High medieval · Hindu · India

Vitthal Rukmini Temple, Pandharpur

Pandharpur, Maharashtra · 17.6805°, 75.3273°

Vitthal (Vithoba, form of Krishna) & RukminiYadavaHemadpanthi–Deccan
Sacred since
1189 CE
first attestation / structure
Standing structure
core 12th–13th c. (Yadava-era inscriptions)
patron: Hoysala & Yadava patronage (1237 inscription)

History & significance

The heart of the Varkari movement — Maharashtra's 700-year river of sant devotion from Dnyaneshwar to Tukaram. Each Ashadhi Ekadashi the wari pilgrimage converges on Pandharpur, a million strong behind the sants' palkhis: among the oldest continuous processional pilgrimages in the world. Since 2014, devotees of all castes and genders may perform the deity's puja.

Sthala katha — the legend

Krishna came to test Pundalik, who was serving his aged parents; the devotee tossed a brick for the Lord to stand on and asked him to wait. Charmed, the god stayed forever — arms akimbo on the brick (vit), as Vitthala, the one who stood on a brick.

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Sources

coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-26 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: Yadava