Best Places to Visit in Pandharpur, Aurangabad, Maharashtra [Updated-2025]

Places to Visit in Pandharpur, Aurangabad, Maharashtra

It looks like there’s a small confusion in your query. Pandharpur is actually located in the Solapur district of Maharashtra, not Aurangabad. However, I’ll provide the best places to visit in Pandharpur, known as one of Maharashtra’s most sacred pilgrimage sites, dedicated to Lord Vitthal (Vithoba) and Rakhumai (Rukmini).

Top Places to Visit in Pandharpur, Maharashtra

1. Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple (Vithoba Temple)

• Most famous temple in Pandharpur and a major pilgrimage site for Hindus.

• Devotees believe that a visit here fulfills wishes and grants salvation.

• The Dindi Yatra (Palkhi procession) of saints like Tukaram and Dnyaneshwar culminates here.

• Best time to visit: Ashadhi Ekadashi & Kartiki Ekadashi (grand festivals).

2. Chandrabhaga River (Bhima River)

• A sacred river where devotees take a holy dip before visiting the Vitthal Temple.

• The “Teerthavari” ritual (bathing in the river) is considered highly auspicious.

• Scenic ghats with spiritual significance.

3. Pundalik Temple

• Dedicated to Pundalik, a devotee of Lord Vitthal, who is believed to have brought the deity to Pandharpur.

• Located near the main Vitthal Temple.

4. Sant Tukaram Maharaj Sansthan (Dehu – Near Pune, but linked to Pandharpur tradition)

• Though not in Pandharpur, Sant Tukaram’s teachings are deeply connected to the Vitthal cult.

• His Gatha (holy verses) are recited by devotees.

5. Nivrutti Nath Temple

• Dedicated to Nivrutti Nath, the elder brother of Sant Dnyaneshwar.

• A peaceful shrine for meditation.

6. Saint Dnyaneshwar’s Paduka (Footprints)

• A sacred spot marking Sant Dnyaneshwar’s footprints near the riverbank.

• Devotees pay respects here before entering the main temple.

7. Kaka Garud & Namdev Payari

• Kaka Garud: A rock where Garuda (Lord Vishnu’s eagle) is believed to have rested.

• Namdev Payari: A stone step where saint Namdev meditated.

8. Vitthal Temple Museum

• Displays artifacts, ancient scriptures, and history related to the Vitthal cult.

9. Nearby Attractions:

• Solapur (50 km away) – Famous for its Siddheshwar Temple & textiles.

• Akkalkot (100 km away) – Home to Swami Samarth Maharaj’s shrine.

Best Time to Visit Pandharpur

• June-July (Ashadhi Ekadashi) – Biggest festival with lakhs of devotees.

• November-December (Kartiki Ekadashi) – Another major pilgrimage time.

• Winter (Oct-Feb) – Pleasant weather for temple visits.

How to Reach Pandharpur?

• By Train: Pandharpur Railway Station (well-connected from Mumbai, Pune, Solapur).

• By Air: Nearest airports – Pune (200 km), Solapur (50 km).

• By Road: Well-connected via NH 65 (Pune-Solapur highway).

Local Food to Try

• Pandharpuri Misal (spicy sprouted curry).

• Bhakri-Pithla (millet bread with gram flour curry).

• Purandhare Gur (jaggery sweets) offered as prasad.

Pandharpur is a spiritual paradise for devotees of Lord Vitthal.