History:

is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vitthal (a form of Lord Vishnu) in the town of Pandharpur, Maharashtra. The temple is believed to be over 700 years old and is an important pilgrimage centre for devotees of Vitthal, particularly the Varkari sect of Hinduism. There are two shrines inside the temple, one for Vitthal and the other for his consort, Rakhumai. Every year, thousands of devotees undertake a pilgrimage, known as Varkari Yatra, to Pandharpur to pay their respects to Vitthal at the temple. It is one of the best temple in Maharashtra which you must visit.

Facts:

1. The Vitthal temple is located in the town of Pandharpur, located in the south-western region of Maharashtra. 2. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Vitthal, or Vitthala, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. 3. The temple is one of the four holy places of pilgrimage located along the banks of the Bhima River, and is a popular destination for devotees from all over India. 4. The temple is said to have been built by the Yadava kings in the 13th century, but it gained in popularity during the Bhakti movement of the 15th century. 5. The temple complex is spread across five acres and consists of numerous temples dedicated to various gods, as well as shrines dedicated to various saints. 6. Every year, thousands of devotees from all over India converge on the temple for the Vitthal Rakhumai Utsav, a four-day festival celebrated in the month of Shravan. 7. The main temple is a 37-foot-high structure, with a beautiful idol of Vitthal located within. 8. It is surrounded by six smaller temples and is covered with intricate stone carvings. 9. The temple is visited by Hindus from all over India throughout the year, and it also has a significant presence among the followers of the Warkari sect. 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 worship services at the Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra follows the methods prescribed by the Shri Vitthal Sampradaya. This follows the Vaishnavite traditions. The shrine abides by the standard rituals of worship: 1. Devotion to the Lord: Worshippers express their devotion to Lord Vitthala through prayers and mantras. 2. Arati and Bhajans: Traditional arati with lamps and singing bhajans is performed by devotees. 3. Abhisheka: The Lord is bathed and adorned with fresh flowers, perfumes, food, and fruits. 4. Naivedya: Prasadam (sacred food offerings) such as satyanarayana pooja and panchamrut are offered to Lord Vitthala. 5. Darshan and Anumodana: Devotees seek blessings from the Lord by offering prayers and darshans. 6. Aarti: The daily aarti is performed between 4am to 7am. This most visited temple in Maharashtra

Opening Timing:

The Vitthal temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, usually opens its doors to devotees at 5:00 AM and closes at 10:30 PM. top temples in Maharashtra

How to reach:

By Train The closest railway station to the Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra is Pandharpur Railway Station. It is located at a distance of 1 km from the temple. It is connected to major cities in the state by regular trains. By Road Pandharpur is well connected by a network of roads to major cities and towns in Maharashtra. The nearest bus stop is Pandharpur Bus Stand, at a distance of 1 km from the temple. By Air The closest airport to the Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur, Maharashtra is Solapur Airport, at a distance of 92 km from the temple. The airport is well connected to other major cities of India. famous temples in Maharashtra