Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir

The Relevance of Shri Vitthal

The parabrahma or the God of Pandharpur is worshipped and lovingly called by his devotees with many names: Pandharinath, Pandurang, Pandhariraya, Vithai, Vithoba, Vithumauli, Vitthal Gururao, Hari. However, today this God is well-known as Pandurang and Shri Vitthal.

Saint Tukaram defines Vithoba in his abhangas: "Vi stands for Knowledge, Thoba stands for form — thus Vithoba is the form of ultimate Knowledge." It is also believed that Vi = bird Eagle, Thoba = sitting place, thus Vithoba is "God who sits on Eagle."

The Sacred Verse

About the Sculpture

Vitthal is benevolent for the downtrodden and is bhaktakamkalpadrum (wish-fulfilling tree for devotees). The sculpture is self-made of sandstone.

• ● Cap like crown (Shivlinga-shaped) on head
• ● Long face, bulky cheeks, horizontal eyes
• ● Makar Kundale in ears, Kaustubhmani necklace
• ● Angads on arms, Manibandhs on wrists
• ● Hands on waist — Kambal in right, Shankha in left
• ● Bhrugu Rishi's footmark on chest
• ● Standing on a brick — waiting for Pundalik

The Legend of Pundalik

King Muchkunda (rebirth as Bhakt Pundalik) was granted a boon by Shri Krishna. When Shri Krishna came to meet Pundalik who was serving his aged parents, Pundalik simply threw a brick for the Lord to stand on. "That brick was Indra, cursed by Vritasur. The Lord has been standing there for 28 Yugas waiting for His true devotees."