Vithoba Mandir Pandharpur

The Vithoba Mandir or the God of Pandharpur is worshipped and lovingly called by his devotees with many names, like Pandharinath, Pandurang, Pandhariraya, Vithai, Parabrahma, Vithumauli, Vitthal gururao, Pandurang, Hari, etc.

However, this God is well-known as Pandurang and Shri Vitthal. Many historians and researchers tried to find out the etymological origin of the word “Vitthal”. Some scholars believe that it is a contorted form of the original word Vishnu.

Vithoba Mandir History:

The Great Saint poet Tukaram defines the word Vithoba in one of his abhangas that stands for ‘Knowledge’ and Thoba Stands for ‘form’ Thus Vithoba stands for the ‘form of ultimate Knowledge’ or ‘idol of ultimate Knowledge’.

It is also believed that Vi stands for bird Eagle and Thoba Stands for sitting place, thus Vithoba stands for the ‘God who sits on Eagle’. Vithoba Mandir in Pandharpur is God Vishnu, standing on a brick and resting his arms on his west.

It is believed that Shri Krishna, Shri Vishnu, and Shri Vithoba are all different names and forms of the one and the same God. Shri Krishna is known as the incarnation of Shri Vishnu which took place on Wednesday (Shravan Vadya Ashtami) at the end of Dwaparyuga. Vithoba is Shri Krishna only. Wednesday is known as the day of Vithoba. So devotees (varkari) of Vithoba never leave Pandharpur on Wednesday even now.

Vithoba Mandir Timings

4:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Vithoba Mandir Pooja Timings

Kakada Aarti – 4.30am to 5.00am.
Nitya Pooja (Regular Pooja) – 5.00 am to 6.00 am
Mahapuja by devotees – 7.00 am. to 8.00.am.
Maha Naivedya – 11.00 am. to 11.15 am.
Pshakh (dressing) – 4.30am to 5.00 pm
Dhoop Aarati – 7.00am to 7.30 pm.
Padya pooja – 10.00am to 10.30 pm.
Shejarati – 11.00 pm.

Vithoba Temple Festivals

Yatra in the months of June-July is the major festival.

Aashadi Ekadashi (June- July) and Kartiki / Kartik Ekadashi (November).

Navaratri and Diwali in the months of October – November is very attractive.

February – March is colorful with the festivities of Holi.

During these yatras or pilgrimage, people travel from miles together, barefooted, fasting and chanting. His holy name until they get a glimpse of the Lord.