Sri Gopalkrishna Temple, Pandharpur - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Sri Gopalkrishna Temple

At a distance of 2.5 Km from Vitthal Rukhmini Mandir, and 3.5 Km from Pandharpur Railway Station, Sri Gopalkrishna Mandir is another prominent Hindu temple located at Gopalpur near the holy town of Pandharpur, Maharashtra. Perched atop the Govardhan Parvat, Sri Gopalkrishna Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is one of the best places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and among the most sacred places to visit near Kolhapur. A Pandharpur tour is said to be incomplete if they have not stopped by this temple.

History & Mythology of Sri Gopalkrishna Temple

Gopalpur and Pandharpur are intertwined in the Lila of Lord Vitthal. According to Padma Purana, once Rukmini Devi left Dwaraka after she thought that Lord Krishna was showing greater affection for Radharani. Lord Krishna, along with cows and his Gopa friends, followed her to the Dindiravana forest on the banks of the sacred river Bhima. On reaching Gopalpur Hill, they stayed there grazing the cows while Lord Krishna went further to appease Rukmini Devi. Since then Gopalpur Hill has become very sacred like Govardhana Hill in Vraja Bhumi. This past time is commemorated even these days at nearby Vishnupad, where Lord Krishna's footprints square measure embedded on a stone block alongside the hoof prints of cow.

Architecture of Sri Gopalkrishna Temple

The temple is reminiscent of a fortress and features underground chambers. Within the temple grounds, there is a kitchen and a grinding area, both thought to have been utilized by Lord Krishna. Renowned for its exquisite idols and tranquil ambiance, this temple ranks among the premier tourist destinations in Pandharpur. Many visitors arrive to receive blessings and engage in the daily ceremonies. The temple serves as a symbol of the profound devotion present in the town, solidifying its status as one of the leading attractions in the area.

Festivals of Sri Gopalkrishna Temple

The Sri Gopalkrishna Temple located in Gopalpur hosts a variety of festivals, with the Aashadhi Ekadashi Yatra in June/July being the most prominent. The Palkhi Yatra of the saint who came for the Ashadhi Yatra of Sri Vitthal Rukhmini Temple ends at Gopalpur on the full moon day. During the ceremony, the temple sees a huge crowd. These magnificent celebrations turn the town into a spiritual haven. Other significant festivals celebrated include Janmashtami, Diwali, as well as Holi in March.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Sri Gopalkrishna Temple

Although the Sri Gopalkrishna Temple does not enforce a strict dress code, it is advisable to wear modest attire that covers the upper arms and legs as a mark of respect. Men are encouraged to don a dhoti or pajama along with an upper garment, or alternatively, formal trousers and shirts. Women may choose to wear a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is recommended to avoid modern clothing such as mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops while visiting the temple.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Sri Gopalkrishna Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 5 PM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 5 PM - 9 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 5 PM - 9 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 5 PM - 9 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 5 PM - 9 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 5 PM - 9 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 12 PM & 5 PM - 9 PM

Sri Gopalkrishna Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Sri Gopalkrishna Temple

The best time to visit Sri Gopalkrishna Temple in Gopalpur near Pandharpur is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and suitable for temple visits. For those seeking to witness the temple at its most spiritually vibrant, it is recommended to schedule your visit during Ashadhi Ekadashi in June/July and Holi in March, when thousands of Warkaris arrive, singing bhajans and dancing in devotion, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Although the monsoon season from June to September transforms the surrounding landscape into a verdant paradise, the intense rainfall may pose some travel difficulties. Conversely, it is best to refrain from visiting during the summer months due to the extreme heat.

How to Reach Sri Gopalkrishna Temple

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. The town has a well-developed road network, with regular MSRTC buses operating from Mumbai, Pune, Solapur, and Kolhapur. One can reach the temple by bus, or by hiring an auto-rickshaw to reach the temple from Pandharpur.