Pandharpur Vitthal, also known as Panduranga Vitthala, is a revered Hindu deity worshipped primarily in the state of Maharashtra, India. The deity is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is worshipped by millions of devotees worldwide. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the history, significance, and rituals associated with Pandharpur Vitthal.
History:
The origins of Pandharpur Vitthal can be traced back to the 13th century when the famous saint, poet, and philosopher Sant Dnyaneshwar composed the "Bhagawad Dharma" - a commentary on the Bhagavad Gita - in the Marathi language. Sant Dnyaneshwar's teachings were revolutionary for their time, as he believed that anyone, regardless of their caste or social status, could attain spiritual enlightenment through devotion to God.
Sant Dnyaneshwar composed several abhangas (devotional songs) in praise of Pandharpur Vitthal. These songs became very popular, and soon the town of Pandharpur became a pilgrimage site for devotees of Vitthal. Over time, Pandharpur Vitthal became an important deity in the Bhakti movement, which emphasized the importance of devotion to God as the path to salvation.
Significance:
Pandharpur Vitthal is known as the "Lord of Love" and is believed to be a compassionate deity who cares deeply for his devotees. The deity is often depicted as a dark-skinned figure with a smiling face, wearing a crown of peacock feathers and holding a conch shell, discus, and mace.
Devotees believe that worshipping Pandharpur Vitthal can help them overcome obstacles, attain spiritual enlightenment, and experience inner peace. The deity is also associated with forgiveness and is believed to grant the wishes of his devotees.
Rituals:
The most significant ritual associated with Pandharpur Vitthal is the annual pilgrimage, known as the Pandharpur Wari. The pilgrimage takes place in the months of June and July, and millions of devotees from all over Maharashtra and other parts of India come to Pandharpur to offer their prayers to the deity.
During the pilgrimage, devotees carry a palanquin (palkhi) containing the padukas (footprints) of Sant Dnyaneshwar and his siblings, who are also revered as saints. The palanquin is carried on foot for over 200 kilometers, from the town of Alandi to Pandharpur. Along the way, devotees sing and dance in praise of Vitthal, and many perform acts of self-sacrifice, such as walking barefoot or carrying heavy loads.
Other rituals associated with Pandharpur Vitthal include daily aarti (prayers), offering of flowers, fruits, and sweets, and singing devotional songs in praise of the deity. Devotees also observe fasts and undertake acts of charity during auspicious days dedicated to Vitthal.
Dindi Yatra :
Ashadi Ekadasi is a religious procession and is celebrated during the months of June- July (Aashaadh Shukla paksha). It consists of a beautifully decorated Palkhi having the “padukas” of the lord and the Palkhi procession consists of people collectively walking, singing and dancing the glory of the Lord in what are called as ‘Dindis’. This is said to be the World's largest and oldest people movement where people gather on a specific day every year and perform a walk of a distance of around 250 km. Pandharpur Ashadi Ekadashi Wari journey has been honoured by World Book of Records, London under the title 'One of the Most visited places in a day'.
The Palkhi procession has remained unbroken since it began despite wars, famines and floods. More than Fifty Palkhis of saints assemble at Pandharpur every year. In Maharashtra “Varkaris” (predominantly simple farmers) is a big community. They usually undertake 21-day walk after they have completed the sowing process in their fields. In the Ashadi Ekadasi festival, people from every faith and religion participate. Learned sages also come for it. Jnyaneshwar preached the Gita which is considered the highest religious text in Maharashtra.
The 'Bhakti Marg' (the path of devotion) as propounded by Sant Jnyaneshwar, teach us to forget the physical self in pursuit of the Lord. When the Varkaris sing and dance during the pilgrimage, they forget the material world around them.
Along with the Dindi procession, seva to the poor and needy is done reflecting that Lord is in all forms. This is called ‘Seva Dindi’. During the Seva Dindi, the people on pilgrimage undertake selfless service to the poor and needy like Amrut Kalash (Annadhan), Narayan seva, Medical seva, Building & repairing rural infrastructure etc.
Participation in Ashadi Dindi and Seva Dindi helps an individual
in many ways by bringing good health, peace & prosperity in his
life. Chanting the continuous glory of the God in the Ashadi Dindi
procession and Seva Dindi purifies an individual, there is an inner
cleansing that takes place in Mind, Body and Spirit and the participants
tend to lose their individual identities and experience bliss. It
develops all aspects of human personality and helps us understand the
true purpose of Life
Conclusion:
Pandharpur Vitthal is an important deity in Hinduism, and his teachings continue to inspire millions of devotees worldwide. The deity's message of love, compassion, and devotion resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds, making him one of the most beloved figures in Indian mythology. Whether you are a believer or not, a visit to Pandharpur can be a life-changing experience, as it offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of India.
How to Reach:
By Air:
Nearest Air port is Pune and Kolhapur.
By Train :
Pandharpur railway station falls on the Kurduwadi-Miraj route of Central Railway.
By Road:
It is located 72 kms from Solapur.
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