Pandharpur Vitthal Rukmini Temple is the most sacred pilgrimage destination in Maharashtra and the spiritual capital of Varkari sect devotees. Located on the banks of the Bhima (Chandrabhaga) River in Solapur district, about 480 km from Mumbai, Pandharpur is home to Lord Vitthal (Vithoba), a form of Lord Vishnu-Krishna, and Goddess Rukmini.
About Lord Vitthal of Pandharpur
Lord Vitthal or Vithoba is the presiding deity of Pandharpur and the central deity of the Varkari religious tradition of Maharashtra. The unique and most distinctive feature of Lord Vitthal is his standing pose with hands on hips (Katihasta posture), standing on a brick. This pose is associated with the story of the devoted Pundalik who asked Vitthal to wait while he served his aged parents. Vitthal, pleased with Pundalik's devotion, stood waiting on the brick.
History of Pandharpur Temple
The Vitthal temple at Pandharpur is one of the oldest temples in Maharashtra and has been a center of the Bhakti movement for over 800 years. The Varkari saint-poets including Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Namdev, Sant Eknath, and Sant Tukaram composed thousands of devotional abhangas (sacred poems) in praise of Vitthal. The saint tradition of Varkari Sampradaya is centered entirely around Pandharpur.
Temple Timings
Pandharpur Vitthal Temple is open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily. The morning Kakad Aarti is at 5:00 AM and evening Shej Aarti is at 10:30 PM. Ekadashi (11th day of lunar fortnight) is the most sacred day for Varkaris and the temple gets extremely crowded. Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi are the two biggest pilgrimage days.
Wari - The Sacred Pilgrimage
Wari is the annual pilgrimage of the Varkari devotees to Pandharpur. The most important Waris are the Ashadhi Wari (Ashadha Ekadashi - June/July) and the Kartiki Wari (Kartik Ekadashi - October/November). Lakhs of Varkaris walk on foot for days or weeks carrying the palanquin (palkhi) of their sant guru to Pandharpur, singing abhangas and shouting Vitthal Vitthal throughout the journey. The Ashadhi Wari is one of the largest religious processions in the world.
How to Reach Pandharpur from Mumbai
Pandharpur is approximately 480 km from Mumbai. By road via the Solapur Highway, the journey takes about 8 to 9 hours. By train, take a train from Mumbai CST or Dadar to Pandharpur railway station which has direct connectivity. State Transport buses also run from Mumbai and Pune to Pandharpur regularly.
Flowers for Vitthal Pooja
Lord Vitthal is worshipped with fresh flowers, especially tulsi (holy basil) which is considered his most beloved offering. Traditional flower offerings at Pandharpur include:
- Tulsi (Holy Basil) - the most sacred offering for Vitthal
- Yellow marigold garlands
- Fresh lotus flowers
- Jasmine mogra strings
- Rose garlands
- Mixed flower arrangements
- Parijat (Night Jasmine) flowers
Mumbai Florist Hub provides fresh Vitthal pooja flowers including tulsi, marigold garlands, mogra strings, lotus flowers, and complete Wari flower puja sets for delivery across Mumbai. For your daily Vitthal puja at home, subscribe to our weekly flower delivery plan and get fresh flowers delivered before 7 AM every morning.
Sant Tukaram and Pandharpur
Sant Tukaram (1608-1650) is perhaps the most beloved of all Varkari saints and his abhangas are sung to this day during the Wari. He was a devotee of Lord Vitthal from Dehu near Pune. His spiritual journey to Pandharpur and his unwavering devotion to Vitthal is one of the most inspiring stories in Maharashtra's spiritual heritage.
FAQ
How far is Pandharpur from Mumbai? Pandharpur is approximately 480 km from Mumbai and takes about 8 to 9 hours by road.
What is Ashadhi Ekadashi? Ashadhi Ekadashi is the most important pilgrimage day at Pandharpur, falling on the 11th day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha month (June-July). Lakhs of Varkari devotees walk on foot for days to reach Pandharpur for this day.
Can I visit Pandharpur without joining the Wari? Yes, you can visit Pandharpur at any time. The temple is open daily and individual visitors are welcome throughout the year.
Pandharpur is not just a temple - it is the soul of Maharashtra's bhakti tradition, a living testament to the power of devotion, equality, and love for God. Every Mumbaikar should visit Pandharpur at least once to experience the divine energy of Vitthal. Mumbai Florist Hub is your floral partner for all your daily puja needs, bringing fresh flowers to your doorstep every morning across Mumbai.
