Deepavali 2024!

Pilgrimage to the sacred Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple, Pandharpur

 

Pandharpur is a significant and popular pilgrimage town on the banks of the Chandrabhaga/Bhima River. It is 75 km from Solapur city in Maharashtra State.

The Vitthal Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur holds a revered place in Hindu culture, being the primary pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Vitthal an incarnation of Lord Krishna, and his consort, Rukmini Devi. Nestled along the Chandrabhaga River, the temple serves as a spiritual haven and a vibrant cultural hub that has drawn millions of pilgrims for centuries.

We had the fortune of visiting the Vitthal Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur recently for two days on 7th and 8th October 2024. We feel blessed and are extremely happy to have had darshan of Lord Vitthal/Vitthala/Vitobha/Panduranga and Rukmini Devi on both the days. And especially on 8th October morning we performed Tulsi Archana Pooja and got the awesome opportunity of being with the sacred idols for some time and experiencing Pada Sparsha Darshan, that is touching the feet of Lord Vitthal and Rukmini Devi and praying at their feet.

We visited other temples in Pandharpur and Ashrams of various saints associated with Pandharpur, Tulsi Vrindavan and Vishnupad in the Chandrabhaga River. And as we were staying at the ISKCON Guest House, on the left bank of the Chandrabhaga River we got to visit the ISKCON Shri Radhapandharinath Temple and the River a number of times. The attached pictures are of us at Pandharpur. You may read more about the temple after the pictures below, and you may see some more pictures at the end of this article.

The Vitthal Rukmini Temple is more than a place of worship; it is a living testament to centuries of faith, love, and the pursuit of spiritual ideals. A visit here is not just about seeking blessings but about embracing a legacy of devotion and unity that has withstood time. For devotees and travellers alike, Pandharpur is a journey to the divine, steeped in history, culture, and the unending love between Lord Vitthal/Lord Krishna and his devotees.

The Vitthal Rukmini Temple’s origins are believed to date back to the 12th or 13th century, with connections to ancient dynasties and the medieval Bhakti movement. The temple’s primary deity, Vitthal, is an incarnation of Lord Krishna, depicted with his hands on his hips, standing on a brick. This unique posture and iconography symbolize patience and readiness to assist his devotees, and the stories behind this image are deeply woven into the folklore of Maharashtra and neighbouring States.

The most famous legend associated with the temple is that of Pundalik, a devoted son who was so committed to caring for his parents that he called upon Lord Krishna to appear before him but asked the deity to wait on a brick until he could attend to him properly after taking care of his parents. Moved by Pundalik’s devotion, Krishna appeared in the form of Vitthal, a God who would be accessible and willing to wait for his devotees. This event is commemorated by the temple, making it not only a place of worship but also a monument to the virtue of devotion and service.

The temple complex is not only significant to the Warkari devotee sect but also to the larger Bhakti movement, which has shaped devotional practices across India. Saints like Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Eknath, and Tukaram are deeply associated with Pandharpur, as their devotional poetry and abhangas (devotional songs) have celebrated Vitthal and the ideals of devotion and equality.

The temple architecture is a beautiful blend of Hemadpanthi style, with its stone columns and intricate carvings, combined with later additions made during the Maratha rule. As visitors enter, they are greeted by the towering Shikhara (temple spire) and the elaborate carvings of the primary temple structure, adorned with figures and motifs of Hindu deities.

One of the temple’s most celebrated events is the Wari Yatra, an annual pilgrimage that culminates at the Vitthal Rukmini Temple. Devotees, known as Warkaris, walk hundreds of kilometres from across Maharashtra, chanting devotional songs in praise of Vitthal. The pilgrimage, which peaks during the Ashada Ekadashi festival, is not just a journey; it’s a display of devotion, unity, and faith.

On Ashada Ekadashi, the temple and town come alive with millions of pilgrims. The festival, marking the onset of monsoon, includes rituals, cultural events, and kirtanas (devotional singing sessions). For the Warkaris, this is a profound spiritual experience, one that strengthens their connection to Vitthal and the values of humility, simplicity, and service.

A special experience is attending the Kakad Aarti, the temple’s early morning prayer, where the idol of Vitthal is adorned and worshipped amidst vibrant chanting and music.

Pilgrims perform ablutions in this river before entering the temple, considering it auspicious. Its crescent shape adds a serene atmosphere to the ritual and is considered purifying.

The temple complex also houses memorials and symbolic padukas (footwear) of saints like Dnyaneshwar and Tukaram, which highlight the temple's importance in the Bhakti tradition.

I wonder why it took us so long to visit Pandharpur when it is just 380 km from our house!

An Ode to Enchanting Mehndi!

Oh, Mehndi, art of ancient lore,

You grace the skin and so much more.

With every stroke, a tale unfolds,

In patterns rich, in secrets bold.

Your earthy scent, so warm and pure,

Brings joy that lingers, sweet and sure.

A language silent, yet so clear,

That speaks of love we hold so dear.

On bridal hands or festive night,

You bloom like stars in soft moonlight.

A symbol of the heart’s delight,

Of bonds that hold, forever bright.

Your hues of amber, deep as dusk,

Are whispers woven into trust.

In every line, in every swirl,

A masterpiece begins to unfurl.

Oh, Mehndi, how we cherish thee,

A timeless song of artistry.

With grace you trace the soul’s design,

A celebration, pure and divine.