled garments enter the ashram. They cleaned the hermitage, washed their clothes, and emerged in spotless attire before mysteriously disappearing. Curious, he asked who they were.


"We are Ganga, Yamuna, and the sacred rivers of Bharatvarsha. Every day, we are defiled by washing away the sins of those who bathe in our waters. Yet among all sinners, you are the worst, Pundalik, because of the way you treat your parents."



Their words shook him to the core. Filled with remorse, Pundalik underwent a complete transformation. He abandoned the pilgrimage, returned home with his parents, and devoted himself entirely to serving them with love and humility.


Meanwhile, in Dwarka, Lord Krishna longed for the days He had spent in Vrindavan with Radha and the gopis. As those memories filled His heart, Radha's presence manifested once again. Seeing this, Queen Rukmini felt hurt and withdrew to the Dandirvan forest. Krishna set out in search of her. On His way, however, He decided to visit His devotee Pundalik.


When Krishna arrived, He found Pundalik gently massaging his parents' feet. Although Pundalik immediately recognized the Lord, he refused to interrupt his service. Instead, he respectfully placed a brick (vit) before Krishna and requested Him to stand on it until he had finished serving his parents.


Far from being offended, Krishna was delighted. He declared that serving one's parents was itself the highest form of devotion. When Pundalik had finished, he prayed that the Lord remain there forever to bless all devotees. Granting his wish, Krishna stayed in Pandharpur as Vitthal, forever standing upon the brick. Hearing that Lord Krishna had chose to remain forever in Pandharpur to bless His devotees, Rukmini came to join Him. She too stayed there for the welfare of devotees, and together they came to be worshipped as Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini, standing eternally in Pandharpur.


Over time, devotees came to lovingly call Him Vitthal Mauli—the compassionate Lord who cares for His devotees like a mother. As the holy month of Ashada begins, may Lord Vitthal Mauli bless your home with devotion, peace, and prosperity.

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Share this with fellow devotees and let the name of Vitthal echo in your home today.