Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple is located in Pandharpur, a town on the banks of the Bhima (Chandrabhaga) River in Maharashtra, India. It is a very famous place of worship for followers of Lord Vitthal and Rukmini. People believe that Lord Vitthal came here to bless his devotee Pundalik, which is why this temple became a centre of devotion.
The temple is part of the Varkari tradition, a devotional movement that emphasises singing, dancing and chanting the name of Lord Vitthal. Every year, thousands of pilgrims walk long distances, especially during festivals like Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi, to reach this holy site. Devotees feel that visiting the temple brings peace, guidance and blessings in their life.
The temple complex features the main sanctum with the idols of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini, along with smaller shrines of other deities. It is a place of great spirituality, devotion and cultural heritage, attracting people from all over India and abroad.
Shri Vitthal Rukimini Temple Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Temple Name | Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple |
| Location | Pandharpur, Solapur District, Maharashtra, India |
| Deities | Lord Vitthal (Vithoba), Goddess Rukmini |
| River | Bhima (Chandrabhaga) |
| Main Festivals | Ashadhi Ekadashi, Kartiki Ekadashi |
| Darshan Timings (2026) | 4:00 AM to 11:45 PM (usual schedule) |
| Daily Aarti/Rituals | Kakad Aarti, Mahanaivedya, Dhoop Aarti, Shej Aarti |
| Darshan Booking | Online & Offline |
| Special Darshan Passes | Available (VIP and general) |
| Best Time to Visit | October to March and during festivals |
This table gives a quick understanding of the temple’s key details for devotees and visitors.
Historical Background Shri Vitthal Rukimini Temple
Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple has a long and ancient history. The structure as it stands today was shaped over centuries. It is believed that the temple’s roots go back to early worship practices of Lord Vitthal, connected to saints like Pundalik, who is said to have transformed Vitthal into a deity of devotion and grace.
The temple has been a centre of faith for many famous saints, including Sant Tukaram, a 17th-century saint known for his devotional poetry and teachings. His life and works brought the message of devotion and equality to the masses, and Pandharpur became central to the Varkari faith.
Over time, the temple grew both in size and spiritual importance. Kings, devotees and temple committees contributed to its architecture and rituals. Its location beside the scenic Chandrabhaga river adds to the spiritual atmosphere. The tradition of pilgrimage and worship here has continued for hundreds of years and remains strong today.
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Location and How to Reach Shri Vitthal Rukimini Temple
Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple is located in Pandharpur, in the Solapur district of Maharashtra, India. The town sits on the banks of the Bhima (Chandrabhaga) River, which many pilgrims consider sacred while performing their religious journey.
To reach the temple:
- By Train: Pandharpur has its own railway station, well connected to major cities in Maharashtra and neighbouring states.
- By Bus: State buses and private buses connect Pandharpur to cities like Pune, Mumbai, Solapur and Hyderabad.
- By Air: The nearest major airport is Pune International Airport (about 214 km away), and another option is Solapur Airport.
- Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws, taxis and local cabs are available near the railway and bus stations for traveling to the temple.
Because Pandharpur is a major pilgrimage site, transport is usually frequent and well-organized, especially during festival seasons.
Darshan Timings for 2026 Shri Vitthal Rukimini Temple
Devotees visiting Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple in 2026 should know the typical darshan schedule. The temple generally stays open from early morning until late night, allowing many opportunities for darshan, prayer and meditation.
One common schedule is:
- Temple Opens: 4:00 AM
- Morning Darshan: 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- Break: 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM
- Afternoon Darshan: 11:15 AM – 4:30 PM
- Break: 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- Evening Darshan: 5:00 PM – 11:15 PM
- Temple Close: Around 11:45 PM
Daily rituals such as Kakad Aarti (early morning prayer), Mahanaivedya (offering to the deity), Dhoop Aarti (evening incense), and Shej Aarti (night prayer) mark the day’s spiritual rhythm.
