Index of Contents
- Introduction
- Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir
- Shree Pundalik Mandir, Chandrabhaga River
- Shree Sant Shiromani Narahari Sonar Maharaj Mandir
- Sri Rukmini Dwarkadeesh Mandir
- ISKCON Shree Radha Pandharinath Mandir
- Sant Namdev Mandir
- Vishnupad temple
- Shri Gopalkrishna Mandir Gopalpur
- Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Mandir
- Tulsi Vrindavan
1.Introduction
Pandharpur is an Maharastra’s Most Popular pilgrimage town, on the banks of Candrabhagā River, near Solapur city in Solapur District, Maharashtra. In The famous temple of Śri Vitthala-Rukmini, the Bhakti Saint, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, is said to have spent a period of 7 days. It is said that the deity Vithoba has been worshipped by many saints of Maharashtra. Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukārām, Sant Nāmdev, Sant Eknāth, Sant Nivruttināth, Sant Muktābai, Sant Chokhāmel̥ā, Sant Savatā Māli, Sant Narhari Sonār, Sant Gorā Kumbhār, Sant Meerā Bai and Sant Gajānan Mahāraj are a few of those prominent saints.
Importance of Pandharpur : The fourth chapter of the Chandogya Upanishad, has one of the source of the ancient tradition of Shri Vitthala’s worship. The meaning of Pānduranga or Viṭthala is explained in Varāha samhitā of Padma Purana. Devrishi Nārada narrates to Ādiśeṣa about arrival of Pānduranga in Pandharpur, It explains the background and significance of Vitthala’s brick-standing at Pandharpur and origin of the Bhima River. Additionally, it provides information on Pandharpur’s different gods and deities. Neera Narasinḥpur is as holy as Prayāga , Korti or Vishnupad is as holy as Gayā, and Pandharpur is as holy as Kāśī. Therefore, a trip to Pandharpur could result in the blessings of the pilgrimage to these three locations. This is where Gaya śhraddha and Kāshi yātra rituals can be carried out.
In Skanda Purana, Lord Shiva narrates to Pārvati, “This place is spiritually fruitful three times more than Puṣhkar , six times more than Kedārnāth, ten times more than Vārānasi and many more times than Śriśaila. Performing Yātra, Vāri, and Dān have great merit at this place.
Sri Vishnu is regarded to reside here with his nine celestial attributes. Vimalā, Uttkarshani, Dyan, Kriyā, Yoga, Pavi, Satyā, Eshana, and Anugraha are the names of those nine powers. Garuḍh (the eagle) stands in front of the Pānduranga statue, with Brahmā and Sanakadika to its right and the eleven Rudras and Shiva to its left. All of the gods, including Indra, are applauding Panduranga from behind the idol.
Balarāma also arrived and served the deity, along with Dhaumya Rishi and Yudhiṣhṭhira and all of his brothers. In Pandharpur, Rukmini served the deity and gave birth to Pradyumna. The effects of the river Bhima’s entry into Pandhari, Pandhari’s protector Shri Bhairava, the devotee Muktakeshi’s meditation, and her acceptance by God are all detailed in this scripture.
Ashadhi Ekadashi 2019: The pilgrimage has been included into the UK’s World Book of Records for the Pandharpur temple earning the distinction of being one of the most visited place on a single day. Lakhs of devotees visit the temple town in bare foot walking long distances.
This Blog covers some of the famous temples in Pandharpur. Part II covers 15 famous and ancient temples around Pandharpur and Part III covers 16 famous and ancient temples around Pandharpur
2. Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir
Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir Pandharpur, Main Road, Chouphala, Pandharpur, Maharashtra 413304 Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir located at Pandharpur, 210 kms from Pune. It is the most visited temple in Maharashtra and almost 6 lakh pilgrims walk on foot to this sacred town from various locations. Called the Varkari Sampradaya or the Pilgrim sect (Vari means pilgrimage) this is the most important Vaishnava sect of Maharashtra.
