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Maharashtra Pundalik Temple At Pandharpur
This is a Vishnu temple and the form here is called Vithoba meaning standing on a brick. This temple is where Lord Vishnu waited patiently until his Bhakt attended to his parents and came back to offer services to him. There are pilgrims who start walking from their places to this temple and they plan to reach by the Maha Ekadashi day.
History
A sage named Pundalik was very faithful to his parents till the time he got married, once he got married, he started ill-treating his parents. Then he had to take a trip to Kashi with his parents and even on the way he continued to ill-treat them. Then he had a vision where the river Ganges came and told him that he was the biggest sinner in the whole world as he had been torturing his parents.
He realized his mistakes and repented for them and wanted to change over a new leaf. From then on he started serving his parents and once when he was taking care of his parents; Lord Vishnu came to his doorstep. Since Pundalik did not want to be disturbed, he threw a brick for the Lord to stand on and that was the genesis of Vithoba.
Architecture
King Vishnu Vardhan who belonged to Hoysala rulers had built this temple which dates back to the 13th century AD. Since Vithoba stood on a brick thrown by Pundalik, he still seems to be standing in the same pose to this day. There is an Eastern tower which is the most important tower through which most of the pilgrims come in. There is another tower on the western side and this is where the shrine of Vithoba is installed.
How to Reach
By Air
Pune is the nearest airport at a two hundred and four kilometers away. There are a lot of taxis that ply between the airport and the temple and they might charge you close to three thousand rupees for a one way trip.
By Rail
The major railway station closest to Pandharpur is Solapur which is close to seventy four kilometers away. You can hire taxis that could cost you thousand rupees to get to the temple.
Local Transport
There are a lot of trains, buses and taxis that ply from all parts of the state to the temple. Since the temple is revered by most Vishnu followers, there are good transport facilities to the temple.
Important Shrines
Apart from the temple of Vithoba, Namdeva Chi Payari is also an important shrine in the temple. When the famous saint Namdeva was a child, he insisted that the Lord come and eat the food presented by him and Vishnu seeing his deep affection agreed to this. When Vishnu comes before him, Namdeva requests that he be blessed as the first step and that all devotees step on him to see the Lord. His request is granted and that is the story behind Namdeva Chi Payari.
Significance of the Temple
This was the temple where the untouchables who were initially not allowed inside, where let in even during the days prior to independence. The Ekadashi processions taken out by the pilgrims deserve special mention.
Attractions
The temple has the river Chandrabagha and the view of the temple by the riverside is just awesome. Earlier Pundalik found the river to be disturbing the sleep of his parents and ordered it to flow quietly and to this day, the river has been flowing silently.
Timings and other Important Information
The temple is open from the morning till the evening. Saturdays and Thursdays are generally crowded as those are days auspicious to Lord Vishnu. The days of Ekadashi which is the 10th day of the new moon or the full moon is an important day for festivities.
Weather and Time to Visit
The best months to visit is October to December. Other than the time to visit, the Ekadashi days as we have already mentioned is very crowded and there are special pujas that are performed. So, if pilgrims want to take part in that, they can plan their trip accordingly.
Accommodation
There are few motels and guest houses around the temple and the pilgrims can find moderate accommodation there. The pilgrims can use this to refresh themselves.
Tips for Devotees
The message that this temple has is that the parents are more important than God himself. So, every pilgrim who comes here, needs to ensure that his or her parents are taken good care of and are respected.
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