"Yatra" To Pandharpur, Maharashtra, India

In my last posts you have got to know about travel destinations of Maharashtra, now just have a look at the holy place "Pandharpur" (Temple Of Lord Vithoba & Rukumai).

Pandharpur is a small town in the district of Sholapur. It is situated on the banks of the Bhima River, which is also known as Chandrabhaga. Pandharpur, also called as the spiritual capital of the state of Maharashtra and is the site of the sacred shrine of Vithoba, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple was built in 13th century and is a main pilgrimage centre for the Varakaris (members of one of the state’s most popular religious sects).

This quaint little habitat is all set to allure the devotees with the legendary story of Lord Vitthal and his beloved devotee Pundalik. The popular belief is that the God had visited this place to see Pundalik and he had to wait outside Pundalik’s residence for quiet sometime since the latter was busy serving his aged parents. Later Pundalik came before the lord and seek his pardon. Pleased by his devotion towards his parents the lord decided to stay with Pundalik forever and ever since the lord stays there in the village.

Every year Goan Hindus go on a pilgrimage to Shri Vithal temple at Pandharpur on Ashadi Ekadashi. This tradition is deeply rooted in history for more than 600 years. It is believed that Vataba Dulba Rane Morlekar from Morle-Sattari and other devotees used to visit Shri Vithal temple of Pandharpur on the occasion of Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi.

Pandharpur hosts four annual pilgrimages of Hindu devotees. Among them, the pilgrimage in the month of Āshādh in the Hindu Shāliwāhan Shak calendar attracts the large number of pilgrims. The pilgrimage in the month of Kārtik attracts the next largest number of pilgrims.

There are some other important holy places around Pandharpur as Goddess TuljaBhavani (Goddess of family - KulDevata of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj)at TuljaPur, Saint Shri Swami Samarth (God Form of Dattatraya) at ShriKshetra Akkalkot, Lord Dattatraya at Ganagapur etc. All are located in / near to Solapur District. Devotees from all over Maharashtra and surrounding states visit all these places at least once per year.

Some of the accommodations for your stay at the holy place Pandharpur

Lakshminarayan Lodge : Station Road, Damodar Market, Pandharpur, Maharashtra, India.

Sri Datta Lodge : Near Sarvarkar Statue, Opp: S.T.Stand,Pandharpur, Dist. Solapur, Maharashtra, India.

Shamiana Hotel : Station Road, PANDHARPUR, Maharashtra -413304, India.