Lord Vitthal temples in India
vitthalrukminimandir.org/
Ashadi Ekadashi, also called Devshayani Ekadashi, is a significant celebration for the devotees of Lord Vishnu who worship him in the form of Vithoba, Vithu Mauli, Vitthal or Panduranga. This incarnation of Lord Vishnu has temples mainly in Maharashtra and its neighbourhood.
On the auspicious occasion of Ashadi Ekadashi, which falls on July 6 this year, take note of some of the must-visit temples dedicated to Lord Vitthal.
Here are a few Lord Vitthal temples in India every devotee must visit at least once in lifetime.
At the heart of the celebration is Pandharpur in Maharashtra, located on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River. On this special day, the temple city comes alive with the Pandharpur Wari, a sacred pilgrimage and key tradition of the Varkari community, making the Vitthal-Rukmini temple here one of the most revered.
The Shree Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir here draws lakhs of devotees during the festivities, a centuries-old pilgrimage led by the Varkaris. Recognized as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshetrams of the Vaishnavite tradition, Pandharpur has become almost synonymous with the deity himself.
Not far away, in Pune, stands the Pasodya Vithoba Mandir, a 14th-century shrine that still draws steady footfall amidst the city bustle. While smaller than Pandharpur and other famous shrines, its the local belief of 17th-century Hindu poet Sant Tukaram once performing kirtan at this temple that makes it a must-visit.
Moving Southwards, Karnataka offers a breathtaking marvel when we talk of the Vittala Temple in Hampi. Ask why? Located near the Tungabhadra River, this 15th-century architectural gem from the Vijayanagara Empire is renowned for its stone chariot and the musical pillars that hum with heritage and divine rhythm.
Another destination within the state lies in the heart of Bengaluru as even bustling metro cities are not untouched by the devotional spirit. Malleshwaram is home to a century-old Vitthal temple nestled among vibrant markets.
In Hyderabad, the Jungle Vithoba Temple is a lesser-known but a divine spot that people must visit considering taking darshan at least once in a lifetime. Named after the forested stretch on the banks of the Musi River, what makes it special is the celebrations during Ashadi Ekadashi. The rath yatra here, set against the backdrop of lit-up temple walls, is something devotees of Lord Vithoba must not miss.
Travelling further, in Delhi, the Shree Vitthal Mandir in R K Puram, established in 1961, is a temple visited by several notable personalities, including Union Minister NitinGadkari who took darshan here in 2024.
The influence of Vitthal bhakti extends beyond His temples. One may also visit Pune's Tukaram Paduka Vitthal Mandir and Saint Dnyaneshwar temple in Alandi.