PANDHARPUR | TEMPLE & TOURIST PLACES TO VISIT IN PANDHARPUR
Pilgrimage
About Pandharpur
Country: India | State: Maharashtra
#23 of 24 Places to visit in Maharashtra
Ideal Trip Duration: Full Day
Nearest City to Pandharpur: Solapur (77 Kms)
Best Time to Visit Pandharpur: October to March
Peak Season: December to February
At a distance of 34 km from Sangola, 77 km from Solapur, 181 km from Kolhapur, 199 km from Gulbarga, 209 km from Pune, 272 km from Bidar, 251 km from Pune, 365 km from Mumbai, and 379 km from Hyderabad, Pandharpur is a temple town located on the banks of Chandrabhaga River near Solapur city in Maharashtra, India. It is one of the popular places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and among the top places to visit near Pune.
Pandharpur is one of eleven tehsils in the Solapur District. Renowned for its deep-rooted religious heritage and enchanting spiritual aura, Pandharpur is considered to be the spiritual capital of Maharashtra and revered as the Southern Kashi of India. The Vitthal Rukmani Temple is the centerpiece of Pandharpur's spiritual landscape. Dedicated to Lord Vitthal, a form of Lord Krishna, the temple attracts countless devotees from far and wide to seek blessings and immerse themselves in devotion.
The ancient town of Pandharpur has a rich historical background that dates back to ancient times, with references found in various scriptures and literary works. The oldest mention of Pandharpur is from 516 CE from a Rashtrakuta-era copper plate inscription. Yadava Kings in the 11th and 12th centuries gave numerous donations to the Vitthal temple, as evident from the inscriptions. During the era of Adilshahi, most of the town was destroyed by Afzal Khan to hurt the religious sentiment of Shivaji Maharaj. In the second half of the 18th century, the temple and town were rebuilt under the Peshwas of Pune, Scindia of Gwalior, and Holkar of Indore.
According to legend, this is the place where the revered sage Pundalik attained spiritual enlightenment. Over time, Pandharpur gained eminence as a sacred abode of Lord Vitthal and became a focal point for devotees seeking solace and divine blessings. Pandharpur's historical significance is further enhanced by the influence of the Bhakti movement, a cultural and spiritual renaissance that flourished during the medieval period.
The sacred town of Pandharpur boasts magnificent temples and shrines. The Vitthal Rukmani Temple stands as the primary place of worship, attracting millions of devotees every year. The exquisite craft skills and intricate carving of the temple offer a glimpse into the artistic prowess of the bygone era. Besides, the Kaikadi Maharaj Math, Pundalik Temple, Shri Gopalkrishna Temple, Vishnupad Temple, and ISKCON Pandharpur are the other prominent places to visit in Pandharpur as part of Pandharpur tour packages.
Being a popular pilgrimage destination, Pandharpur is well known for its annual festivals. The annual Pandharpur Yatra, also known as the Ashadi Ekadashi, witnesses a colossal gathering of devotees. Many people go on foot and in groups from all parts of the state. Besides, Kartiki, Magh, and Chaitra Ekadashis are the other major festivals celebrated with great pomp and fervor. Pandharpur caters to all its visitors' needs by offering a range of lodging options. From budget-friendly guesthouses to blissful hotels, pilgrims can discover the ideal region to remain and immerse themselves in the religious surroundings of the city.
About 209 km from Pandharpur, Pune Airport is the nearest international airport, which has direct flights from almost all the cities in India. From the airport, tourists can take a bus or taxi to reach Pandharpur. Pandharpur is well-connected by train with Solapur, Sangli, Bangalore, Kolhapur, and Mysore. The best option is near Solapur junction (77 km), which possesses great connectivity to both north and south India. Pandharpur has good road connectivity with the rest of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana.
The best time to visit Pandharpur is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing and temple visits. Summers are hot and humid, and the monsoon season which is followed by heavy rainfall and waterlogging in Pandharpur. So, better to avoid visiting Pandharpur during these months.
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