Darshan times may vary slightly on festival days or during large pilgrimages like Wari.
Shri Vitthal Rukimini Temple Main Festivals Celebrated
Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple holds some of the most important festivals of the Vaishnavite tradition:
- Ashadhi Ekadashi: Celebrated in June or July, it is the most famous festival here. Thousands of devotees arrive in Pandharpur as part of the Wari pilgrimage.
- Kartiki Ekadashi: Held in October or November, this is another major spiritual gathering, with devotees singing bhajans and chanting “Vitthal Vitthal.”
- Navaratri and Diwali: These Hindu festivals are observed with special prayers and decorations.
- Holi: The festival of colours brings joyous celebrations around spring.
During these festivals, the atmosphere at the temple becomes lively, devotional and deeply spiritual.
Temple Rituals and Daily Worship
Daily worship at Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple follows a fixed schedule of rituals opened to devotees:
- Kakad Aarti: Morning prayer with devotional singing.
- Nityapooja: Daily worship rituals including offerings to the deities.
- Mahanaivedya: Midday offering of food to the Lord.
- Poshakh: Changing the clothing and decoration of idols.
- Dhoop Aarti: Evening incense worship.
- Shej Aarti: Final prayer before the temple closes.
These rituals create a continuous flow of devotion throughout the day, inviting visitors to participate in the temple’s spiritual life.
Shri Vitthal Rukimini Temple Darshan Pass and Booking System
Because the temple attracts large numbers of devotees every day, especially during peak times and festivals, it offers a darshan pass system to make visiting easier.
- Online Booking: Devotees can reserve slots in advance through the official website at vitthalrukminimandir.org.
- Offline Booking: Passes can also be booked at the temple’s darshan counters in Pandharpur.
- Types of Passes: General free darshan passes, special darshan passes, and VIP passes are usually available, depending on crowd management needs.
Booking in advance helps avoid long queues and allows devotees to plan their visit more peacefully.
Dress Code and Temple Etiquette
Although the temple does not enforce a strict dress code, visitors are encouraged to dress modestly and respectfully as part of temple etiquette.
- Men: Traditional clothes like dhoti or modest trousers and shirts are preferred.
- Women: Sarees, salwar kameez or similar modest attire is recommended.
- Children: Covered, respectful clothing is advised.
Modest clothing and calm behaviour contribute to a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere for all devotees.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple is usually between October and March, when the weather in Pandharpur is pleasant for travel and darshan.
If you want to experience the most spiritually vibrant occasions, plan your visit during Ashadhi Ekadashi (June/July) or Kartiki Ekadashi (October/November). These festivals bring large crowds of devotees and colourful celebrations filled with bhajans and devotion.
Visiting early in the morning or during quieter weekday hours can also make your darshan experience more peaceful.
Temple Significance in Culture
The Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple is not just a place of worship. It is a cultural heart for millions of devotees across India.
Pandharpur’s temple is part of the Varkari movement, a long-standing devotional tradition focused on the simple calling of the Lord’s name and singing abhangas (devotional songs). Saints like Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar are closely linked with this heritage, and their teachings continue to inspire visitors today.
Devotees believe that chanting the name of Vitthal and visiting this temple brings peace, spiritual cleansing and blessings. The pilgrimage route to Pandharpur, especially on Ekadashi days, is seen as a journey of faith and devotion.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. What are the darshan timings for 2026?
The temple typically opens around 4:00 AM and stays open until about 11:45 PM with several darshan periods, breaks and rituals through the day.
Q2. Where is Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple located?
It is located in Pandharpur, Solapur District, Maharashtra, India, near the banks of the Bhima (Chandrabhaga) River.
Q3. How can I book a darshan pass?
You can book passes online through the official temple website or offline at the temple counters.
Q4. What are the main festivals?
The most notable festivals are Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi, plus other Hindu festivals like Navaratri and Diwali.
Q5. Is there a dress code?
There is no strict dress code, but modest clothing is recommended to show respect.