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Vakhri is five kilometers from Pandharpur. All palkhis arrive
at Vakhri on the 10th day of Ashadh, or the day before Ekadashi.
Pandharpur
Pandharpur is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in
Maharashtra. It sits on the banks of the Bhimā river, also known as
the Chandrabhaga because of its half-moon-like shape. It is named
after a merchant, Pandarika, who achieved self-realization there. In
Marathi he is called Pundalik. His duty was to serve his parents, so
he kept God waiting at his door. He himself passed away and God is
still waiting to serve his disciple. Pandharpur is surrounded by the
most Shaiva-influenced doctrines and practices within a radius of a
hundred miles, encompassing Ganagapur, Akkalkot and the shaktipeeth,
Tuljapur.
The Vitthal temple on the banks of the Bhimā is the main
attraction in Pandharpur; it is alternatively known as Pandhari.
Pandharpur hosts four annual pilgrimages (varis) by Hindu devotees.
Among them the pilgrimage in the month of Āshādh in the Hindu
Shalivahan calendar attracts the largest number of pilgrims—around
500,000 to 700,000 people. The pilgrimage in the month of Kārtik
attracts the second largest number of pilgrims.
On the south bank of the Bhima sits Namdev’s 13th century
dwelling, which matches the scale of a wealthy person’s house.
His affection for Vithoba and his writings helped the varkari cult
become prominent in Maharashtra. Today all other cults like Prabhupada
and Iskon sit on the opposite banks of the Chandrabhaga.
Many Deendi groups bought land around Pandharpur and set up per-