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Known as
“Sourthern Kashi of India”, Pandharpur proudly hosts the “Kuladivat”
of Maharashtra State- Shree Vitthal and Rukmini.
Also known by
the other names, Pandurang or Vithoba it is supposed to be The Supreme
God of The Universe for all the Maharashtrians and an incarnation of
Lord Shiva and Vishnu.
It’s praises
were sung and written by the most auspicious saints of Maharashtra-
Saint Dnyaneshwar, Saint Tukaram, Saint Namdev, Saint Purandardas,
Chikha Mela, Janabai and many others.
In the temple of
Vithoba, “Pad-Sparsha-Darshan” is a special ceremony. Irrespective of
caste any devotee can enter the sanctum sanctorum and can place his/
her head at the feet of Vitthal. The Bhagwat Dharma sect is followed
in Pandharpur, with full spirit.
The river Bhima,
better known as “Chandrabhaga” flows through the city. Large number of
devotees walks from the whole of Maharashtra, to celebrate the
“Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi” twice every year. The
palanquins (Palkhis) of various saints from different locations come
together at Wakhri, 5 kilometers away from Pandharpur.
Although not
religiously very crucial, certain daily rituals do form the routine of
Bhaghwat Dharma, at Pandharpur. These signify the devotedness of the
followers towards it’s deity. These rituals include Kakad Arati (Early
Morning Prayers) , Mahapuja (Mega-Worship), Mahanaivedya (Food
offering), Poshakh (putting the robe) Dhoop Arati, Padya Pooja, etc.
All this is performed in main Vitthal temple. As one enters from
Namdeo-Payri (The Step in memory of Saint Namdeo) and comes out of the
Westward Exit (the Paschim Dwar) one crosses various other temples- as
many as 25, in the same premise.
Ganesh Mandir,
Garud Mandir, Ekmukh Dattatraya Mandir, Satyabhama Mandir, Kanhopatra
Mandir to name a few. |
