Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir, Pandharpur - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir

At a distance of 2 Km from Pandharpur Railway Station, 77 km from Solapur, 181 km from Kolhapur, 209 km from Pune, and 365 km from Mumbai, the Vithoba Temple, officially known as Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir is a Hindu temple situated in Pandharpur, Maharashtra. Located on the banks of the river Bhima, also known as Chandrabhaga, Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir is dedicated to Lord Vithoba, a form of the Lord Vishnu or Krishna, and his consort Rukhmini. This is one of the most visited temples in Maharashtra and among the top pilgrimage sites near Pune. The temple is classified as one among the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams of the Vaishnavate tradition. According to inscriptions dating back to 618 CE, the place was called 'Pandaraga Vittaga' which later got modified into Panduranga Vitthala. The town also became famous as the place of Pundalik (Pundarika Muni), and this is the place where Pundalik took samadhi.

History of Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir

The temple was built by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire between 1108 and 1152 CE. Apparently, Pundalika is assumed to be a historic figure and is said to have convinced Vishnuvardhana who is also known as Bitti Deva to build the temple in Pandharpur. Also, there is an inscription in the temple, of a Hoysala King Vira Someshwara dating back to 1237 CE, which grants the temple a village for its upkeep. An extensive temple was constructed in the second half of the 13th century following the Hemadpanti style of architecture. The temple was attacked by invaders and completely damaged. Only the Namdev gate and a stone slab with an inscription remain from that structure. It is believed that the Vitthal idol was taken to Vijaynagar towards the end of the 15th century and brought back at the beginning of the 16th century. The present temple was built in the 17th century & later in the Deccan style, with dome motifs and lobed arches by the contribution of Peshwas of Pune, the Shindes of Gwalior, and the Holkars of Indore.

The Varkari sect of Maharashtra and the Haridasa sampradaya of Karnataka are the two major sects of the Bhakti movement that have always been associated with the worship of Vitthala. Saints like Dnyaneshwar, Tukaram, Eknath, Namdev, Purandara Dasa, Vijaya Dasa, Jagannatha Dasa all have been known devotees of Vitthala and have popularised the worship of Vitthala in Maharashtra and Karnataka. In 2014, the temple became the first in India to invite women and people from backward classes as priests.

Mythology of Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir

The revered town of Pandharpur derives its name from Saint Pundalik. According to tradition, Pundalik (also known as Pandarika) was initially a devoted son to his parents, Janudev and Satyavati. However, following his marriage, he began to neglect and mistreats them. Frustrated by his actions, his parents chose to journey to Kashi (Varanasi) in search of salvation. Pundalik, along with his wife, accompanied them but continued his disrespectful behavior by riding a horse while forcing his elderly parents to walk. During their travels, they paused at the hermitage of Sage Kukkutswami. One night, Pundalik experienced a divine vision of beautiful women in tattered clothing performing tasks within the hermitage. These women later revealed themselves to be Ganga, Yamuna, and other sacred rivers, who had become sullied by the sins of those who bathe in their waters. They admonished Pundalik for his sinful treatment of his parents.

This profound realization led to a transformation in Pundalik, who then devoted himself to serving his parents with great sincerity. Delighted by his newfound devotion, Lord Vishnu descended from His heavenly abode in Vaikuntha to bless Pundalik. When Vishnu arrived at Pundalik's home, Pundalik was engaged in caring for his parents and could not attend to the Lord right away. Instead, he offered Vishnu a brick to stand upon and requested Him to wait. Pleased with Pundalik's dedication, Vishnu complied and stood on the brick. When Pundalik finally approached, he requested Vishnu to remain on earth and bless all His devotees. Vishnu consented, and from that moment on, He became known as Vithoba, the Lord who stands on a brick, accompanied by His consort Rukhmini.

Architecture of Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir

Built in Deccan style of architecture, the Pandharpur Temple has six gates and the eastern gate is popularly known as Namdev Ghat. There are some inscriptions on the walls of the temple from the 13th century. The interiors of the temple are extremely beautiful. There is a big quadrangular wooden hall with 'deepmalas' that leads to a square hall called Sola Khambi, which has a beautiful ceiling and 16 pillars. The temple complex accommodates various shrines, halls, cloisters, etc.

A standing image of Vithoba is enshrined in the sanctum where all devotees irrespective of caste can enter. The deity idol of Vitthala or Vithoba is made of black stone and is three and a half feet tall. He has a Shivalinga on his head and the Kaustubha Mani around his neck. The temple also has several smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganapathi, Lord Krishna's consorts, Rukmini, Radha, Sathyabama, Garuda, Lord Rama and Lakshman, Kashi Vishwanath, Kalabhairav, Narsoba and Dattatreya.

Festivals of Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir

The Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir located in Pandharpur hosts a variety of festivals, with the Aashadhi Ekadashi Yatra in June/July and the Kartiki Ekadashi Yatra in November being the most prominent. These magnificent celebrations turn the town into a spiritual haven. A multitude of Warkaris gather, engaging in devotional singing and dancing, which generates a vibrant and uplifting ambiance. The air is filled with the resonant chants of 'Vitthal Vitthal,' instilling a sense of divine happiness in the hearts of all. Other significant festivals celebrated include Navaratri and Diwali in October/November, as well as Holi in March.

Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir Dress Code & Other Restrictions

Although the Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir does not enforce a strict dress code, it is advisable to wear modest attire that covers the upper arms and legs as a mark of respect. Men are encouraged to don a dhoti or pajama along with an upper garment, or alternatively, formal trousers and shirts. Women may choose to wear a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is recommended to avoid modern clothing such as mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops while visiting the temple.

Non-Hindus are typically permitted to visit and get darshan at the Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir in Pandharpur irrespective of their religion or caste. While it primarily serves as a Hindu temple, the focus is on embracing all devotees and fostering universal harmony.

Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 11 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 11 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 11 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 11 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 11 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 11 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 11 PM

Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshan available for Rs. 100 - Rs. 300
VIP Darshan available for Rs. 1000 - Rs. 2500
Ashadhi Ekadashi Special Darshan available for Rs. 500 - Rs. 3000

Best Time to Visit Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir

The best time to visit Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir in Pandharpur is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for temple visits. For those seeking to witness the temple at its most spiritually vibrant, it is recommended to schedule your visit during Ashadhi Ekadashi in June/July and Kartiki Ekadashi in October/November, when thousands of Warkaris arrive, singing bhajans and dancing in devotion, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The entire town resonates with chants of 'Vitthal Vitthal,' filling hearts with divine joy. Although the monsoon season from June to September transforms the surrounding landscape into a verdant paradise, the intense rainfall may pose some travel difficulties. Conversely, it is best to refrain from visiting during the summer months due to the extreme heat.

How to Reach Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir

About 209 Km from Pandharpur, Pune Airport is the nearest international airport, which has direct flights from almost all the cities in India. From the airport, tourists can take a bus or taxi to reach Pandharpur. Pandharpur is well-connected by train with Solapur, Sangli, Bangalore, Kolhapur, and Mysore. The best option is near Solapur Junction (77 km), which possesses great connectivity to both north and south India. The town has a well-developed road network, with regular MSRTC buses operating from Mumbai, Pune, Solapur, and Kolhapur. One can reach the temple by walk, or by hiring an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple from the bus stand.