Pandharpur Temple, also known as Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir, is one of the most sacred temples in Maharashtra. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vitthal (Vithoba), who is considered a form of Lord Krishna, and his consort Rukmini Devi. Situated on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River, Pandharpur attracts millions of devotees every year, especially during the Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi yatras. The temple is known for its unique tradition where devotees lovingly call Lord Vitthal “Mauli” (mother), showing their deep emotional bond.
The temple has a very rich history and is a key spiritual center of the Varkari Sampradaya. Devotees often walk long distances in groups called Dindis, singing abhangs (devotional songs) and carrying the symbolic “Palkhi” of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar to Pandharpur. Pandharpur Temple is not only a place of worship but also a place that promotes equality, devotion, and community spirit. In 2025, the temple is expected to welcome an even larger number of pilgrims due to special arrangements for darshan and seva bookings.
Overview of Pandharpur Temple
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Pandharpur Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir |
| Location | Pandharpur, Solapur District, Maharashtra |
| Deity | Lord Vitthal (Vithoba) & Goddess Rukmini |
| River | Chandrabhaga (Bhima) River |
| Famous Festivals | Ashadhi Ekadashi, Kartiki Ekadashi, Magh Ekadashi |
| Best Time to Visit | June – July (Ashadhi Ekadashi) & November (Kartiki Ekadashi) |
| Temple Management | Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir Samiti |
| Main Attraction | Standing posture of Lord Vitthal on a brick (Veet) |
Timings of Pandharpur Temple
| Activity | Timing |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening | 4:00 AM |
| Kakad Aarti (Morning Aarti) | 4:30 AM |
| Regular Darshan | 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Maha Puja | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM |
| Afternoon Aarti | 1:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM |
| Shej Aarti (Night Aarti) | 10:30 PM |
| Temple Closing | 11:00 PM |
Note: On Ekadashi, the temple remains open throughout the night due to lakhs of devotees visiting.
Sevas and Darshan Options
| Seva / Darshan | Timing | Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| General Darshan | 5:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Free |
| Mukha Darshan (Close Darshan) | During Darshan Hours | ₹100 – ₹200 |
| Abhishek Seva | Morning 6:00 AM | ₹500 |
| Pooja for Family | By Booking | ₹1000 – ₹2000 |
| Special Darshan on Ekadashi | Full Day | ₹300 |
| Shej Aarti Participation | 10:30 PM | ₹500 |
How to Reach Pandharpur Temple
- By Road: Pandharpur is well connected by road to Pune (210 km), Solapur (70 km), and Mumbai (390 km). State transport buses and private buses are available.
- By Train: Pandharpur has its own railway station connected to Solapur, Miraj, and Pune. Major trains stop here during the festival season.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Solapur Airport (72 km). Pune Airport (205 km) and Hyderabad Airport (350 km) are also options.
- By Walking (Wari): Many devotees take the Palkhi Yatra by walking for days as a sign of devotion.
How to Book Darshan Tickets
Booking tickets for darshan and seva at Pandharpur Temple has become easier with online facilities:
- Visit the official Pandharpur Temple website or mobile app.
- Create an account using your mobile number and email.
- Select Darshan or Seva option.
- Choose your preferred date and time slot.
- Pay online through UPI, net banking, or debit card.
- Download and carry the e-ticket along with valid ID proof.
Offline tickets are also available at temple counters, but online booking is recommended during festivals like Ashadhi Ekadashi to avoid long queues.
Nearby Attractions
- Chandrabhaga River Ghat – A sacred place for bathing before darshan.
- ISKCON Temple Pandharpur – A peaceful temple dedicated to Lord Krishna.
- Pundalik Temple – Dedicated to devotee Pundalik, located near the Chandrabhaga River.
- Sant Namdev Maharaj Samadhi – A spiritual place of the saint who deeply loved Lord Vitthal.
