Pandharpur Pilgrimage - Vithoba Darshan

Known as “Sourthern Kashi of India”, Pandharpur proudly hosts the “Kuladivat” of Maharashtra State- Shree Vitthal and Rukmini.

Also known by the other names, Pandurang or Vithoba it is supposed to be The Supreme God of The Universe for all the Maharashtrians and an incarnation of Lord Shiva and Vishnu.

It’s praises were sung and written by the most auspicious saints of Maharashtra- Saint Dnyaneshwar, Saint Tukaram, Saint Namdev, Saint Purandardas, Chikha Mela, Janabai and many others.

In the temple of Vithoba, “Pad-Sparsha-Darshan” is a special ceremony. Irrespective of caste any devotee can enter the sanctum sanctorum and can place his/ her head at the feet of Vitthal. The Bhagwat Dharma sect is followed in Pandharpur, with full spirit.

The river Bhima, better known as “Chandrabhaga” flows through the city. Large number of devotees walks from the whole of Maharashtra, to celebrate the “Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi” twice every year. The palanquins (Palkhis) of various saints from different locations come together at Wakhri, 5 kilometers away from Pandharpur.

Although not religiously very crucial, certain daily rituals do form the routine of Bhaghwat Dharma, at Pandharpur. These signify the devotedness of the followers towards it’s deity. These rituals include Kakad Arati (Early Morning Prayers) , Mahapuja (Mega-Worship), Mahanaivedya (Food offering), Poshakh (putting the robe) Dhoop Arati, Padya Pooja, etc. All this is performed in main Vitthal temple. As one enters from Namdeo-Payri (The Step in memory of Saint Namdeo) and comes out of the Westward Exit (the Paschim Dwar) one crosses various other temples- as many as 25, in the same premise.

Ganesh Mandir, Garud Mandir, Ekmukh Dattatraya Mandir, Satyabhama Mandir, Kanhopatra Mandir to name a few.

Geographical and Traveling Information

From main Solapur city, Pandharpur is at a distance of 72 kilometers and is well connected by roads to practically every city in Maharashtra, railway track also exists. Pandharpur falls on Miraj-Kurduwadi-Latur track. From Solapur numerous local level transport buses commute to Pandharpur.

Major Activities

At Pandharpur, every Wednesday is regarded as an auspicious day and Ekadashi- auspicious day of the month. Four major festivals- Ashadhi Kartitki, Magh and Chaitra Ekadashis are yearly celebrated. Out of these, 1st two attract a crowd of about 8 to 10 lakhs.

Apart from these, the temple premise also celebrates Gudhi Padawa, Ram-Navami, Dasehara and Deepavali festivals.

Tuljapur Pilgrimage - Tuljabhavani Darshan

This is a temple town which rose to prominence during the Maratha regime and the goddess was a family deity of the Bhosle rulers. Chhatrapati Shivaji used to take her blessings for success in his military campaigns. It is believed that the Tulja Bhavani presented Shivaji with the Bhavani sword. Tuljapur is one of the holy place in Maharashtra in Osmanabad district. This place comes under the Marathwada region located 270 meter above sea level on the hills called as Balaghat. The name of this town was "Chinchpur" as this place is full of Tamarind trees, but, later on changed to "Tuljapur" after the name of Shree Tulja Bhavani. Now it is considered one of the main holy places in India. Lakhs of devotees from all over the country visit this place. The place has religious significance during the period of "Navratra". Pandharpur and Akkalkot are the other nearby places of religious significance.
There are various means and ways for coming to Tuljapur. But the main is by bus, by train or by air.
The pilgrims coming by bus:
The pilgrims coming from the southern part of the country, who are traveling by bus usually come to Naldurg ,a place located about 35 KM from Tuljapur. This place has two roads , one leading to Solapur , the other one to Tuljapur. The pilgrims coming from the northern part and the western part of the country usually come to Solapur, a place about 44 KM from Tuljapur or Osmanabad place about 18 KM from Tuljapur. The pilgrims coming from eastern part of the country usually come to Nagpur about 560 KM from Tuljapur Or Latur a place about 75 KM from Tuljapur.The frequency of buses from Solapur, Osmanabad and Naldurg to Tuljapur is about 10 minutes .
The pilgrims coming by train:
The pilgrims visiting Tuljapur by train must come to Solapur, the nearest railway station from Tuljapur. Solapur is about 44 KM from Tuljapur.
The pilgrims coming by air:

The pilgrims who would like to come by air must come to Pune the nearest airport from Tuljapur or To Hyderabad from there one can come to Tuljapur either by train or by bus.