Dhakti Pandhari, also known as the Temple of Bomblya Vitthoba, is situated at Takai near Sajgaon, close to Khopoli in Sudhagad taluka of Raigad district, Maharashtra.The temple stands on a hill and the Patalganga River flows around the base of the hill, and a small temple dedicated to Pundalik is situated near the river.
The exact age of the present temple structure is not established through inscriptions or archaeological records. However, the annual Bomblya Vitthoba Yatra is traditionally believed to have a history of more than 350 years. The present temple has undergone subsequent development and renovation, and therefore the 350-year antiquity should be understood as referring primarily to the pilgrimage tradition rather than the present structure.
The main deities are Shri Vitthal and Rukmini. Both are approximately three feet high and carved in black stone. Vitthal is depicted in the traditional standing form with his hands resting on his waist. The deities are adorned with silver crowns and ornaments and are worshipped according to the Warkari tradition.
The temple stands on a hilltop and has an entrance arch, a spacious Sabhamandapa and a Garbhagriha. The Sabhamandapa can accommodate a large number of devotees during festivals and the annual yatra. A distinctive tradition of continuous Veena playing has been maintained in the Sabhamandapa since 1986.
The shrine is closely associated with the Warkari tradition and with the local traditions surrounding Sant Tukaram Maharaj. Over the centuries, the annual yatra developed into both an important pilgrimage and a large rural fair. Devotees from Raigad, Mumbai, Thane, Pune and other parts of Maharashtra visit the temple, particularly during Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi.
The most famous Sthalapurana of Dhakti Pandhari explains why the deity at Takai is known as “Bomblya Vitthoba” and connects the sacred place with Sant Tukaram Maharaj.
According to the popular tradition, Sant Tukaram Maharaj of Dehu used to travel towards the Konkan region for his chilli trade. During his journeys, he would carry chilli and other goods for sale. Tukaram Maharaj was deeply devoted to Lord Vitthal and was known for his simple and generous nature.
On one occasion, several traders purchased chillies from Tukaram Maharaj but did not pay him the money that was due. As Tukaram Maharaj was absorbed in his devotion and was not overly concerned about worldly matters, the traders took advantage of his nature and avoided paying their debts.
When the matter became difficult, Tukaram Maharaj turned towards his beloved Lord Panduranga. According to the sacred legend, Lord Vitthal decided to personally come to the aid of his devotee.
Lord Vitthal appeared in the form of Tukaram Maharaj’s servant and went around the area looking for the traders who had taken the chillies without paying. He loudly called out the names of those who owed money to Tukaram Maharaj and demanded that they settle their outstanding dues.
The traders were surprised and embarrassed that their unpaid debts were being publicly announced. They therefore came forward one after another and paid the money that they owed to Tukaram Maharaj.
The mysterious servant collected the entire amount and handed the money over to Tukaram Maharaj. Having completed the task given by his devotee’s faith, the servant then proceeded towards the nearby hill.
According to the tradition, the servant disappeared at the very place where the present Dhakti Pandhari temple stands. The devotees soon realised that the mysterious servant was none other than Lord Vitthal himself, who had taken human form to protect and help his devotee.
Because Lord Vitthal had loudly called out to the traders and recovered Tukaram Maharaj’s money, the deity came to be affectionately known as “Bomblya Vitthoba”. The word “Bomblya” in the popular tradition is therefore associated with the loud calling of the Lord while recovering the money owed to his devotee.
Another local tradition connects the temple even more directly with Sant Tukaram Maharaj. It is believed that some devotees from the Takai region were invited by Tukaram Maharaj to visit Pandharpur. According to the tradition, Tukaram Maharaj had arranged for images of Vitthal and Rukmini to be made and gave them to these devotees. On an auspicious Dussehra day, he is traditionally believed to have performed the Pran Pratishtha of the deities at Takai.
From that time, the shrine gradually became an important centre of Vitthal worship. The annual pilgrimage grew in importance and eventually became known as the Bomblya Vitthoba Yatra. The tradition of this yatra is believed to be more than 350 years old.
The main festival is the 15-day Bomblya Vitthoba Yatra around Kartiki Ekadashi, featuring dindis, palkhis, bhajans, kirtans and Mahapuja. Ashadhi Ekadashi is also celebrated with large gatherings of Warkari devotees, while Phalgun Beej Utsav and Krishna Janmashtami are observed with kirtans and Mahaprasad. The historic yatra also includes a traditional fair with cattle and local goods.
🙏 Dhakti Pandhari at Takai is a unique Vitthal pilgrimage centre of the Raigad–Konkan region. Its centuries-old yatra tradition, association with Sant Tukaram Maharaj, the Sthalapurana of Bomblya Vitthoba, and continuing Warkari traditions make it an important and lesser-known Dhakti Pandhari of Maharashtra.