For darshan pass use website ID : http://117.247.89.131/QMS1/BookingMaster.aspx
A print out of the pass is required The pass needs to be validated by taking a seal from Tukaram Bhavan near the temple. The entrance is in Gnaneswar darshan mandap.
The God of Pandharpur is worshipped and lovingly called with many names like Pandharinath, Pandurang, Pandhariraya, Vithai, Vithoba, Vithumauli, Vitthal gururao, Pandurang, Hari etc. However, today this God is well-known as Pandurang and Shri Vitthal. Some scholars believe that it is a distorted form of the original word Vishnu. The Great Saint poet Tukaram defines the word Vithoba in one of his abhangas that stands for ‘Knowledge’ + Thoba Stands for ‘form’ Thus Vithoba stands for the ‘form of ultimate Knowledge’ or ‘idol of ultimate Knowledge’. It is believed that Shri Krishna, Shri Vishnu and Shri Vithoba are all different names and forms of the one and the same God.
The idol of Shri Vithal is self made of sand stone. He has cap just like crown on his head. It is known as shivlinga as it looks like the shivlinga. Face of Shri Vitthal is long, cheeks are bulky, his eyes are looking horizontally straight. He wear’s Makar kundale in his ear. A Kaustubhmni is there around his neck like necklace. This is the only fortunate place where one can touch Lord’s feet or keep one’s forhead upon Lord’s feet.
As per legend, King Muchkund took rebirth in the form of Bhakt Pundalik. Pundalik in his young age never looked after the needs of his father Janudev and his mother Satyavati and continued to ill treat them even in their trip to Varnasi.
On the way, they came across the hermitage of the great sage, Kakkut muni. That night, Pundalik lay awake and witnessed something remarkable. Just before dawn, he saw a group of beautiful, young women dressed in dirty clothes, enter the Sage’s hermitage. They did chores like cleaning the floor, fetching water and washing the Sage’s clothes. After that, they went to the prayer room. When they came out, their clothes were spotlessly clean and they disappeared.Pundalik enquired about them; they were Ganga, Yamuna and all the holy rivers of India. People take a dip and bathe in the rivers to wipe away their sins. The impurity of their mind, body and souls make us dirty. That’s why their clothes in such filthy condition.” Pundalik was amazed with their answer. They said Pundalik is the biggest sinner of all because of the way he treated his devotee 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 and service towards his parents, Lord Krishna was extremely pleased. When the Lord reached Pundarika’s asrama , Pundarika was serving his elderly parents. So Pundarika gave the Lord a seat of brick and asked the Lord to wait. The Lord did as told. He stood, lotus hands on His hips, waiting for Pundarika to return along with Goddess Rukmani
The following are the temples inside the main temple as one enters from Namdev Payari and come out of Pachhim Dwar of the temple : 1)Namdev Payari – In memory of Shri.Sant Namdev 2) Ganesh Mandir 3) Datta Mandir 4) Garud Mandir 5) Maruti Mandir 6) Chowrangee Devi Mandir 7) Garud Khamb 8) Narsimha Mandir 9) Ek-mukh Dattatraya Mandir 10) Rameshwar Lingam Mandir 11) Kala Bahirav Mandir 12) Laxmi-Narayan Mandir 13) Kashi-Vishwanath Mandir 14) Satya-Bhama Mandir 15) Radhika Mandir 16) Siddhi-Vinayak Mandir 17) Mahalakshmi Mandir 18) Venkateshwar Mandir 19) Kanhopatra Mandir 20) Ambabai Mandir 21) Shani-Dev Mandir 22) Nagnath Mandir 23) Guptaling Mandir and 24) Khandoba Mandir
Must have darshan of this great temple. To return to Index of Contents, Click Here. Otherwise Continue
3.Shree Pundalik Mandir, Chandrabhaga River
Shree Pundalik Mandir, Chandrabhaga River, Pandharpur, Maharashtra 413304 Shree Pundalik Mandir is located at Pandharpur, 210 kms from Pune. It is in the river bed in front of Mahadwar Ghat which was built by Changdev. Brass mask of Pundalik on Shivalinga is established in the sanctum sanatorium. It is crowned and worshipped every day with rituals of kakadarti, mahapuja, mahanaivedya, dhuparti etc. The temple has special airy hall. Mahashivaratri festival is celebrated on the large scale in this temple. The facemask of Pundalik is moved to the Mahadeva temple whenever Chandrabhaga River is in flood.
