Located on the banks of River Chandrabhaga (Bhima), Pandharpur is a temple town situated in the Solapur district of Maharashtra. There are numerous places to visit in Pandharpur, mostly temples, and religious souls must visit these temples for a serene experience. Out of twenty-seven temples, fourteen are dedicated to Lord Shiva, five to Lord Vishnu and the rest to other deities. Also known as the Southern Kashi of India, it is believed that a dip in the holy Chandrabhaga River washes away all sins. So, what are you waiting for? Head to Pandharpur for a spiritual sojourn.
5 Places To Visit In Pandharpur
There are many temples in Pandharpur that spiritual souls can visit. Here is a list of some of the most-visited places to visit in Pandharpur:
1. Shri Vitthal Rukmani Temple
Dedicated to the Hindu deity Vitthal, a local form of Lord Krishna or Vishnu, and his consort Rakhumai (Rukmini), Shri Vitthal Rukmani Temple is one of the best places to visit in Pandharpur for the spiritual people out there. A warm water spring flows next to the temple and the devotees must wash their feet before entering the main premises. Also known as Vithoba Temple, the temple premises also has shrines of Lord Ganesha, Hanuman, Garuda and others.
Location: SH-141, Isbavi, Pandharpur, Maharashtra 413304
Timings: 4 am to 11 pm
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2. Pundalik Temple
Lying on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River, Pundalik Temple is devoted to Lord Vitthal. Located nearby Alandi, the temple is also known as Bhakta Pundalik Temple. It is said that the devotees should first have a dip in the Chandrabhaga River and then head to the temple for the auspicious sight of the deity. The shrine is a five-storey building with a pagoda spire. The festival of Mahashivratri is celebrated on a grand scale on the temple premises. Pundalik Temple is one of the popular tourist places in Pandharpur.
Location: Chandrabhaga River, Pandharpur, Maharashtra
3. Shri Gopalkrishna Temple
Perched atop the Govardhan Parvat, Shri Gopalkrishna Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple resembles that of a fort and has underground chambers. The temple premises has a kitchen and a grinding place, both of which are believed to be used by Shri Krishna. It is such an important spot that a pilgrim’s journey is said to be incomplete if they have not stopped by Shri Gopalkrishna Temple. It is one of the sacred places to visit near Pandharpur.
Location: M87W+GVH, Gopalpur, Maharashtra 413304
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4. The Vishnupad Temple
The Vishnupad Temple is an open-hall temple lying on the banks of River Bhima and is supported by sixteen pillars, which are intricate and display the images of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna in several postures. A ramp connects the river bank to the temple. There is a rock in the middle of the temple which has lotus footprints of Lord Krishna and hoof-prints of the cows and calves who came with him. These footprints are considered auspicious and are worshipped by the pilgrims. People who are unable to visit the namesake temple in Gaya can visit this temple as it is considered as sacred as the one in Bihar.
Location: Gopalpur Road, Pandharpur, Maharashtra
5. ISKCON Pandharpur
Image Credit: Pandharpur for Wikimedia Commons
Established in the early 1980s, ISKCON Temple is situated on the east bank of the Chandrabhaga River. The premises has a temple hall, garden and a goshala (protective shelter for stray cows). Sitting in the peaceful atmosphere and chanting Hare Rama Hare Krishna is something that the devotees do on the premises to soak the positive aura. For a serene ambience, ISKCON Pandharpur is among the famous places to visit in Pandharpur.
Location: ISKCON Temple Road, Shegaon Dumala, Maharashtra 413304
Timings: 4 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 8 pm
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How To Reach?
Kolhapur Airport and Pune Airport are 180 km and 207 km respectively from Pandharpur. After that, one can take a bus or taxi to Pandharpur. However, if you travel by train, the nearest railhead is Pandharpur Railway Station. People of Maharashtra can also travel by road, via bus, taxi or car, depending on the distance from their destination.
Best Time To Visit
Image Credit: Udaykumar PR for Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit Pandharpur is from October to February, as the weather is great for sightseeing and temple visits. The climatic conditions are quite pleasant during these months as compared to summers, which are hot and humid, and the monsoon season, which is followed by heavy rainfall and waterlogging.
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Now that you have the list of places to visit in Pandharpur, bookmark it for your next trip. The temples here will make your spiritual sojourn a serene experience to cherish for a lifetime. Meanwhile, you can also check out the Maharashtra Tour Packages offered by TravelTriangle and plan another trip to explore the amazing tourist places of the state. The incredible spots here will surely not leave you disappointed.
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Cover Image Credit: Udaykumar PR for Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit in Pandharpur
What are the top attractions to visit in Pandharpur?
Some of the top attractions to visit in Pandharpur are:
1. Shri Vitthal Rukmani Temple
2. Shri Gopalkrishna Temple
3. Pundalik Temple
4. The Vishnupad Temple
5. ISKCON Pandharpur
Which food is famous in Pandharpur?
Bhaji, Biryani, Masala papad, Vada Pav and Idli Sambar are some of the famous foods of Pandharpur.
Which is the best time to visit Pandharpur?
October to February is the best time to visit Pandharpur. One can explore the major sightseeing destinations with ease in the pleasant weather.
Is booking required for Pandharpur darshan?
A visitor can book the tickets for the darshan online, well in advance and should carry the printout of the ticket at the time of reporting at the darshan waiting hall.
Which day is for Lord Vitthal?
Wednesday is the day dedicated to Lord Vitthal, who is an incarnation of Lord Krishna.
When Pandharpur is crowded?
December, June and July are the months in which Pandharpur is crowded with a flock of tourists. It is advisable to plan your trip well in advance and do all the bookings as the accommodation and flight prices are quite expensive during these months.
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