Vitthal Rukmini Temple, Pandharpur

Vitthal Rukmini Temple, Pandharpur in Solapur district, Maharashtra, is the most sacred Vaishnava temple in Maharashtra, enshrining Vitthal (Vithoba) — a local form of Vishnu-Krishna whose worship is the focal point of the Warkari devotional movement. The ancient idol of Vitthal standing with hands on hips is one of the most iconic sacred images in Maharashtra.

The existing temple structure dates to the 13th century Hemadpanthi period with significant 18th-century additions by the Peshwas, including the famous stone garuda mandap and stone corridors. The major stone complex additions of the 20th century enlarged the sabha mandap using black Deccan basalt. During the four annual Wari (pilgrimage) festivals — especially Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi — over 20 lakh pilgrims descend on Pandharpur in a continuous stream, singing abhangas of the saint-poets Tukaram, Dnyaneshwar, and Namdev.