Loha danda Tirth- is in front of the temple of Pundalik. It is believed that on this place in river the boat made of stone floats. When God Indra came here to take holy bath all the wholes disappeared from his body after the bath and the iron rod in his hand floated here.
Pundalik in his young age never looked after the needs of his father Janudev and his mother Satyavati. Both Janudev and Satyavati were great devotees of Lord Krishna. When Pundalik got married, he started ill treating them all the more. Tired of his tyranny, the parents headed to Kashi / Varanasi. It is said that those who die in Kashi attain salvation and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.His treachery continued so much that he made his old parents walk throughout the journey while he and his young wife rode on a horse.
On the way, they came across the hermitage of the great sage, Kakkut muni. That night, Pundalik lay awake and witnessed something remarkable.Just before dawn, he saw a group of beautiful, young women dressed in dirty clothes, enter the Sage’s hermitage. They did chores like cleaning the floor, fetching water and washing the Sage’s clothes. After that, they went to the prayer room. When they came out, their clothes were spotlessly clean and they disappeared.Pundalik enquired about them; they were Ganga, Yamuna and all the holy rivers of India. People take a dip and bathe in the rivers to wipe away their sins. The impurity of their mind, body and souls make us dirty. That’s why their clothes in such filthy condition.” Pundalik was amazed with their answer. They said Pundalik is the biggest sinner of all because of the way he treated his devotee 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 and service towards his parents, Lord Krishna was extremely pleased.When the Lord reached Pundarika’s asrama , Pundarika was serving his elderly parents. So Pundarika gave the Lord a seat of brick and asked the Lord to wait. The Lord did as told. He stood, lotus hands on His hips, waiting for Pundarika to return along with Goddess Rukmani. Must have darshan of Pundalik temple.
4. Shree Sant Shiromani Narahari Sonar Maharaj Mandir
Shree Sant Shiromani Narahari Sonar Maharaj Mandir , Near to Shree Vitthal Mandir, Mahadwar, Taluka:- Pandharpur, Pin :- 413304 District:, Maharashtra 413304
Shree Sant Shiromani Narahari Sonar Maharaj Mandir located at Pandharpur at 210 kms from Pune. Narahari Sonar, is a 13th-century Hindu poet-saint of the Varkari sect and goldsmith (sonar) from Maharashtra. His transition from a staunch Shaiva devotee to a Vithoba-worshipping Varkari came after a miracle that made him realize that Vithoba and Shiva are one and the same.
Narahari Sonar was a fanatic Shiva devotee. He never visited the famous shrine of Vithoba even once and even refused to look at the shikhara (pinnacle) of the temple. A rich landlord wanted him to make a waistband for Vithoba – being the best goldsmith in Pandharpur – to thank for his prayer to get a child. Narahari agreed to make the waistband on the condition that he will not enter the temple and the merchant bring him the measurements of the stone image of Vithoba.
He crafted an ornate waistband with the gold and jewels The merchant returned saying it was too short -Narahari lengthened the waistband, it was too loose then. The merchant implored Narahari to come to the temple and fit the waistband himself, however Narahari was adamant. He said that he observed the vow of looking only at one deity, Shiva. The merchant suggested that he would blindfold Narahari to maintain the vow. Narahari conceded .
