History:

Shri Vithal Temple - Pandharpur is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Maharashtra. It is one of India’s most important pilgrimage centers for Hindus, and is known as South Kashi (Mahaparvat). The temple was built by a Yadava dynasty King in Pandharpur during 12th century AD, and is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the area. Pandharpur is a place of exceptional beauty and spiritual significance, and the temple itself is considered the ‘Chariot of the Hindu God’. During the annual pilgrimage known as “Varkaris”, devotees of Lord Vithal gather in Pandharpur from all parts of the maharashtra to pay their respect to the Lord. The temple is a living witness to the strong devotion of the devotees to Lord Vithal, as they have been undertaking this pilgrimage for centuries. It is one of the best temple in Maharashtra which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The temple, dedicated to Lord Vithoba (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu), is situated in Pandharpur in Maharashtra. 2. The temple was constructed around 1200 AD and is considered one of the most sacred Hindu temples in India. 3. The temple is one of the four holy shrines in the Chaitya Bhoomi pilgrimage circuit in India. 4. Approximately 5 million devotees visit the temple every year to seek the blessings of Lord Vithoba. 5. The temple complex consists of multiple shrines, including those dedicated to Lord Vithoba's consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama. 6. An annual pilgrimage called 'Varkari Yatra' or 'Pandharpur Yatra', is organised every year in which millions of devotees walk barefoot from Alandi, Dehu, and nearby cities and towns to reach the temple and take part in various rituals. 7. The temple is renowned for its several intricate carvings on stones depicting various episodes from Lord Vithoba's life. 8. The temple also organises feast days and other social functions like birth anniversaries, marriage ceremonies and Aarti (prayer). Here are some facts about the Maharashtra temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Maharashtra

Worship Method:

The primary worship method practiced at Shri Vithal Temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra is Panchopachara Puja, which is an ancient Hindu ritual of worshipping the divine through a series of five offerings. This puja begins by lighting a lamp and presenting a coconut and five petals of a lotus flower as an offering to the divine. It follows with various offerings of flowers, perfumes, incense, and food items such as ghee, bananas, and honey. The worshipper will then recite mantras in order to express their devotion and seek blessings from the divine. Lastly, the worshipper will take part in Aarti, which is the act of extinguishing the lamp and making offering of tulsi (holy basil) leaves. This most visited temple in Maharashtra

Opening Timing:

Shri Vithal Temple is open from 5:30 am to 8:30 pm daily. top temples in Maharashtra

How to reach:

The Shri Vithal Temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, can be reached by road, train, or air. By Road: Pandharpur is well-connected by road from major cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Sholapur. You can take a bus or hire a cab to reach the Temple. By Train: Pandharpur has its own railway station located in the city. You can take a direct train to Pandharpur from Mumbai, Pune, Sholapur, and other major cities in Maharashtra. By Air: The nearest airport to Pandharpur is Pune, which is about 100 km away. You can take a cab or bus to Pandharpur after reaching the airport. famous temples in Maharashtra