🙏Vithoba Mavali Tukaram🙏
Pandharpur is a prominent pilgrimage town located in the Solapur district of Maharashtra, India. It is famous for the Vithoba Temple, dedicated to Lord Vithoba (a form of Lord Krishna) and his consort Rakhumai. Pandharpur attracts millions of devotees, especially during the Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi festivals, when the Warkari community undertakes a spiritual pilgrimage.
The town holds great religious and cultural significance, with numerous temples, ghats, and spiritual sites. Pilgrims often visit to seek the blessings of Lord Vithoba and partake in chanting, devotional singing, and rituals.
How to visit Pandharpur
1. By Road
From Mumbai: Pandharpur is approximately 350 km from Mumbai, which takes around 6-7 hours by car or bus via NH 65.
From Pune: It is about 180 km from Pune and takes roughly 4-5 hours by road.
Local Transport: State-run buses and private buses connect Pandharpur with major cities like Mumbai, Pune, Solapur, and others.
2. By Train
Nearest Railway Station: Pandharpur has its own railway station (Pandharpur Junction), which is well connected to major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Solapur.You can board a train from Mumbai, Pune, or other nearby cities to Pandharpur, and the journey takes around 7 to 9 hours from Mumbai.
4. By Air
The nearest airport to Pandharpur is Solapur Airport (about 70 km away). However, it has limited flight connectivity.
Alternatively, you can fly to Pune International Airport (around 190 km) or Mumbai International Airport (around 350 km) and then take a train or bus to Pandharpur.
The biggest festival in Pandharpur is Ashadhi Ekadashi
The biggest festival in Pandharpur is Ashadhi Ekadashi, celebrated in June or July. It marks the day when Lord Vithoba (Vitthal) is believed to have descended to Earth.
The festival attracts lakhs of devotees, especially Warkaris (pilgrims) who undertake long, barefoot pilgrimages from various parts of Maharashtra to Pandharpur.
The highlight is the Vithoba Temple procession, where devotees sing bhajans and offer prayers. Ashadhi Ekadashi is not only a religious event but also a celebration of devotion and faith.
Here are the tourist places of Pandharpur.
1. Vithoba Temple (Vitthal Rukmini Temple):
This is the main attraction of Pandharpur. Dedicated to Lord Vithoba (Vitthal) and his consort Rukmini, it is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for Hindus, especially for the Warkari sect.
The temple's main deity is a black stone idol of Vithoba, standing with one foot on a brick, which is a distinctive feature.
2. Chandrabhaga River:
The Chandrabhaga River flows near the Vithoba Temple, and it holds great spiritual significance. Devotees often take a holy dip in the river before visiting the temple.
There is a beautiful ghat (step-well) where pilgrims gather to perform rituals.
3. Pundalik Temple:
Located around 4 km from the main Vithoba Temple, Pundalik Temple is dedicated to Pundalik, a devotee of Lord Vithoba. This temple is also an important religious site in Pandharpur.
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