The Vithoba-Rukmini Temple is situated in Pandharpur, a holy town in the Solapur district of Maharashtra. The temples are believed to be over 800 years old and
is situated on the banks of the sacred Chandrabhaga River, also known as the Bhima River. Pandharpur is one of the most important pilgrimage centres for followers of the Bhakti movement and the Warkari tradition.
The main deity worshipped in this temple is Lord Vithoba, also called Vitthala or Panduranga, who is considered a form of Lord Krishna, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Vithoba is shown standing on a brick, with his hands on his waist – a posture called “Viththala Bhava”, which is unique and full of divine meaning. Alongside him is Goddess Rukmini (also known as Rakhumai), his consort, who has her shrine within the temple complex.
The Vithoba-Rukmini Temple has simple yet sacred architecture that reflects the Maratha style. The main sanctum (Garbhagriha) houses the black stone idol of Vithoba. Devotees are permitted to touch the feet of the Lord, a rare practice in many Indian temples. The temple has several entrances, pillared halls, and smaller shrines inside. There is also a sacred step called Namdev Payari, named after Sant Namdev, where it is believed he sang bhajans and had the darshan of the Lord.
The temple gained popularity during the Yadava dynasty and was later supported by Maratha rulers like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Many saints and poet-saints of the Bhakti movement, including Sant Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram, Eknath, and Chokhamela, have sung praises of Vithoba and visited this temple. The temple became the heart of the Warkari movement, which emphasized devotion, simplicity, and service.
The Sthalapurana of Vithoba-Rukmini Temple centers around the story of a deeply devoted son named Pundalik and how Lord Krishna came to Pandharpur to bless him. This legend beautifully illustrates that serving one’s parents is the highest form of devotion.
Long ago, there lived a devoted young man named Pundalik, born into a Brahmin family in Pandaripur (now Pandharpur). Initially, Pundalik was not very religious or dutiful. He was deeply attached to his wife and neglected his aged parents. But his life changed completely after a pilgrimage to Kashi (Varanasi).
On his way to Kashi, Pundalik came across a group of ascetic devotees who were treated with great respect and divine energy. Curious, he asked them why they were glowing with such peace and radiance. They told him that their happiness came from serving their parents with love and care, and that such service was equivalent to serving God.
Pundalik was deeply moved. He realized his mistake and immediately returned home. From that day onwards, he began taking care of his parents with utmost devotion, serving them day and night.
Impressed by Pundalik’s pure devotion, Lord Krishna decided to bless him personally. The Lord, along with his consort Rukmini, traveled from Dwaraka and came to Pandharpur. At that moment, Pundalik was busy attending to his parents.
When Krishna knocked on his door, Pundalik was aware of the divine presence, but he did not want to leave his parents’ service. So, instead of rushing out, he threw a brick (vit in Marathi) outside the house and asked the Lord to stand on it and wait.
Lord Krishna was pleased with Pundalik’s humility and devotion. He stood on the brick with his hands on his waist, patiently waiting. This form of Krishna, standing on a brick, came to be known as Vithoba or Vitthala. The word “Vitthala” is believed to be derived from “Vit” (brick) and “thala” (standing).
Later, Pundalik came out and fell at the Lord’s feet. He prayed to the Lord to stay in Pandharpur and bless all devotees who came there seeking him. The Lord agreed and manifested himself as Vithoba, the presiding deity of Pandharpur. Soon after, his consort Rukmini also came and stood beside him as Rakhumai.
Because of this story, Pandharpur became a sacred land, and Vithoba-Rukmini became the divine couple of devotion, simplicity, and love. This is why millions of devotees (Warkaris) walk barefoot every year from various parts of Maharashtra to visit this holy site, singing the praises of “Vitthala Vitthala Jai Hari Vitthala!”
The most famous festivals celebrated at the Vithoba temple are the Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartik Ekadashi, both of which attract millions of devotees from across Maharashtra and beyond. During Ashadhi Ekadashi (June–July), the famous Pandharpur Wari takes place, where devotees known as Warkaris walk in large processions carrying the palkhis (palanquins) of saints like Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar. The Kartik Ekadashi (October–November) is the second major yatra. Other festivals celebrated include Maghi and Chaitra Ekadashi, Janmashtami, Rath Yatra, and Guru Purnima, with devotional singing, bhajans, and rituals.