The merchant brought Narahari to the sanctum of Vithoba’s temple, Narahari touched Vithoba’s image and felt as though the image had five heads and ten arms. The image wore serpent ornaments around his neck and matted hair on its head. He wore tiger and elephant skin garments and his body was covered in ash. Narahari recognised the iconography of his patron deity Shiva and removed the blindfold to see him. However, he saw the traditional form of Vithoba: a two-armed, arms-akimbo god standing on a brick in silken garments and gold finery.In disbelief, he blindfolded himself again and touched the image. Again, he felt as though he was touching an image of Shiva, not Vithoba. He realised that Shiva and Vithoba (Vishnu) were one and the same. He removes the blindfold and embraces Vithoba’s feet. He sings a panegyric in honour of Vithoba, equating him with Vishnu and Shiva alike. Narahari becomes a devotee of Vithoba and joins the Varkaris, preaching the oneness of God.
5. Sri Rukmini Dwarkadeesh Mandir
Sri Rukmini Dwarkadeesh Mandir (ABSS MUMBAI), 305, Govindpura, opposit thakur buva mutt, Chouphala, Pandharpur, Maharashtra 413304 Sri Rukmini Dwarkadeesh Mandir (ABSS MUMBAI), is located near the Chandrabagha river , opposit thakur buva mutt, Pandharpur, Maharashtra .
Akhila Bharata Sadhu Sangam (ABSS) is constituted for propagating Sri Krishna Bhakti and Rama Bhakti by conducting Saptahams of Srimad Bhagavatham in various parts of BHARAT and has established its centre in various towns, cities, etc. The Mumbai chapter is one of the oldest with regular activities for over 40 years. ABSS Mumbai conducts regular Bhajans, Saptahams, Utsavams and Yatras.
Presently, it is a 3 storied building. On the ground floor, there is a Mandir with sannadhi of Sri Rukmini Dwarkadeesh. Regular poojas take place in the mandir. In the first floor, some rooms for the devotees to stay are there. In the second floor, there is a dormitory where large group of people can stay. In the third floor, there is a sannadhi of Radhe Krishna and a big hall where pravachans take place. One week Bhagavat saptahams take place regularly.
6. ISKCON Shree Radha Pandharinath Mandir
ISKCON Pandharpur, Shree Shree Radha Pandharinath Mandir, M8JR+PMC, SH74, Shegaon Dumala, Maharashtra 413304 ISKCON Shree Shree Radha Pandharinath Mandir is located on the east bank of Chandrabhaga River , on the opposite side of Main Vittal temple in Pandharpur .
It has a large temple hall and garden adjoining it. It also has a goshala. On the opposite side of the Chandrabhaga River one can visit the temple of Lord Vitthal and Rukmini devi.
H.H Lokanath Maharaj says, “Throughout the provinces of India, the Supreme Lord is worshiped in various forms. In Andhra Pradesh, He appears as Tirupati Balaji, in Kerala as Guruvayurappan, in Karnataka as the beautiful Udupi Krishna, in Gujarat as Dvarakadhisa and Ranacora Raya. And in Pandharpur, the spiritual capital of Maharashtra, the Lord is worshipped as Sri Vitthala. His devotees also fondly call Him Vithobha or Panduranga.”
There is ghat here and steps lead to River water. devotees desirous of taking bath in clear water can reach by boat from the other side and take bath. Temple is big and peaceful. The deities are beautiful and resident Prabhujis and Matajis take good care of the temple and keep it very clean.
Chaitnya Mahaprabhu had visited Pandharpur to take darshan of Vithoba.After this temple, we visited main Vithoba temple and Pundalik temple on opposite bank. Nice temple with some good paintings. Must Visit with children
7. Sant Namdev Mandir
Sant Namdev Mandir, M8GQ+78F, Unnamed Road, Chouphala, Pandharpur, Maharashtra 413304 Sant Namdev Mandir is located near the Chandrabhaga river at a distance of 750 m from the main Vittal temple, Pandharpur, Maharashtra .
