Pandharpur: Explore Famous Pilgrimage Spot In Maharashtra!

Pandharpur is the great holy place of Shri Rukmini and Shri Vitthal. It is also better known as the Southern Kashi of India and the Kuldaivat of Maharashtra State. It is a popular pilgrimage center located on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River in the Solapur district in Maharashtra.

In addition, Kartiki Ekadashi and Aashadhi are the most festive period that starts in September and last till the end of October. 

There are 2 separate gorgeously sculpted temples for the Lord and his Ensemble Goddess Rakhumaithere. Vithoba Temple is the key temple, located in the central part of the town. In addition, a great number of followers from all over Maharashtra and surrounding States collect at Pandharpur majorly to relish the Aashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashis each year in addition to the frequent rush of supporters every day.

The different daily rituals such as Mahapooja, Kakda Aarati, Poshakh, Mahanaivedhya, Padyapooja, Shejarti, and several others function in the key temple of Lord Vitthal. The following are the beautiful temples inside the major temple as one enters from Namdev Payari and comes out of Pachhim Dwar of the beautiful Temple. 

Yogiraj Tukarambaba Khedlekar Ashram

Nearly 5 km away from Pandharpur, In the Ashram, there is the tallest idol of Vitthal. The staying amenities are very nice at this location. This is one of the best places to visit in Pandharpur.

You can visit the Ashram if you want a calm location to spend your time. The statue of Vitthal is majestic and carries a good meditation background. 

Wakhari

From the Pandharpur, Wakhari is 7 km. Ashadhi Ekadashi is the supreme festival in Pandharpur and all the saints visit Lord Vitthal on that particular day.

One day earlier, they all came from dissimilar locations to Wakhari by walking & stay in Wakhari. It is a very spiritual location around the state. 

Iskcon Temple Pandharpur

This beautiful temple is on the opposite side of the Chandrabhaga River as associated with the major Vitthal temple. It is less jam-packed and has got a lot of areas. There are a flower and vegetable farm by the side of the temple and vegetables are optimized for the Prasad of locals and flowers for making garlands for the divinities.

There is a Goshala and there are Indian cows and the milk is optimized for making sweets which are sold in the numerous restaurants run by Iskcon. 

This beautiful temple is very much peaceful and big. The divinities are attractive and residents Prabhujis and Matajis take good care of the beautiful temple and keep it very much clean. After this astonishing temple, you can visit the main Vithoba Temple on the opposite bank. 

Khardi

From the Pandharpur, Khardi is nearly 18 km away and Khardi is popular owing to the immolation of Saint Shree Seetaram Maharaj.

This is a holy place with a number of religious, holy locations and beautiful temples. Supporters visit Pandharpur every year to seek Lord Vitthal’s Blessings. 

Pundalik Temple

Pundalik Temple is one of the popular tourist attractions. This astonishing tourist destination is situated on the majestic banks of River Chandrabagha.

The Pundalik temple is dedicated to Lord Vitthal. This major shrine is a 5-story property that has a pagoda spire.  

Vishnupad Temple

This gorgeous temple is located at the center of the Chandrabhaga River. The beautiful temple is wholly made up of stones and supported by 16 robust pillars. To travelers, the major attraction in the temple is the footprints of Lord Krishna.

Since during the rainy season, this beautiful temple remains underwater, winters and summer are the best periods to visit the Vishnupad Temple. 

Nannaj Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary

At Solapur, the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary for the great Indian Bustard. This sanctuary is popular for the rare bird great Indian Bustard, also better known as Maldhok. 

Best Time To Visit Pandharpur 

In Maharashtra, considering the harsh summers, with an average temperature going up to 42 degrees Celsius, the best time to visit Pandharpur is from July to February at the onset of monsoons and the winter period.

From July to September is the onset of Monsoons, the temperature drops to 23 degrees with enjoyable weather and the months from December to February are perfect for festivities and sightseeing. 

How To Reach Pandharpur? 

By Road: With the major cities in Maharashtra, Pandharpur is well-linked by road and state transport corporation buses are frequently accessible. Pune is at a distance of nearly 204 km while Mumbai is at a distance of 386 km. Solapur is nearly 74 km from Pandharpur and direct transport from this to Pandharpur is also accessible. 

By Train: Kurdwadi at a distance of 50 km from Pandharpur is the closest railway station and linked Pandharpur with the rest of the country by rail. Kurdwadi Pandharpur can be conveniently reached both by road and by train as it also has a very trivial railway station.

Solapur, at a distance of 74 km is the closest foremost railhead, and trains from cities such as Chennai, Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune are frequently accessible. From both Solapur and Kurdwadi state transport buses and private taxis are easily accessible.

It takes nearly 4 hrs to reach Pandharpur from Pune while the period required from Mumbai, and Bangalore are nearly 9 hrs, 12 hrs, and 14 hrs correspondingly.

By Air: Pune at a distance of 204 km is the closest domestic airport to Pandharpur. Pune is well linked by air with most foremost cities around the country.

Taxi cabs from Pune airport to Pandharpur are frequently accessible as well as state transport corporation buses. From Pune, visitors can also arrive at Pandharpur by train via Solapur or Kurdwadi from where Pandharpur is nearly 74km and 50km away correspondingly.

Conclusion 

Several wondrous locations, these locations present the divine as well as the non-divine side of Pandharpur. Greeted as the finest pilgrimage sight, Pandharpur is also a region of life-threatening beauty due to its position. 

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