Shree Gupta Vithoba Temple, Belhe, Junnar, Pune

The ‘Gupta Vithoba Temple’ located in Belhe, Junnar taluka, is renowned among devotees across the entire district and is famously known as ‘Prati-Pandharpur’ (the second Pandharpur). The unique feature of this temple is that the entire structure was discovered buried deep underground, which is why it was named ‘Gupta Vithoba Temple’ (Hidden Vithoba Temple). Thousands of devotees visit here for darshan during Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi.

This sacred abode of Vitthal-Rukmini is situated in Bangarwadi, near Belhe village. To reach the temple, one must travel along a somewhat unpaved and winding road from Belhe village, passing through dense greenery on both sides. The temple stands literally in the lap of the hills. Peacocks can be seen roaming freely in the open space in front of the temple.

The legend of the temple states that in 1917, a cowherd had taken his cows to graze on the open pasture here. In the evening, while returning, he noticed that one cow was missing from the herd. Upon searching, he found the cow’s leg stuck in the ground at the very spot where the temple now stands. With the help of other villagers, he rescued the cow. That same night, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “I am trapped here; please bring me out.” When the cowherd told the other villagers about his dream, they decided to dig at the spot where the cow’s leg had been stuck. As they excavated, they discovered a tunnel. After complete excavation, they realized that the entire temple, along with the idols of Vitthal-Rukmini, was present there. Since the temple was found deep within the earth, the villagers named it ‘Gupta Vithoba Temple’.

Although the original Gupta Vithoba temple is underground, the villagers built a beautiful Vitthal-Rukmini temple above it in 1955. Its structure consists of a grand assembly hall (sabha mandap) and a sanctum sanctorum (gabhara). The assembly hall was constructed in the year 2006-07. The sanctum houses beautiful idols of Vitthal-Rukmini. From the circumambulation path (pradakshina marg) of this sanctum, a tunnel leads downwards; this is the original Gupta Vithoba temple. After descending the steps, one finds a small cave measuring 10 by 15 feet. In a niche directly in front, the idols of Vitthal-Rukmini captivate the attention of all.
A grand festival is held here every year on Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi. For the devotees visiting on Ashadhi Ekadashi, a prasad made from three to three-and-a-half tons of grain is prepared. Dindis (processions) arrive at this temple from the surrounding villages as well as from Sangamner, Parner, Ambegaon, and Akole. Crowds of devotees gather here from the day before Ashadhi. On Ashadhi and Kartiki, prasad is distributed to devotees by the temple committee throughout the day, and religious programs continue from dawn to dusk.

Devotees can have darshan of the deity daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM and from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. On every Ekadashi, the timing is extended from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Every morning at 7:00 AM, Haripath is recited before the Lord. Special ST bus services are provided for the convenience of devotees arriving for Ashadhi and Kartiki.

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