Shree Vitthal-Rukmini Temple Dhapewada, Kalameshwar, Nagpur

The village of Dhapewada in the Kalmeshwar taluka of Nagpur district is renowned as the ‘Pandharpur of Vidarbha’. The Vitthal-Rukmini temple situated on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River here is famous, and every year on the occasion of Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi, three hundred to three hundred and fifty foot processions (dindis) and lakhs of devotees arrive here for the darshan of Lord Vitthal. This includes devotees from Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Records indicate that the construction of this temple was completed in one thousand seven hundred and forty. The temple of Kolba Swami, whose devotion pleased Lord Vitthal and Rukmini to come to Dhapewada, is also located here.

The legend of the temple at Dhapewada is that Kolba Swami, a resident of Bela village in Umred taluka, was a devout follower of Lord Vitthal of Pandharpur. Three hundred years ago, he moved from Bela village and began residing in Dhapewada. Umaji Appa Kholkute, the village Malguzar (landlord), provided him with shelter. Every year, Kolba Swami would undertake the pilgrimage to Pandharpur from Dhapewada. Due to his advanced age, he was unable to perform the Wari pilgrimage, which caused him great distress. One night, Lord Panduranga appeared to him in a dream and said, “You no longer need to travel to Pandharpur to meet Me. We are present in the stepwell located on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River in your own village.” Following the divine vision, Kolba Swami and Umaji Appa searched the stepwell and discovered the idols of Vitthal and Rukmini. Thereafter, they undertook the task of constructing a temple. Upon the completion of the temple construction in 1740, the idols were consecrated in the temple on Jyeshtha Shuddha Dwadashi in 1741. Since then, to this day, the chariot procession of Lord Vitthal is held on Jyeshtha Shuddha Dwadashi.

It is the firm belief of devotees that for those unable to travel to Pandharpur, Lord Pandurang arrives at Dhapewada every year on the occasion of Guru Purnima. This temple, situated on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River, is enclosed by fortified walls. At the main entrance of the fortified walls At the entrance is the Namdev Payari, passing which one enters the temple premises. The main temple is constructed entirely of stone and is designed with a Sabha Mandap and a Garbhagriha. The main temple is situated at a slight elevation from the ground. The Sabha Mandap here is of an open-air style. In the Garbhagriha, the Swayambhu idols of Vitthal and Rukmini are enshrined within a silver throne. Within the temple premises are the shrines of Mahadev, Shri Dattatreya, Hanuman, and Bhakta Pundalik, while adjacent to the temple premises is the temple of Durga Mata. The fortification wall surrounding the temple features inner cloisters where devotees can stay during festivals.

The name of the river flowing in front of the temple is also Chandrabhaga, just like in Pandharpur. Although this river flows eastward, it turns northward near the temple. Further ahead, it meets the Kolar River near Patan Savangi in Saoner Taluka. Before having the darshan of Vitthal, devotees take a holy dip in this river. It is the firm belief of the devotees that bathing here grants the same merit as bathing in the Chandrabhaga of Pandharpur, and performing 3 pilgrimages (waris) to this temple yields the same spiritual merit as one pilgrimage (wari) to Pandharpur.

Adjacent to the Vitthal Temple is the Samadhi Temple of Saint Kolba Swami. On Vasant Panchami, the Samadhi of the Swami is worshipped by the Mathadhipati of the Kolba Swami Math. On the occasion of the death anniversary of Swami’s Guru, Dharmashettibaba Rangari, thousands of devotees are present here on Vasant Panchami. On this day, a religious procession (Dindi) is taken out through the main roads of the village. Also, Mahaprasad is distributed to the visiting devotees. A fair (Yatra) is held here on three days: Ashadhi Purnima, Vasant Panchami, and Rath Yatra (Jyeshtha Shuddha Dwadashi). For this, the ST Corporation organizes special bus services from Kalmeshwar, Mohpa, Katol, Saoner, and Nagpur.

Recognized as the Pandharpur of Vidarbha, the Dhapewada temple has been granted ‘B’ grade pilgrimage status by the State Government, as the number of devotees visiting for the darshan of the Swayambhu Vitthal-Rukmini is increasing day by day.

A temple that receives more than 4 lakh devotees annually for darshan is granted the ‘B’ grade pilgrimage status by the State Government. According to this status, funds are made available by the government from time to time for the amenities and facilities of the devotees visiting here.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery