Shri Vitthala-Rukmini Mandir, Vitthal Temple

Maharashtra, Solapur, Mumbai

Situated in Maharashtra, Vitthal temple is a famous temple dedicated to Vithoba or Vitthal, a form of Lord Krishna, and his consort Rakhumai. In this temple, all the devotees are allowed to touch the feet of the idol of Vithoba.

Legend

According to the legends, once there lived a devoted son named Pundalik who looked after the needs of his father Janudev and his mother Satyavati. However, things changed when Pundalik got married and he started ill treating them. Tired of the ill treatment, the parents decided to go for Kashi, Varanasi. Hearing his parents plans, Pundalik and his wife decided to join them. Throughout the journey, Pundalik made his old parents walk while he and his young wife rode on a horse. On the way, they came across the hermitage of the sage, Kukkutswami. They decided to spend some days there. That night, just before dawn, Pundalik saw a group of beautiful, young women dressed in dirty clothes enter the hermitage. They did chores like cleaning the floor, fetching water and washing the Sage's clothes. After that, they went to the prayer room and when they came out, their clothes were spotlessly clean and they disappeared. Pundalik kept thinking about the incident the following day. He wanted to be sure that he was not dreaming but had truly witnessed such a glorious incident. That night he lay awake and saw the young women again. Pundalik approached them and asked about them. They replied that they are Ganga, Yamuna and other holy rivers and they told him that pilgrims take a dip in their holy waters to wash away their sins and their sins make the women's clothes dirty. They told Pundalik that he is the greatest sinner because of his ill treatment towards his parents. This was a rude awakening for Pundalik. He realized his mistake and changed his ways. He served his parents well and looked after all their needs and comforts. Seeing Pundalik's sincere devotion towards his parents, Lord Vishnu was extremely pleased and the Lord came to bless Pundalik. Lord Vishnu reached Pundalik's house and knocked on his door; however, Pundalik was serving food to his parents. Pundalik saw the Lord at his door but his devotion to his parents was so intense that he wanted to finish his duties first and then attend to his guest. Pundalik throw a brick outside for Lord to stand on and wait until Pundalik's duty was completed. Lord was so pleased with his devotee that he waited for his devotee. When Pundalik came out, he asked God's forgiveness for neglecting him; however, the Lord instead asked him to request a boon. Pundalik asked the Lord to remain on earth and bless all His devotees. His wish was granted and the Lord remained behind and is known as Vithoba or the Lord who stands on a brick.

Architecture

The main entrance of Lord Vittala's Temple is facing towards the Chandrabhaga or Bhima river. Samadhi of Namadev and Chockamela is at the entrance. A small Ganesh Shrine is present inside the temple as first Shrine. There is a small hall where bhajans are performed. A small Shrine for Garuda and Hanuman facing Lord is in the same hall. For, Padha Darshan (To touch the Lotus Feet of Lord), there is an entrance which leads to the queue complex outside the temple. It will lead to many small shrines of Bhaktas, then towards the Lord Panduranga. There are Shrines for Rukmini Devi, Sathyabhama Devi, Radhika Devi, Lord Narasimha, Lord Venkateshwara, Goddess Mahalakshmi, Nagaraj, Ganesha, Annapoorna Devi. There is another mandap where all devotees play like Krishna had played with Gopikas.

Darsan Info

06.00 AM to 11.00 AM (Darshan remains closed during 11.00 AM to 11.15 AM for Mahanaivedya)
11.15 AM to 04.30 PM (it remains closed during 04.30 PM to 05.00 PM for Poshakh)
05.00 PM to 11.15 PM (it remains closed during the night after 11.45 PM)

Darsan Dresscode

Wear traditional dress code on special days while visiting temple. Avoid shorts for men

Famous Festival

June-July is attractive with a major festival of Yatra in Pandharpur. The most important dates for Pandharpur pilgrimage is on Aashadi Ekadashi (June- July) and Kartiki / Kartik Ekadashi (November). During these yatras or pilgrimage people travel from miles together, barefooted, fasting and chanting His holy name until they get a glimpse of the Lord.
October - November is very attractive with Navararathri and Diwali festivals celebrated with much pomp and show.
February - March is colorful with the festivities of Holi.

Culture

Pandharpur is a well known pilgrimage city on the banks of Bhima river in Solapur district, Maharashtra, India.The Vithoba temple attracts about a million Hindu pilgrims during the major yatra (pilgrimage) in the month of Ashadh (June–July).