The Divine Presence of Vitthal in Pandharpur: A Journey of Faith

Pandharpur, often referred to as the abode of Lord Vitthal, is a sacred place nestled in the heart of Maharashtra, India. This town, steeped in spiritual significance, symbolises a profound bond between God and His beloved devotees. Each corner of Pandharpur whispers tales of devotion, love, and the divine play of Lord Krishna and His wife Rukmini, here revered as Vitthal and Rukmini. In this exploration, we uncoverd the essence of this sacred town and its worshippers. The name Vitthal is rich in meaning; derived from the Sanskrit words “vit” (brick) and “thal” (place), it signifies the God who stands on a brick. He also known by various names such as Panduranga and Pandharinath. Vitthal represents a form of Krishna that embodies love and accessibility, allowing every individual to forge a personal connection with the divine. His significance is well notated in various cultural narratives, Padma Purana, Skanda Purana, and Vishnu Purana. The essence of these Puranas lies not just in the written word but in their interpretations and adaptations through generations. Over the time, original stories went through the significant transformations, which led to the fading of the narratives surrounding Vitthal God. Despite the lack of definitive mentions in primary Puran literature, the story of Vitthal God remains vibrant and alive in local folklores.

Folklores - The Transformation of Pundalik:

Pundalik, a remarkable sant, resided in Dindir Van, a serene forest. Living with his parents, he initially imbibed values of respect and kindness. However, as time passed, Pundalik experienced a disheartening change. His marriage marked the beginning of a decline in his behaviour. The young man began abusing his parents over trivial matters, which cast a shadow over his familial bonds. As Pundalik's disrespectful actions escalated, his parents found themselves distressed and disheartened by their son's behaviour. Seeking solace, they decided to embark on a pilgrimage to Kashi, a sacred journey that had the potential to offer them spiritual rejuvenation. Interestingly, Pundalik & his wife opted to accompany them on this spiritual expedition, which added a layer of depth to the family's dynamic. With the intention of introspection and seeking divine intervention, they set forth on their journey, unaware of the transformative experiences that awaited them. During their pilgrimage, the family visited Sant Kukut’s ashram for a night’s rest. This stop would soon prove to be pivotal.

As the night enveloped the ashram in silence, Pundalik, unable to find peace in his mind, noticed three mysterious ladies approaching. These women were draped in dirty clothes, and their appearance sparked curiosity in Pundalik. When he confronted them, they revealed themselves to be Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati—three sacred rivers personified. These celestial beings had traveled far to reach Rushi Kukut’s ashram, embodying the devotion of countless individuals who seek redemption through rituals in their waters. Pundalik was astonished to learn that revered figures representing purity itself had come to cleanse their own Karmas in the sacred space of the ashram. In the wake of this extraordinary encounter, Pundalik turned to Rushi Kukut, seeking to comprehend the reasons behind the arrival of such ethereal figures. To his amazement, he learned that it was the unwavering devotion of Rushi Kukut towards his parents that had attracted the holy rivers. This revelation struck a chord deep within Pundalik, illuminating the path of unconditional love and respect he had neglected in his own life. With a heart full of remorse, Pundalik sought forgiveness, acknowledging the errors of his past. Miraculously, his parents forgave him, demonstrating the power of love and understanding.

Returning to Pandharpur, Pundalik dedicated himself to serving his parents with renewed passion and commitment. He vowed to embody the same devotion that Rushi Kukut had, allowing the purity of his intentions to flow through him.

Krishna's Compassionate Search for Rukmini & Meeting with Pundalik:

One day, reminiscing about joyful days in Vrindavan, Krishna decided to use his divine power to manifest Radha, the essence of his being, from within himself. While in the midst of their heartfelt exchange, Rukmini, one of Krishna's wives, entered and was taken aback by the scene before her. Finding Krishna in dialogue with Radha sparked feelings of jealousy within her, leading to a storm of emotions that compelled her to leave the comforts of Dwarka. Seeking solace in Dindir Van, Rukmini started meditation. Realising Rukmini's distress and the rift his actions had caused, Krishna embarked on a journey to find her. Upon reaching Dindir Van, Krishna confronted Rukmini, seeking her forgiveness for the misunderstanding that arose from his actions.

Yet, this journey had another dimension for Krishna; he also sought to meet Pundalik, a devotee known for his unwavering faith. Upon arrival, Krishna and Rukmini found Pundalik engrossed in the often-overlooked yet profound act of serving his elderly parents. In the simplicity of his tasks, such as bringing them food and ensuring their comfort, Pundalik demonstrated the essence of devotion, which is not merely ritualistic but deeply rooted in respect and care. Although the divine couple was present, Pundalik's attention remained solely fixated on his parental duties. He, oblivious to the godly visitors, continued his labor of love. Noticing the muddy conditions around due to the monsoon rains, Pundalik hastily passed two bricks to Krishna and Rukmini. The gesture was not merely practical; it was filled with meaning. By standing on these bricks, they were elevated, symbolising the respect that Pundalik had for the divine presence despite his current obligations. Witnessing this selfless commitment to his parents, Krishna's heart brimmed with joy, recognising the true spirit of devotion.

Once Pundalik had fulfilled his duties, he approached Krishna and Rukmini. He expressed remorse for any oversight in acknowledging their divine presence and earnestly requested them to remain at his side until the end of the yuga, blessing all their devotees who sought their divine favour. From that day on, the divine couple, Vitthal and Rukmini, established their eternal presence at Pundalik’s hut, providing darshan to countless devotees who pilgrimage there seeking solace.

