Pandhari Sendriduvom Vaareer | Pandharpur | Where the Lord Waits
Sri Vitthal Rukmani Temple, Pandharpur
Nestled on the serene banks of the holy Chandrabhaga River near Solapur, Maharashtra, the Shri Vitthal Rukmani Temple in Pandharpur stands as the heart of spiritual devotion for millions. Revered as the main center of worship for Lord Vitthal—a beloved local form of Lord Krishna or Vishnu—and His consort Rakhumai (Rukmini), this temple town pulses with divine energy and timeless tradition.
Mahadwaar and the Sacred Entrance to Pandharpur
Mahadwaar is one of the most prominent localities and bustling marketplaces in the town of Pandharpur. It serves as the gateway leading to the main ghat on the Chandrabhaga River, aptly named Mahadwaar Ghat. At this very ghat stands the temple of Bhakta Pundalik, the great devotee whose unwavering service to his parents led to Lord Krishna manifesting as Vitthala in Pandharpur.
The Sacred Temple and Its Structures
The main shrine of Lord Vitthal is a majestic five-storey structure crowned with a pyramidal spire. Flanked by the statues of Jaya and Vijaya, the Lord stands gracefully on a brick, symbolizing His humility and His eternal wait for His devotee, Pundalik. This is beautifully captured in the Vitthala ārati, where it is said: “Yuge atṭhāvis, viṭhevari ubhā”(He has stood on the brick for 28 yugas).
One of the temple’s unique features is its portico, measuring 25 by 17 feet, housing an idol of Lord Shiva under a brass cover. Before entering, devotees customarily cleanse their feet in a warm water spring adjacent to the temple—a symbolic purification. An intriguing element is the iron boat (3 ft by 2 ft) within the premises. Though seemingly too heavy to lift by hand, it mystically floats in the river—leaving many awestruck.
Rukmini Mandir, standing on a raised platform, is another central shrine. Though Rukmini is Lord Krishna’s consort, she is worshipped separately here. According to legend, she is engaged in penance, hence appears alone. The temple, adorned with lofty walls and towering gateways, is accessed via Namdev Gate, named after Sant Namdev, whose image with a tambourine graces the entrance.
—
The Vishnupad Temple – Divine Footprints
Close to the river lies the Vishnupad Mandir, enshrining the lotus feet of the Lord on a stone slab. These footprints depict Krishna’s divine posture—one foot crossed behind the other—and are believed to hold immense spiritual significance. During the monsoon, the river rises and often submerges the temple, adding to its mystical allure.
—
A Legend Woven in Devotion – The Tale of Pundalik
Central to Pandharpur’s sanctity is the tale of Pundalik, a man who underwent a profound transformation. Once neglectful toward his parents, a divine encounter with the goddesses of India’s holy rivers awakened his conscience. Realizing his wrongs, Pundalik devoted himself completely to serving his parents.
Pleased with his devotion, Lord Vishnu visited him. However, as Pundalik was attending to his parents, he humbly asked the Lord to wait and offered Him a brick to stand on. The Lord, delighted by such pure-hearted service, agreed and stood there—eternally—as Vitthal, the Lord on the brick. This self-manifested (swayambhu) form of the Lord is the one worshipped in the temple today.
—
Sant Namdev’s Divine Connection
The first step of the temple is known as “Sant Namdev Maharaj Pāyari”. As a child, Namdev once offered food to the Lord and wept when the Lord did not appear to accept it. Moved by the child’s sincerity, Lord Vitthal appeared, ate the offering, and blessed him. Namdev requested that he remain at the temple’s doorstep so that every devotee who entered would touch him first—thus began the legend of this sacred step.
—
Daily Worship and Festive Celebrations
Each day in Pandharpur begins with the Kakada Aarti before sunrise, followed by the Abhishekam—ritual purification of the idol. A series of poojas, bhajans, and darshans keep the temple vibrant through the day. The Dhoop Aarti in the evening bathes the sanctum in a glow of devotion. The day ends with the Shejarati, marking the Lord’s rest.
The town erupts in divine fervor during Ashadhi Ekadashi (June–July) and Kartiki Ekadashi (October–November). Thousands of Warkaris—devotees—gather, singing kirtans and walking in unison, creating a spiritual spectacle.
—
The Best Time to Visit
While Pandharpur welcomes pilgrims year-round, its essence comes alive during Ekadashi festivals. For those seeking a quieter experience, the cool winter months (November to February) offer a peaceful and meditative atmosphere. A walk along the ghats of Chandrabhaga and a quiet darshan of Lord Vitthal can become deeply transformative.
A Journey Beyond Pilgrimage
Pandharpur is more than a temple town—it is a journey into the soul of bhakti. Whether it’s the resounding chants of “Vitthal! Vitthal!”, the unparalleled devotion of the Warkaris, or the silent strength of the deity on a brick, this holy place leaves a permanent imprint on the heart.
Whether you’re a devout pilgrim or a seeker on a spiritual path, Pandharpur offers an experience like no other—a timeless reminder of the power of love, humility, and unwavering devotion.
To listen to Sri Swamiji’s kirtan:
rAgam: sAmA
thALam: Adi
pallavi
paNDari senDriDuvOm vArI
pANDuranganai darishanam seyya
Come ye all! Let us go to Pandhari to have darshan of Panduranga
anupallavi
chandrabAgaiyil snAnam seydu
sAdhukkaLai sEvitthiDalAm
We shall have a holy dip in Chandrabaga and have the darshan of sadhus
charaNam
rukmiNiyin sannidiyil sadA
“rAma kriShNa hari” enDrE pADiDalAm
We can keep singing ‘Rama Krishna Hari’ in the sanctum of Rukmini Devi
mukthiyum peridalla idaiviDa
Even liberation is not greater than this
muraLIdharan solvadu nicchayam
What Muralidharan says is certain
