India /Maharashtra /Solapur /Pandharpur

A devout centre on the banks of River Bhima, Pandharpur in the state of Maharashtra boasts of a rare combination of tradition and history. Famed as the religious capital of Maharashtra state, this quiet town speaks about the grace of a benevolent God, who descended down to earth to be with his ardent devotee. This quaint little habitat is all set to allure the devotees with the legendary story of Lord Vitthal and his beloved devotee Pundalik. The popular belief is that the God had visited this place to see Pundalik and he had to wait outside Pundalik’s residence for quiet sometime since the latter was busy serving his aged parents. Later Pundalik came before the lord and seek his pardon. Pleased by his devotion towards his parents the lord decided to stay with Pundalik forever and ever since the lord stays there in the village. A bevy of lovely shrines that conjure up exquisite devoutness and sculptural grandeur are the foremost lures in this sleepy town. Pathanpur protects its long history and tradition through these pretty places of worship and legendary stories. What to do in this holy abode of Lord Vitthal is a redundant query, since Panthapur offers enormous pastimes to the devotees and the casual visitors alike. The devotee would be well pleased with the saintly ambiance of the holy shrines, while the casual visitors can enjoy the scenic environ of riverside. The riverbed proffers a nice setting for boating. As the most sought after destination of vaishnavite traditions, the devotees usually indulge in the longest Parikrama namely Alandi-Pandharpur Yatra.

Quick Facts-Edit

Category : Pilgrim

Time Zone: 5 Hours UTC

Pincode: 413304

STD Code: 21862

Info Website: maharashtratourism.gov.in

Best Time to Visit:  Oct – Mar

HistoryEdit

Pandharpur is a pilgrimage city on the banks of Bhimā river in Solāpur district, Maharashtra, India. Pandharpur is situated on the 1711 north axis and the 7511 east longitude in Solapur District. The Vithoba temple attracts about a million Hindu pilgrims during the major yātrā (pilgrimage) in the month of Ashadh (June–July).Pandharpur is full of temples. One of the most famous is the temple of Takpitya Vithoba (Vithoba who drinks buttermilk). Legend relates this deity to a simple woman devotee of yore. If for some reason she could not go to the main temple for darshan, she would offer a mixture of buttermilk (tak) and ground lahi (parched jowar, wheat, or paddy) as the naivedya (food offering) to Vitthala at her own home. And the deity, attracted by her ardent and pure devotion, would come to her house and relish the food.

Places to VisitAdd

How to ReachEdit

By Air : Nearest airport to Pandharpur is at Pune, at a distance of 204 km away. Taxi cabs are available from Pune to Pandharpur at a fare of Rs 2500. Pune is well connected by flights to the major cities in India.

By Train : Nearest railway station to Pandharpur is at Kurduwadi, at a distance of 52 km away. The major railhead nearby is Solapur, at a distance of 74 km away. Taxi cars are available on hire from Solapur to Pandharpur. Taxi charge is about Rs 1,000.

By BUS : State owned transport buses ply between Pandharpur and the nearest cities. The city is connected to Pune (204 km), Mumbai (386 km) and Solapur (74 km) by buses.

By Taxi : State owned transport buses ply between Pandharpur and the nearest cities. The city is connected to Pune (204 km), Mumbai (386 km) and Solapur (74 km) by buses.

By Other : N.A

Top HotelsAdd

Economy – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

Bhakta Niwas ; Bhakti Marg, Pandharpur, MH 413304 ; Ph – N.A ; Facilities – Room Service

Deluxe – Up to Rs. 801 to Rs. 1200

Hotel Laxmi Palace ; Opp K.B.P College, State Highway 74, Pandharpur, MH 413304 ; Ph – 02186 225 718 ; Facilities – Room Service

Luxury – Rs. 2501 and above

Hotel Aishwarya ; 4529/6,Savarkar Path, Pandharpur, MH 413304 ; Ph – 02186 224 450 ; Facilities – Room Service

Top RestaurantsAdd

• Hotel Laxmi Palace ;  Opp K.B.P College State Highway 74, Pandharpur. ; M –  02186 225 718 ; Food Serve :  Indian
• Shree Annapurna Cold Drinks ;  Korti, Pandharpur, Maharashtra 413304 ; M –  098 22 258082 ; Food Serve :  Indian

Must Eat FoodAdd

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SpaAdd

FestivalAdd

Pandharpur Yatra ; Venue:  Pandharpur ; Period :  Twice in a year. June-July and November ; Details:  June-July is attractive with a major festival of Yatra in Pandharpur.The most important dates for Pandharpur pilgrimage is on Aashadi Ekadashi (June- July) and Kartiki / Kartik Ekadashi (November). During these yatras or pilgrimage people travel from miles together, barefooted, fasting and chanting His holy name until they get a glimpse of the Lord.

Safety / WarningEdit

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HelplineEdit

• Police : 100
• Fire : 101
• Ambulance : 102

ItineraryEdit

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