Namdev was a Marathi saint from Narsi, Hingoli, Maharashtra, within the Varkari tradition of Hinduism. He lived as a devotee of Lord Vitthal (Krishna) of Pandharpur.He was very close to Sant Shiromani Shri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj.
Namdev’s legacy is remembered in modern times in the Varkari tradition, along with those of other gurus, with masses of people walking together in biannual pilgrimages to Pandharpur in Maharashtra. He is also recognised in the North Indian traditions of the Dadu Panthis, Kabir Panthis and Sikhs. Great Saints’ Namdev Maharaj and Janabai are matchless examples of bhav-bhakti
Saint Namdev prayed to lord Vitthal “ oh lord, I do not want Vaikuntha , but only aspire to get dust from feet of all devotees who visit you. I wish to become the steps on your doorway.” In answer to his prayers lord Vitthal arranged for the ground near the steps to part . saint Namdev with his whole family entered into the ground. This step is even today visible on the main front door of Lord Vitthal’s temple and is called as NAMDEV PAYRI.
In this mandir, Namdev and Vittalji idols with some rare paintings can be seen. To return to Index of Contents, Click Here. Otherwise Continue
8.Vishnupad temple
Vishnupad temple , M89X+72V, Shegaon Dumala, Maharashtra 413304 The Visnupada Temple, which is nearly a kilometer south of the Pundalik Temple, is one of the most renowned pilgrim and tourist place and is visited by several pilgrims every year. This temple resides on the bank of the River Chandrabhaga and is connected by a causeway to the shore. Vishnupad Temple with its own majestic environment is the top-notch attraction in Pandharpur
The shape of the shrine is like a large hall with large sixteen pillars supporting the ceiling. Several postures of Lord Krishna and Lord Vishnu are portrayed on the pillars.
he other attractive thing in the temple is different statues of Lord Vishnu made of stone depicted in various poses. The temple homes three rocks with footprints of Lord Krishna and of a cow embedded in them. There are two types of footprints of Lord Krishna; one stone carries the print of both feet on standing position and the other carries the standing position of left foot with right foot crossed and resting on the toes. You can see footprints of a cow at each corner of these squares.
As Vishnupad Temple is located in middle of the river, the footsteps gets partially submerged in water, when the water level rising during the monsoon. Sometimes, the whole temple is under water for about three months during heavy rains. The main festival conducted in Vishnupad Temple is in the month of Margashirsha. On the first day of Margashirsha the sandals of Vitthal are taken to Vishnupad Temple and the last day of the same month the chariot of Lord Vitthal is brought to this temple in a grand procession. Vishnupad temple is also famous for another ritual ‘Shraddha’ in which the pilgrims perform funeral rites for their departed relatives and remember their ancestor.
The famous Vishnupad Mandir in Gaya is called so as it is believed to feature a 40-cm-long footprint of Lord Vishnu in a basalt rock. As per the legend, Lord Vishnu killed demon Gayasur at this place by stamping his foot on his chest. After Lord Vishnu pushed the demon under the earth with his foot, his footprint was retained in a rock.
9. Shri Gopalkrishna Mandir Gopalpur
Shri Gopalkrishna Mandir Gopalpur, Govardhan Parvat ,M87W+FWP, Gopalpur, Maharashtra 413304 Gopalpur Mandir Temple Govardhan Parvat, located at Gopalpur, 5 kms from Pandharpur,.Maharashtra. Gopalpur temple is on a hill that is additionally known as Gopalpur hill.Once lord Krishna together with his cows came to visit Pandharpur. This past time is commemorated even these days at a temple known as Vishnupad in Gopalpur, wherever Lord Krishna’s footprints square measure embedded on a stone block alongside the hoof prints of cow and therefore the prints of Krishna’s foot. local devotees say that this place is Lord Krishna’s eternal place of lunch pursuit. Even today this pursuit takes place. Narad muni’s small temple demonstrates his every day’s visit to witness this past time of Krishna and his cow. At Gopalpur stream, Pushpavati meets Bhima.
