Pandharpur is a town in Solapur district of Maharashtra, India, that is famous for its temple of Lord Vitthal and Rukmini, also known as Pandurang and Rakhumai. It is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra, as it is associated with many saints and devotees of the Bhakti movement. It is also a place that showcases the rich and diverse culture of the region, with its cuisine, art, music, and dance. If you are looking for a spiritual and cultural vacation with your family and friends, you should not miss this town when you visit Maharashtra. Here is everything you need to know about Pandharpur. Visit during One day trip to Pandharpur
Location of Pandharpur
Pandharpur is located on the banks of the Chandrabhaga river, about 70 km from Solapur city and 210 km from Pune city. It is situated in the Deccan plateau region of Maharashtra, which has a semi-arid climate.
Timing/Entry Fees Pandharpur
The temple of Vitthal and Rukmini is open for darshan (worship) from 4 AM to 11 PM on all days of the week. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple.
How to Reach Pandharpur
You can reach Pandharpur by road, rail, or air. The nearest airport is Pune, which is about 210 km away. You can take a flight to Pune and then a bus or a train to Pandharpur. Alternatively, you can also drive to Pandharpur from Pune or Mumbai, which are about 4 hours and 7 hours away by car respectively. The nearest railway station is Pandharpur, which is well connected to Pune, Mumbai, Solapur, and other major cities by Central Railway.
Things to Do/Must See Pandharpur
The main attraction of Pandharpur is the temple of Vitthal and Rukmini, which is one of the most ancient and sacred temples in India. The temple has a unique architecture and a rich history, as it was built by various kings and dynasties over the centuries. The temple has a black stone idol of Vitthal, who is considered to be a form of Lord Krishna, and a white stone idol of Rukmini, who is his consort. The idols are adorned with various ornaments and flowers and have silver crowns on their heads.
The temple also has many other shrines and idols of various deities and saints, such as Ganesh, Dattatreya, Eknath, Tukaram, Namdev, Chokhamela, etc. The temple also has a holy tank called Chandrabhaga Tirtha, where devotees take a dip before entering the temple.
The temple also hosts many festivals and events throughout the year, such as Ashadhi Ekadashi (June-July), Kartiki Ekadashi (November), Maghi Ekadashi (January), etc. These festivals attract lakhs of pilgrims from all over India, who come to seek blessings from Vitthal and Rukmini. The pilgrims also perform various rituals and ceremonies at the temple, such as abhishek (bathing the idols), palakhi (palanquin procession), kirtan (devotional singing), etc.
The town also has some other attractions such as the ISKCON temple of Radha Pandharinath, which is a branch of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness; the Shree Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, which is a religious organization dedicated to the saint Gajanan Maharaj; the Vishnupad Temple, which has a footprint of Lord Vishnu on a rock; the Sant Kaikadi Maharaj Math, which has a huge idol of Vitthal; and the Yogiraj Tukarambaba Khedlekar Ashram, which has a meditation center.
Significance of Pandharpur
The town is a significant place for both religious and cultural reasons. It is considered to be one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra, as it is believed to be the abode of Vitthal and Rukmini. It is also a place where many saints and devotees of the Bhakti movement have lived and preached their teachings. The town is also known as Dakshin Kashi (South Kashi), as it has many similarities with Varanasi (Kashi) in terms of its spiritual significance.
The town also showcases the rich and diverse culture of Maharashtra, with its cuisine, art, music, and dance. You can enjoy some delicious food such as modak (sweet dumplings), puran poli (sweet flatbread), amti (lentil curry), etc. You can also witness some amazing art forms such as rangoli (floor art), warli painting (tribal art), etc. You can also listen to some melodious music such as abhang (devotional songs), bhajan (hymns), etc. You can also watch some graceful dance forms such as lavani (folk dance), bharatanatyam (classical dance), etc.
FAQ’s
Q: Is photography allowed inside the temple?
A: No, photography is not allowed inside the temple premises.
Q: Is there any parking facility near the temple?
A: Yes, there is a parking lot near the temple where you can park your vehicle for a nominal fee.
Q: Is there any food or refreshment facility near the temple?
A: Yes, there are many restaurants and cafes near the temple where you can enjoy some delicious food and drinks.
Conclusion
Pandharpur is a wonderful destination that offers a blend of spirituality and culture in Maharashtra. It is a place where you can admire the beauty of Vitthal and Rukmini and learn about their devotees and saints. It is also a place where you can experience the rich and diverse culture of Maharashtra and its people. If you are planning to visit Maharashtra, make sure you include this town in your itinerary.
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