Vitthal Mandir SabhaMandap (Pandharpur)

India / Maharashtra / Pandharpur
Amidst the plains of Pandhari, on the vitthal hill is the temple of Shri Vitthal Rukmini. The glorious and beautiful temple which we see today was miniature one during Yadav period. It appears, 13th century onwards, along with the spread of devotion of Vitthala the boundaries of the temple must have widened. It is difficult to decide the exact period of temple architecture due to lack of reliable proof. It seems that different parts of the temple such as Ganesh Mandap, Sabha Mandap [Assembly Hall], Solakhambi Mandap [Hall with 16 pillars], Chaukhambi Mandap [Hall with four pillars], Garbhagriha [the exact place where the idols are placed] must have been built by different people at different times, because if we see the planning of the temple, each part is different from the other.

Previously the pathways along with the temple were narrow, causing stampede and commotion during the holy period of pilgrimage. Hence with the co-operation of the government, city development plan was chalked out. The paths around the temple were widened. The paths for Pradakshina [going in a circular way around the shrine] and Palakhi [way for Palanquin] are being widened. The road leading to the temple from the S.T. stand, S. W. Savarkar Path, has also been considerably widened.

The temple of Shri Vitthal is facing eastwards. The dimensions of the temple are, east-west 350 ft, south-north 170 ft and height is approximately 25 to 32 feet. The temple top is decorated by artistic carvings of the idols of Gods and goddesses. They are beautifully painted and illuminated with bright lights at nights. There are entrances to the temple from all the four sides. These gates are used for different purposes. Eastward of the temple has three gates.
Nearby cities:
Coordinates:   17°40'38"N   75°20'8"E

Comments

  • This is very cute city .....and the chandrabhsga river is very famous here.
  • MAZE MAHER PANDHARI AAHE BHIWRECHYA TIRI
  • PAVALE CHALATI PANDHARICHI VAT
  • Paavalo Pandhari Paar Nahi Sukha.. Bhetala ha Sakha Maaybaap
This article was last modified 5 years ago