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Vitthal or Vithoba (विठोबा), as he is lovingly referred to, is one of the most important deities of Maharashtra and parts of Karnataka. His worship dates back to at least eight centuries. In his seminal work – SriVitthal: Ek Mahasamanvaya, R.C Dhere opines that Vithoba, as we know him today, is a synthesis of many independent streams of thought. He was probably a tribal or local deity with pastoral origins, is frequently referred to as Buddha – the ninth avatar of Vishnu and has many Shaiva elements including his name Panduranga which is also one of Shiva’s names. Vitthal is also commonly identified with Krishna.
His main abode is the temple at Pandharpur on the banks of the river Bhima. While the temple town is abuzz with pilgrims through the year, the town comes alive in the month of Ashadha (June-July) when lakhs of varkaris walk to Pandharpur with palkis (palanquins). Their rhythmic movement accompanied with abhangas and chants of ‘Vitthal, Vitthal’ are the epitome of India’s glorious Bhakti tradition.
महायोगपीठे तटे भीमरथ्या वरं पुण्डरीकाय दातुं मुनीन्द्रैः ।
समागत्य तिष्ठन्तमानन्दकन्दं परब्रह्मलिङ्गं भजे पाण्डुरङ्गम् ||
(Pandurangasthakam – 1)
Salutations to Shri Panduranga who is seated in the Maha Yoga Peetha by the banks of Bheema. He descended on the earth with great munis to give boons to his devotee – Pundarika. He stands there as the embodiment of parabrahman -who is the source of ultimate bliss.
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