Connecting with the Divine:

Throughout my spiritual journey, I have always felt a profound connection with Vitthalnathji in Nathdwara. In my earlier blogs, I have often shared my experiences and reflections on this relationship, emphasising how it intertwines with the essence of my faith. Interestingly, I perceive a spiritual bond between Vitthalnathji in Nathdwara and Vithoba in Pandharpur.

Both deities are portrayed as 'yugal swaroop'—the concept of divine couples; here, Vitthalnathji stands with Swaminiji, while Vithoba is accompanied by Rukmini. The depiction of both forms is strikingly similar, as they stand proudly on a brick or plate with their hands resting on their waists. Ultimately, they both symbolise the nature of Krishna. For a long time, I yearned to visit Pandharpur and experience the divine energy first-hand, yet the opportunity remained elusive. It is often said that one can only embark on such sacred journeys when the divine allows it. After years of anticipation, I finally found the opportunity to visit Pandharpur with my wife.

Darshan Timings:

In Pandharpur temple, there are two primary types of darshan: mukh darshan and charan darshan. Mukh darshan (see idol’s face from distance) is the quick and convenient way to worship. Devotees can experience this type of darshan without any prior arrangement & generally requires less time compared to charan darshan. Charan (touch idol’s feet) darshan provides the opportunity to touch the feet of the deity, offering a profound spiritual experience that many devotees cherish. However, this form of darshan requires prior booking, which can be done online free of cost.

It is crucial to secure passes in advance, especially during festivals, where demand peaks. During such times, those without a pass may need to endure a lengthy wait, standing in queues that can stretch over 10 to 12 kilometres. On regular days, this distance is typically reduced to 5 to 6 kilometres, yet it can still result in a 2 to 3 hours wait. For government employees, there is an added advantage. By presenting an ID proof, they can gain access to the VIP entry line for charan darshan, significantly reducing their wait time. However, if individuals do not manage to book their passes ahead of their visit, they must prepare for the long queues, especially during significant occasions, when the waiting time can stretch to as much as 24 hours.

After reaching to the Pandharpur, in evening we visited the temple & experienced the mukh darshan which took 20 minutes. Knowing that the temple typically remains open until 11:30 PM, we planned our second visit which was charan darshan at 9 PM. However, as we approached the premises, we were met with a staggering queue stretching 12 kilometres long. The sight of the extensive queue might have been daunting, yet it was heartening to observe the atmosphere around us. Devotees stood peacefully, united by their shared faith. Many of them occupied their time by playing manjira and chanting the name of Lord Vitthal. This communal practice not only eased the waiting but also created a spiritual resonance amongst the crowd.

It was a powerful reminder of the commitment these individuals had made, willing to sacrifice their comforts for a moment of divine connection. These individuals, with their hearts filled with hope, stand for hours under the vast night sky, undeterred by the cold or fatigue, waiting with bated breath for a fleeting moment of divine presence. The dedication observed in these souls is a spectacle that invokes profound respect and admiration, prompting an automatic folding of hands in reverence. As I witnessed this remarkable scene, I found myself questioning my own level of dedication. Could I, too, wait with such patience for a glimpse of the divine? The truth is, my patience waned, and I decided against joining this pilgrimage toward charan darshan that night. Next day was Sunday so I completely dropped my plan for Charan darshan this time. But what followed the next day can only be described as serendipity. It seemed that destiny had plans for me, as unexpected circumstances led me back to that very location.

The next day began like any other, yet it eventually transformed into a remarkable journey of faith and introspection. My wife managed to secure a VIP pass for us. We arrived at the temple and found ourselves amidst a long queue, awaiting our turn. As the minutes turned into hours, my thoughts wandered through various plans for the day, envisioning the immersive experience that awaited us. At last, we stepped through the grand entrance of the temple. The world outside seemed to fade away, replaced by an atmosphere of profound tranquility. As I entered the sacred space, an unexpected hush enveloped me, creating a stark contrast against the external bustle we had just left behind. There, before me, was the idol of Vithoba, an exquisite figure crafted from black stone, standing with closed eyes and a gentle smile. In that moment, I felt a deep connection to the idol. It was as if Vithoba was conveying an unspoken message. I couldn’t help but sense the profound reassurance in his presence, as if he were telling me, 'I have told you to come here & I will not let you go without Charan darshan; your plans matter only with my blessing.' The ambiance of the temple fostered a feeling of peace that I had yearned for. It reminded me of the significant role faith plays in guiding our lives. As I approached the idol to offer my respect, I knelt down and touched his feet. To my surprise, the sensation was unexpectedly soft, reminiscent of butter.

However, the experience was not completed without touching feet of Rukmani, the beloved consort of Vitthal. Rukmani's idol was radiating an unparalleled glory, embodying the divine feminine. As I approached her idol, for a moment, I witnessed sparkling in her eyes. It could be the reflection of temple lights but for me it was a divine essence that only the heart can perceive.

Conclusion:

Vitthal or Vithoba, dispenses blessings to all who come to him, embracing each individual without discrimination based on caste, income, or color. This universal welcome sets the stage for a heartfelt darshan, as anyone can kneel and take his blessings, feeling the warmth of his presence. This extraordinary journey of faith allows individuals to feel a closeness to the divine as human beings. In an age where challenges and complexities often cloud our connection to spirituality, standing before Vitthal and Rukmani serves as a potent reminder of the simplicity and purity inherent in faith. It reinforces the idea that divinity awaits everyone, no matter the external circumstances that might often divide us. As devotees leave the temple, their spirits uplifted, they carry with them a sense of belonging and acceptance, instilled by the blessings of Vitthal and the grace of Rukmani.

ॐ कृष्णाय वासुदेवाय हरये परमात्मने। प्रणत क्लेशनाशाय गोविन्दाय नमो नमः॥