Vishnupad Temple - History, Timings & Entry Fee

Pilgrimage

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Pandharpur): 3.5 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 30 Mins - 1 Hr

Transportation Options: Cab / Auto

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 2 km from Vitthal Rukhmini Mandir, and 3.5 km from Pandharpur Railway Station, the Vishnupad Temple is Hindu temple situated at Gopalpur near Pandharpur. It is one of the sacred places to visit in Pandharpur.

The Vishnupad Temple is situated on the shore of the River Chandrabhaga in Pandharpur. The state of the sanctum is in type of an enormous open lobby, and is supported by sixteen pillars, which are intricate and display the images of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna in several postures. As per the locals, this place is Lord Krishna's eternal place of lunch pastime.

As the name suggests, the temple houses lotus footprints of Lord Krishna and hoof-prints of the cows and calves who came with him. These footprints are considered auspicious and are worshipped by the pilgrims. People who are unable to visit the namesake temple in Gaya can visit this temple as it is considered as sacred as the one in Bihar.

As Vishnupad Temple is located in the middle of the river, the footsteps get partially submerged in water, when the water level rises during the monsoon. Sometimes, the whole temple is under water during heavy rains. A ramp connects the river bank to the temple. There is also a small temple dedicated to Narada Muni near Vishnupad Temple which is said to indicate the desire of Narada Muni to witness the lila of Lord Krishna.

On the first day of the month of Margashirsha, Lord Vitthala's sandals are taken to this temple. On the last day of the same month, Lord Vitthala's chariot is brought to the temple in a grand procession.

Timings: 6 AM - 7 PM

Entry: Free