Vithoba Temple
About Vithoba Temple
Officially known as Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir, this sacred Hindu temple stands on the banks of the Chandrabhaga river in Pandharpur and serves as the primary worship center for Vithoba, an incarnation of Vishnu, and his consort Rukmini. Constructed by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire following the counsel of the historical figure Pundalik, the temple bears historical inscriptions including one from 1237 CE by Hoysala King Vira Someshwara granting village lands for its maintenance. Recognized as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram in the Vaishnava tradition, it attracts millions of devotees annually, particularly during the Ashadi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi festivals when the Warkaris undertake processions called Dindi. Devotees believe that bathing in the holy Chandrabhaga river purifies sins, and the temple permits all worshippers to touch the deity's feet—a practice reflecting its inclusive spiritual philosophy.
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