Vitthal-Rukmini Temple: Abode of Divine Love
Opening Hours
4:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Subject to change; confirm before visiting)
Best Time To Visit
October to March (Pleasant weather), Ashadhi Ekadashi & Kartiki Ekadashi (For Pilgrimage)
Aarti Timing
Kakada Aarti : 4:30 AM (Approximate)Madhyana Aarti : 12:00 PM (Approximate)
The Vitthal-Rukmini Temple in Pandharpur is dedicated to Lord Vitthal (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) and his consort, Goddess Rukmini. It is one of the most visited temples in Maharashtra and a center of the Varkari sect, known for its devotion to Vitthal.
Expectations for Pilgrims
Experiencing the **Paduka Darshan**, where devotees can touch the feet of the deity.
Participating in the **Aarti** ceremonies, a vibrant expression of devotion.
Observing the **Ashadhi Ekadashi** festival, a major pilgrimage event.
Sacred Prasad: Blessings from Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini
Prasad at the Vitthal-Rukmini Temple often consists of simple, locally sourced items symbolizing purity and devotion. These offerings are distributed to devotees as blessings from the deities.
Prasad / Prasadam :
Note : Prasad is readily available inside the temple complex and from vendors near the temple. Specific offerings can be arranged with temple authorities.
What to Offer: Expressions of Devotion
Devotees visiting the Vitthal-Rukmini Temple can offer various items as expressions of their faith and devotion to the deities.
Devotee's Offerings
Offerings should be made with a pure heart and sincere devotion. Temple priests can guide devotees on the appropriate offerings.
Essential Experiences: Immerse in Pandharpur's Spirituality
Activities:
Circumambulation (Pradakshina)
Sacred Rituals & Pujas: Deepening Your Connection
The Vitthal-Rukmini Temple is a site for various daily rituals and special pujas that deepen the connection between devotees and the divine.
Attending Pujas:
Non Attending Pujas:
Pujas and rituals can be arranged through the temple trust or with the help of priests within the temple complex. Inquire locally for specific arrangements.
Historical Roots & Profound Meaning: Pandharpur's Ancient Legacy
The Vitthal-Rukmini Temple has a rich history spanning several centuries, associated with various dynasties and saints.
Renovations and Expansions:
The temple has undergone several renovations and expansions over the centuries, with contributions from various rulers and devotees.
Ancient Status:
Pandharpur is considered a sacred pilgrimage site and has been a center of religious and cultural significance for centuries.
Significance: A Paramount Spiritual Beacon
The Vitthal-Rukmini Temple is a central spiritual hub in Maharashtra, embodying devotion, equality, and the accessibility of the divine.
Key Aspects:
- Symbol of Bhakti The temple and its traditions represent the essence of bhakti (devotion) and the pursuit of spiritual liberation.
- Social Equality The Varkari movement promotes social equality and inclusion, welcoming devotees from all castes and backgrounds.
- Center of Varkari Sect The temple is the main seat of the Varkari sect. A spiritual lineage who's devotees embark on a spiritual journey to reach the Lord
Opening Hours
Sunday : 4:00 AM – 7:00 PM Monday : 4:00 AM – 7:00 PM Tuesday : 4:00 AM – 7:00 PM Wednesday : 4:00 AM – 7:00 PM Thursday : 4:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday : 4:00 AM – 7:00 PM Saturday : 4:00 AM – 7:00 PM
User Review
Total Reviews : 38885
- Star Rating :
Author Name : Sagar k
Review Time : a month ago
Review : Divine place to visit and have Darshan of Shree Vittala and Rukmini Devi.
If you need to have direct Darshan of the gods and to touch his feet you need to go through a big queue which will be minimum of 1 hr.
Complex where you need to go through it is not well maintained.
If you just want to have mukh Darshan we can go to the temple from right side of it. Easy to finish. - Star Rating :
Author Name : Prathamesh Jangam
Review Time : 3 weeks ago
Review : I recently visited the holy town of Pandharpur and had a deeply spiritual experience at the famous Vithoba temple. The atmosphere was peaceful and filled with devotion. The temple is well-maintained and the darshan process was smooth. Being in such a sacred place, surrounded by the chants and energy of devotees, was truly uplifting. I highly recommend visiting Pandharpur to anyone seeking spiritual connection and peace of mind.. - Star Rating :
Author Name : Ramesh Choudhary
Review Time : 2 months ago
Review : Spiritual & Surreal Experience at Shree Vitthal Rukmini Mandir, Pandharpur
My visit to Shree Vitthal Rukmini Mandir in Pandharpur was a completely unplanned trip that turned out to be deeply spiritual and memorable. A friend called me at the last moment, and I said yes—we boarded a train from Pune around 3:30 AM. The cab that dropped us at the station had a Vitthal idol, which felt like a divine sign.
After a 4-hour journey (train was delayed by 45 mins), we reached Pandharpur and took an auto to the temple area. There are two paths—left takes you to the river, and right to the temple. We chose to visit the temple first. The river near the ghat was not very clean, so a boat guy suggested we head toward the ISKCON temple side, where the water was relatively better. We took a holy dip there—the water level was low, but the experience was peaceful.
The temple visit requires quite a bit of walking, including crossing a long foot overbridge. Be prepared physically. Around 10 AM, darshan halts for an hour, but if you're inside, there's seating available.
We were blessed to get Mukh Darshan, where you can touch Lord Vitthal’s feet—it was a surreal and divine moment. The entire atmosphere was filled with devotion and energy.
Note: The region is hot and humid—carry water and stay hydrated. Mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple premises, so ensure you deposit them before entry.
A truly divine experience that stays with you. Highly recommend! - Star Rating :
Author Name : Chetan Nichal
Review Time : a week ago
Review : Most popular aesthetic pilgrimage of Maharashtra easily reach by train besides of Chandrabhaga river famous vaarkari sampradaya march . It takes 4 -5 hours for darshan & easy accommodation facilities available with reasonable price. - Star Rating :
Author Name : Darshan Kolambkar
Review Time : a week ago
Review : Best Place for worship and get god blessings. If you can plan your visit plan online registration of Darshan. Normal weekdays slots are available ans its free just registration with local ID proof needed. Get the same stamped from Sant Tukaram Bhavan and get entry. Special registered Darshan will take 40 Minutes compare to normal 4-5 hrs. Vitthal Murti has amazing powerful and you feel the vibes when you touch feets.