On the first day of the month of Margashirsha, Lord Vitthala’s sandals are taken to the present Vishnupad temple. On the last day of the identical month, Lord Vitthala’s chariot is brought to the temple in a very grand procession.
Gopalpur and Pandharpur are interwhined in the lila of Lord Vittala. Padma Purana speaks about the various places connected with Lord Vittala. Once Rukmini Devi left Dwaraka after she thought that Lord Krishna was showing greater affection for Radharani. LOrd Krishna followed her to the Dindiravana forest on the banks ofthe sacred Bhima river. The cows and Gopa friends went along. On reaching Gopalpur Hill, they stayed there grazing the cows while Lord Krishna went further to appease Rukmani Devi. Since then Gopalpur Hill has become very sacred. In Gopalpur, Lord Krishna played with cows and cowherd boys. That left a mark of Lord Krishna’s lotus feet in Vishnupada.
Janabai Temple : Janabai Temple has got chamber that stores the items of Janabai, who spent time devoting herself to the lord. The temple is located to the suth-east of Gopalkrisha temple.
Laxmi Narayan Temple : The Laxmi-Narayan Temple is located in north-west corner behind the Gopalkrishna Temple. The temple houses the idol of Lakshmi Narayan along with the pedestal, which are facing east and can be seen from the door in the east. But, the pair of rock-cut arc is still kept on the original plinth, which is covered with small temple such as construction in brick and mortar closed from three sides.
Bhimakraj Temple :This is located in the same compound to the north of Gopalkrishna temple.If you reduce the ornament and the spire, the Bhimakraj Temple is identical to the Gopalkrisha Temple. The temple homes the chief ling, which has three feet length, two feet breadth and two feet and three inches height. It is covered with a hallow brass mask that represents Bhimakraj, who is the father of Krishna’s wife Rukmini. You can also see a cobra coil that encircles the mask and the open seven-hooded cobra that shades the head.
Narad Temple : Narad Temple, which is a small temple located in the east cloisters facing Gopalkrishna Temple, keep the image of Narada with three feet height and seated cross-legged.
10. Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Mandir
Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Mandir , M8FP+RR4, Chouphala, Pandharpur, Maharashtra 413304 Jagadguru Sant Tukaram Maharaj Mandir is located at a distance of 500 m from the famous Vittal Mandir, Pandharpur, Maharashtra .The mandir houses an idol of Sant Tukaram and a big hall for conducting bhajans.
Sant Tukaram is best known for his devotional poetry called Abhanga and community-oriented worship with spiritual songs known as kirtan.
In his work of Abhangas, Tukarama repeatedly refers to four other persons who had a primary influence on his spiritual development, namely the earlier Bhakti Sants Namdev, Dnyaneshwar, Kabir and Eknath. Tukaram encouraged kirtan as a music imbued, community-oriented group singing and dancing form of bhakti
11. Tulsi Vrindavan
Tulsi Vrindavan, Padmavati Track, Pundlik Nagar, Pandharpur, Maharashtra 413304 Tulsi Vrindavan is located at a distance of 2 kms from the famous Vittal Rukmani Mandir Pandharpur, Maharashtra .
Tulsi Vrindavan has been constructed by the forest department in the scenic area of Yamai lake here. The state government has created Tulsi Vrindavan with the intention that the devotees who come for Vitthal darshan can spend some time in peace and in the closeness of nature, as well as get information about the biographies of various saints. There are some excellent paintings depicting the life of different Saints. Must visit with children so that they can learn about these saints.
Various types of Tulsi along with many other flowers have been planted in Vrindavan here. Many devotees throng here to catch a glimpse of the colorful fountains and magnificent form of the Vitthal idol which is tall and impressive. In the night there is an excellent view with lights on . To return to Index of Contents, Click Here.
Kshethradanam 