- Tulsi Vrindavan Mandir – A small temple symbolizing devotion to Lord Vitthal.
Accommodation Options
| Accommodation Type | Location | Price Range (Approx.) | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temple Guest Houses | Near Temple | ₹200 – ₹800 | Basic Rooms, Shared Bathrooms |
| Budget Hotels | Within 1 km | ₹500 – ₹1500 | AC/Non-AC, Food Facilities |
| Dharamshalas | Near Chandrabhaga Ghat | ₹200 – ₹700 | Dormitory, Meals Available |
| Mid-range Hotels | 1–2 km from Temple | ₹1500 – ₹3000 | AC Rooms, Restaurant, Parking |
| Luxury Hotels | Solapur (70 km) | ₹4000+ | Premium Stay, Transport |
Important Instructions for Visitors
- Carry a valid ID proof for ticket booking and darshan entry.
- Photography inside the sanctum is not allowed.
- Maintain silence and discipline during darshan.
- Take care of your belongings, as large crowds are common.
- Senior citizens and disabled devotees have separate queue facilities.
- On Ekadashi, be prepared for long waiting hours.
- Bathing in the Chandrabhaga River before darshan is considered auspicious.
Do’s and Don’ts at Pandharpur Temple
Do’s
- Dress in traditional and decent clothes.
- Participate in Aarti with devotion.
- Respect temple staff and volunteers.
- Keep the temple premises clean.
Don’ts
- Do not consume alcohol or tobacco near the temple.
- Do not push or rush in queues.
- Avoid carrying expensive jewelry.
- Do not litter near Chandrabhaga Ghat.
FAQs about Pandharpur Temple
Q1. What is Pandharpur Temple famous for?
It is famous for Lord Vitthal darshan and the Ashadhi Ekadashi Yatra.
Q2. When is the best time to visit Pandharpur?
During Ashadhi Ekadashi (June–July) and Kartiki Ekadashi (November).
Q3. Can we book darshan tickets online?
Yes, tickets can be booked online through the official temple website.
Q4. How far is Pandharpur from Solapur?
It is around 70 km from Solapur.
Q5. Is there any dress code in Pandharpur Temple?
There is no strict dress code, but modest traditional clothing is advised.
Q6. What is the daily temple opening time?
The temple opens at 4:00 AM every day.
Q7. Are free meals available in the temple?
Yes, the temple and dharamshalas provide free or affordable meals.
Q8. Is photography allowed inside the temple?
No, photography is not permitted inside the sanctum.
Q9. Are special facilities available for senior citizens?
Yes, separate queues are arranged for elderly and disabled devotees.
Q10. What river flows through Pandharpur?
The Chandrabhaga River flows near the temple, where pilgrims take a holy dip.
Wonderful All the details regarding darshan accomodation and timings are very elaborately given …very useful for the devotees to visit. Thanks a lot
How many days prior we can book the tickets online for darshan?
You can book darshan tickets for Pandharpur’s Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple up to 3 days in advance through the official website
3 online vip pass ia want
Handicap
follow the instructions please to book the ticket
online darshan for pandhrapur is not opening says service unavailable
pleae try again later
My grandfather had visited the Temple long back and given our names. After that my cousin brother visited temple and found my grandfather s name . Where can we find this person who will tell us about our grand father s name written in the book. Where do we write our names pls tell me so when we visit the temple we know where to inquire about this . The details given above are very much sufficient. Thanks 🙏
Contact the TTD Administrative Office:
Start with the TTD Central Reception Office or Public Relations Office in Tirumala, located near the temple. They can guide you to the right department.
Phone: +91-877-2277777 or +91-877-2264392 (TTD Call Centre, available 24/7).
Email: helpdesk@ttd.gov.in.
Provide details: your grandfather’s full name, approximate year of visit, village/town, and any context (e.g., donation, seva). If your cousin knows where they saw the name (e.g., a plaque, book, or priest’s record), share that.