Vitthal Rakhumai

The Sacred Idol of Vitthal at Pandharpur

 

 

 

Discover the divine origins, legends, and historical significance of the Vitthal Rakhumai idol at Pandharpur. A cultural and spiritual symbol of Maharashtra.

 

Did you know that the idol of Lord Vitthal in Pandharpur is not just a religious symbol, but a deeply embedded part of Maharashtra’s spiritual and cultural heritage? Worshipped by millions across Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, Vitthal (also known as Vithoba, Panduranga, and Pandharinath) is the presiding deity of the renowned Warkari tradition, one of India’s most vibrant spiritual movements.

 

 

Pandharpur: A Sacred Pilgrimage Site

Located in the Solapur district of Maharashtra, Pandharpur is the primary pilgrimage center for Warkaris. Twice a year, on Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi, the town transforms into a spiritual haven as lakhs of devotees arrive on foot from across the region. Pilgrims also gather during Maghi and Chaitra Ekadashi. Inscriptions in Sanskrit and Kannada found in the temple’s sixteen-pillared mandapa refer to the town as ‘Pandarge’, the original name of Pandharpur.

From this root word, other variations like Pandurangkshetra, Pandurangpur, Pandaripur, Pandari, and Pandharpur have emerged. The name ‘Panduranga,’ often used interchangeably with Vitthal, stems from this very origin.

 

 

 

The Meaning Behind the Name Vitthal

Interestingly, there is no universally accepted etymology of the name Vitthal. Some scholars like historian V.K. Rajwade, proposed that it comes from ‘Vishthala,’ meaning a remote forest place, portraying the deity as a divine being in the wilderness. Others, like Dr. R.G. Bhandarkar, believe it derives from ‘Vitti,’ a Prakrit form of the word ‘Vishnu’ in Kannada. This linguistic transformation gradually evolved into ‘Vitthal.’

A popular derivation is that Vitthal means the one who accepts the ignorant and guides them with wisdom ‘Vid’ (knowledge), ‘Tha’ (to accept), and ‘La’ (with love). In rural Marathi, he is affectionately referred to as Itthu, Ittu, and Itthuba. According to researcher Vishwanath Khaire, ‘Ittu’ in Tamil translates to ‘the one with hands on the waist’, a defining feature of Vitthal’s idol.

 

 

The Legend of Vitthal’s Manifestation

There are several captivating legends about Lord Vitthal’s manifestation in Pandharpur. The most revered story centers around Pundalik, a devoted son serving his parents. When Lord Vishnu came to visit him, Pundalik, engaged in his service, asked the Lord to wait on a brick and tossed it to him. Obediently, the Lord stood on the brick with his hands on his waist, a pose that became iconic.

Other tales include:

1. The Dindirvan Demon: Lord Vishnu, taking the form of Shiva, vanquished a demon named Dindirva in the Dindirvan forest near Pandharpur.
2. Radha and Rukmini: Krishna, still fond of Radha after settling in Dwarka, angered Rukmini. She moved to Dindirvan, and Krishna followed her disguised as a cowherd with his companions.
3. Padma’s Devotion: A beautiful woman named Padma prayed for an ideal husband. Vishnu appeared before her in a more enchanting form, and she lost her senses. This event led to the creation of the holy Padmavati Tirtha.

These legends are recorded in ancient Sanskrit texts like the Skanda and Padma Puranas.

 

 

 

Symbolism of Vitthal’s Idol

The idol of Vitthal in Pandharpur stands alone on a rectangular brick platform called ‘Vita’. The deity wears a tall, cylindrical crown, which many believe resembles a Shiva lingam. His ears bear large fish-shaped earrings extending over the shoulders. Around his neck is a sacred Kaustubha gem necklace. Two divine symbols, Shrivatsa and Srineketa, are visible on his chest.

In his left hand, he holds a conch shell, while his right rests on his waist with a lotus stalk trailing down to his thigh. His posture is relaxed yet commanding. While some say he is ‘Digambar’ (naked), others interpret the stone structure between his legs as a cloth end or ‘soga.’

His feet rest on an inverted lotus design, representing spiritual blossoming. Though many of these features are symbolically interpreted, scholars like G.H. Khare argue they may have evolved or changed with different idol replacements due to invasions.

 

 

Temple History and Preservation

The exact date of the temple’s origin is unknown, but historian G.H. Khare speculated that it might have been built by Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana or his predecessor Bittideva in the 12th century. Over the years, the idol has been moved for protection during invasions. Notably, during Afzal Khan’s attack in 1659, the idol was hidden in Madhe village.

There’s also a popular legend involving the Vijayanagara King Krishnadevaraya, who supposedly took the idol to Vijayanagara, only for it to be brought back by Saint Bhanudas, the ancestor of Saint Eknath. Although this tale lacks conclusive evidence, it reflects the deep devotion of saints and commoners alike.

 

 

Vitthal: A Cultural and Linguistic Bridge

Vitthal is more than a deity; he symbolizes unity across language, culture, and region. Saints like Dnyaneshwar, Namdev, Tukaram, and Eknath have sung his praise for centuries. South Indian poets like Kanakadasa and Purandara Dasa also saw him as their supreme god. His connection to both Kannada and Marathi traditions makes Vitthal a bridge between cultures.

Even his language is believed to be Kannada, as indicated by Namdev: “Vitthal speaks Kannada, and Pundalik understands him.” This linguistic diversity further deepens Vitthal’s role as a symbol of cultural harmony.

 

 

 

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