Vithoba Temple, Pandharpur

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Sight Address : Vithoba Temple, SH76, Bhosale Nagar, Pandharpur, Maharashtra 413304. Edit

Detail InformationEdit

Pandharpur is an important pilgrimage city on the Bhima river in Solapur district. The Vithoba temple attracts about half a million Hindu pilgrims during the major yatra (pilgrimage) in the month of Ashadh (June-July). The Pandharpur temple covers a large area, and has six gates. The eastern gate is known as the “Namdev Gate”. Pandharpur is located in a place, which is 65 km away from Sholapur on the banks of river Bhimarathi. This place is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra. Pandharpur preserves Lord Vithoba’s image in a grand temple. Vithoba is a form of Krishna. The name Vithoba means Father Vitthala. Vitthala is said to have been derived from the word Vishnu in Kannada.

Vithoba Temple, Pandharpur

HistoryEdit

The worship of Vishnu – Vitthala at Pandharpur is derived mainly from the puranas and has been augmented by the contribution of the great Vaishnava saints of Maharashtra from the 13th to 17th centuries (Namdev, Jnaneshwar, Eknath, Tukaram). The temple with its vast area has a total of six gates. The eastern entrance to this temple is known as the Namdev gate. The sanctum enshrines a standing image of Vithoba also known as Panduranga, Pandhari or Vitthala. The image dates back to the 5th century. There are inscriptions in this temple dating back to the 13th century. Namdev, the 13th century saint was closely associated with this temple. Copper plate inscriptions of the Rashtrakootas place this shrine in the 6th century. There is also a shrine to Pundalik at Pandharpur.

Must SeeEdit

Must See

Visiting TimeEdit

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Closed OnEdit

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Best Season to VisitEdit

July to February.

Best Time To VisitEdit

Morning, Afternoon, Evening.

Time Required for SightseeingEdit

1-2 Hours

Ticket Required : No Edit

Individual National Adult Rs. : N.A.

Kids Rs. : N.A.

Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : N.A.

Kids Rs. : N.A.

Still Photo Camera Rs. : N.A.

Video Camera Rs. : N.A.

Guide Required : No Edit

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Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit

Dress Require: N.A.

Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit

How to ReachEdit

Taxi : N.A.

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.

Train : Nearest railway station to Pandharpur is at Kurduwadi, at 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.

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.

Others : Autorickshaws is also available here to reach the sight.

Things to CarryEdit

Carry Camera & Plenty of Drinking Water.

Safety / WarningEdit

You should be extra cautious while parking vehicles. Traffic Police are very strict in the city. You need to have PUC for your vehicles or else you will be Rs 50 short each time you cross the signals.