Significance
Vitthal sanctuary is the fundamental focal point of love for Vitthal, accepted to be a type of Bhagawan Krishna or Vishnu and his partner Rakhumai. It is the most gone by sanctuary in Maharashtra. The Warkaris begin walking from their homes to the sanctuary of Pandharpur in bunches called Dindi (parade) to reach on Aashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi. A plunge in the sacred stream Chandrabhaga on whose banks Pandharpur dwells, is accepted to have energy to wash all transgressions. Every one of the aficionados are permitted to touch the feet of the symbol of Vithoba. In May 2014, the sanctuary turned out to be first in India to welcome ladies and individuals from in reverse classes as clerics.
History
Based on the History of Pandharpur Vitthal Temple the correct date or the time of development of the Vitthal sanctuary of Pandharpur is obscure, yet some soonest engravings on the most seasoned structure of sanctuary have a place with Yadav line in the period of twelfth and thirteenth century. In any case, the name Pandurang can be found on the Rashtrakuta Copper plate engraving that dated in 516 AD demonstrating that the love of Vitthal started as right on time as the 6th century. A few engravings were found in the Padharpur Vitthal sanctuary and encompassing territories which suggest the way that this Temple existed in the twelfth and thirteenth century. An engraving in Alandi alluding to divinities can be discovered going back to 1209.
Before autonomy, other in reverse classes were not permitted to enter the premises of the Vitthal sanctuary. Keeping in mind the end goal to change this custom, flexibility warrior Sane Guruji went on quick unto-demise. Because of this development, the entryways of the Temple were in the end opened for the untouchables and different throws.
As indicated by the legend, Pundlik was a staunch fan of Vishnu. He committed as long as he can remember to the administration of his folks. Awed by his dedication, one day Lord Krishna chose to visit him and consequently he arrived in Pndharpur, where he went over Pundalik's home. Yet, Pundalik requesting that he hold up in light of the fact that he was occupied with his folks, so he tossed a block and requested that God sit and hold up. In the wake of completing his work, Pundalik turned out, and on observing the Lord, requested absolution. He even asked for him to settle on the banks of River Chandrabhaga with Rakhumai and favor them until the end of time. His desire was allowed and Vitthal stayed behind. The Lord is joined by his associate Rakhumai whose sanctuary has been constructed independently from Vitthal's altar.
A little yet exceptionally fascinating legend related with the Temple is the naming of the initial step of the sanctuary as 'Namdev Chi Payari". Supposedly, once a youngster called Namdev went to the sanctuary to offer Naivedyam to the Lord. He came to the sanctuary and performed Naivedyam as asked by his mom, however held up to see whether God eat his offering or not. He continues holding up and ends up plainly discouraged when the Lord doesn't show up.
With this mistake, he began striking his head into the feet of the God. Seeing his massive commitment and purity, the Vitthal shows up before him, eats offering and favors him. From that point onward, Namdev asks for Lord to name the initial step of the sanctuary with his name so every one of the lovers will touch and go through him to have the Vitthal's darshan. What's more, from that point forward, the Vitthal Temple's initial step is named as 'Namdev Chi Payari'.
Legends
Lord Vithal/Vitthal/Vithoba is none other than Lord Vishnu, Lord Narayana or Lord Krishna. It is trusted that Lord Krishna had incarnated toward the finish of Dwarpa Yuga on the eighth day of the dull fortnight in the blessed month of Shravan (according to the Hindu date-book). He is affectionately called names like Pandrinath, Panduranga, Pandhairiraya, Vithai, Vithoba, Vithu-mauli, Vitthalgururao by his aficionados. In any case, the outstanding and normally utilized names are Pandurang/Panduranga and Shri Vitthal/Vithal. The word Vitthala is said to be gotten from the Kannada (a dialect talked in the southern parts of India) word for Lord Vishnu. The love of Lord Vitthala has been gotten primarily from the Puranas. His love has been made surely understood by the lessons, ballads, kirtans, and stack of awesome Vaishnava holy people of Maharashtra from the thirteenth through the seventeenth hundreds of years. They were holy people like Sant Namdeo/Namdev, Sant Jnaneshwar, Sant Eknath and Sant Tukaram. Pundalik, a holy person was nearly connected with this hallowed place, and subsequently this altar is otherwise called Pundarika Pura.
As indicated by the legend, there was before a committed child called Pundalik. He took care of the necessities of his dad Janudev and his mom Satyavati. In any case, things changed when Pundalik got hitched. He began abusing them. Tired of his oppression, the guardians chose to set out toward Kashi/Varanasi. It is said that the individuals who kick the bucket in Kashi accomplish salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and passing. This is still trusted today and many individuals go there when they feel their end is close.