Vitthal (also known as Vithoba or Panduranga) is a form of Lord Vishnu or his incarnation Lord Krishna. He is worshipped mainly in Maharashtra and Karnataka, and is particularly the chief deity of the Varkari sect. Vitthal's main temple is located in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, a pilgrimage center for millions of devotees.
Introduction to Vitthal
Form of Vishnu and Krishna: Vitthal is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Krishna. The mythology of his name and form is associated with the life and character of Lord Krishna.
Special worship in Maharashtra: The worship of Vitthal is extremely popular in Maharashtra, where he is worshipped as Vithoba or Panduranga. His devotees consider him the epitome of love, devotion, and dedication.
Warkari Sect: Vitthal is worshipped by the Warkari Sect, a devotional movement. Warkari devotees undertake a pilgrimage to Pandharpur every year, called "wari", and the major festival of this pilgrimage is "Ashadhi Ekadashi", which is celebrated with great pomp.
Mythological tale associated with the origin of Vitthal
The most prominent legend of Vitthal is associated with the saint Pundalik of Pandharpur. It is said that Pundalik was so devoted in serving his parents that once when Lord Krishna came to visit them, he made the Lord stand on a brick to wait for him. Pleased with Pundalik's service, Lord Krishna stood there and appeared as Vitthal to protect the devotees. Due to this incident, Vitthal is often depicted standing on a brick.
Appearance of Vitthal
Vitthal is depicted as a young deity standing with both his hands on his waist. He stands on a brick, which is a symbol associated with his famous legend. He is adorned with a crown and jewels on his head, and a cow is also depicted near his feet, which symbolizes the Gopala form of Krishna.
Worship and Importance of Vitthal
Devotion and Dedication: The worship of Vitthal is a symbol of love, devotion, and dedication. His devotees, called Warkaris, worship him with great devotion and consider the journey to Pandharpur an important part of their life.
Pandharpur Yatra: Vitthal temple in Pandharpur is a pilgrimage site for millions of devotees. Every year, special festivals are held here on Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi, in which devotees undertake long pilgrimages (wari) on foot to have darshan of Vitthal.
Ashadhi Ekadashi: This is the most prominent festival of Vitthal, celebrated on Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of Ashadha month. On this day, lakhs of devotees visit Pandharpur to have darshan of Vitthal. Kirtans, bhajans, and other religious activities are organized on this occasion.
Saints and Vitthal devotion
Special devotion towards Vitthal has been propagated by saints of Maharashtra, such as:
Sant Gyaneshwar: Sant Gyaneshwar played an important role in spreading devotion to Vitthal in Marathi literature and society. His famous book Gyaneshwari is based on Vitthal devotion.
Sant Tukaram: Sant Tukaram also deeply embraced Vitthal devotion and gave the message of devotion to Vitthal through his abhangs. His bhajans and abhangs are still highly popular among devotees.
Sant Namdev: Sant Namdev was a great devotee of Vitthal, who praised the glory of Vitthal through his kirtans and bhajans.
Benefits of worshiping Vitthal
Religious and spiritual advancement: Worshiping Vitthal increases the devotion of a person and he attains spiritual advancement. He removes all the sufferings of the devotees and gives them stability in life.
Attainment of salvation: Worshiping Vitthal leads to attainment of salvation. With true devotion and dedication towards him, a person gets freedom from worldly bonds and gets absorbed in God.
Grace of saints: By worshipping Vitthal, a person gets the grace of saints. By following the life of saints and the path shown by them, the devotee gets the grace of Vitthal.
Vitthal is a symbol of devotion and love, who is worshipped as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Krishna. The center of his devotion is located in Pandharpur, where devotees worship Vithoba. His worship is especially popular in Maharashtra and Karnataka, and the message of his devotion has been spread throughout the society through saints. By worshipping Vitthal, a person attains devotion, salvation, and inner peace.
