Shri Vitthal-Rakhumai Temple Shri Kshetra Vaishnavgad, Sindkhed Raja, Buldana

In the Sindkhed Raja taluka of Buldana district, there is a beautiful temple of Vitthal-Rakhumai at Vaishnavgad, which is known as the ‘Prati Pandharpur’ (Mini Pandharpur). Daily worship and rituals are performed here just as they are at the Vitthal temple in Pandharpur. This temple is a major center of faith for the followers of the Warkari sect in the district. Built using the famous red sandstone from Dholpur, Rajasthan, this magnificent temple, designed in the Nagara architectural style, was realized through public donations across a three-acre campus. Thousands of devotees from the district who are unable to travel to Pandharpur for darshan on Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi come here in large numbers. The entire premises resonate with the chanting of the Lord’s name during these times.

This temple was envisioned by H.B.P. Tryambak Parvatrao Sanap Guruji (Nana), who dedicated his life to the propagation and promotion of the Warkari tradition. Born on 26 August 1939, Sanap Guruji made significant contributions not only to the spiritual field but also to the field of education. Blessed with a sharp intellect, he had a natural inclination toward spirituality from childhood. Having donned the sacred beads of the Warkari sect in his childhood, Sanap Guruji grew up at his maternal grandparents’ home in Andhera (Taluka Deulgaon Raja, District Buldana). He possessed a profound knowledge of saintly literature. He passed his matriculation examination with excellent grades; however, due to family circumstances, he could not pursue further education.

One day, Shankar Maharaj Nagare, a disciple of Gadge Maharaj, came to Andhera to collect donations. He informed them about the existence of a dharamshala for the Vanjari community and a hostel for the underprivileged in Pandharpur. Following his suggestion, Sanap Guruji went to Pandharpur. After bathing in the Chandrabhaga river and having the darshan of Vitthal, he would spend the entire day chanting the Lord’s name. Eventually, he secured a teaching job in Dhakale, a village in Baramati taluka. While teaching students in this village, he also undertook several works for village improvement. He also worked to propagate the Warkari sect there. Later, he was transferred to Khamgalwadi in Baramati taluka. Khamgalwadi is situated on the route between Alandi and Pandharpur. Many Warkaris would visit him while on their way to Pandharpur. Sanap Guruji also participated in the Palkhi processions heading to Pandharpur. Over time, he started weekly Gatha Parayan (recitation of the Dnyaneshwari Gatha) in the area. For this, he once invited Tukarambuva Shirwalkar, the owner of the Gangukaka Shirwalkar Phad. Between the years 1967 and 1976, he initiated annual Nama Saptahas (seven-day chanting festivals) in the area. While promoting the Warkari sect and shaping many Warkaris, he also inspired many donors to provide food for the Dindi processions. Through the Gangukaka Shirwalkar Phad, he continued his spiritual work in the region. During this period, he was transferred to places like Kelwad, Baygaon (Budruk), and Dhotra Nandai in Buldana district. While working as a headmaster at the school in Dhotra Nandai, he received the Ideal Teacher Award. He worked in Dhotra Nandai for 14 years. During this time, he mentored many students and provided guidance to farmers regarding agriculture. While carrying out this work, he established an Ekadashi Mandal in the area and started an annual Nama Saptaha there as well. The Saptaha held at Palaskhed Chakka in 1991 was grand in scale. Thereafter, with the intention of holding the Nama Saptaha at a single permanent location in the future, he resolved to build a Vitthal temple at Vaishnavgad. For this, he traveled from village to village to collect public donations. After the temple was built with these funds, the idols of Vitthal-Rakhumai were consecrated on 2 March 2017. In a short time, this temple became famous as the ‘Prati Pandharpur’ of the taluka. The state government has granted this temple the status of a ‘B’ grade pilgrimage site.

Vaishnavgad is located three kilometers from Savkhed Tejan on the Sindkhed Raja-Mehkar highway. The temple has a grand main entrance, and the intricate carvings and sculptures on it attract attention. Upon entering through this main gate, one enters a spacious courtyard. In this courtyard, there is a temple of Ganesha on the left and Hanuman on the right. In the center of the paved courtyard, the Vitthal-Rukmini temple is built on a high plinth. One enters the temple plinth by climbing eleven steps. On the railings on both sides of this staircase, there are attractive sculptures of elephants with their trunks raised.

The structure of this temple consists of three Mukhamandapas (entrance halls), a Sabhamandapa (main assembly hall), an Antarala (vestibule), and the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The entire temple is beautifully carved. The upper parts of the pillars in the Sabhamandapa are carved with various sculptures, including figures of Surasundaris. The ceiling of the Sabhamandapa features beautiful designs. In the Sabhamandapa, there is a sculpture of Garuda facing the sanctum on a pedestal, and there is a tortoise sculpture in front of the sanctum. There are gatekeepers on both sides of the entrance to the vestibule. The door frame of the sanctum and the surrounding areas are also beautifully carved. Gatekeepers are carved onto the door pillars. Kirtimukhas are carved near the base of the entrance. In the sanctum, beautiful idols of Vitthal-Rakhumai are seated on a large marble throne within a marble arch. All three entrance halls and the Sabhamandapa of this temple have square-tiered shikhars (spires) that taper upwards. These shikhars are topped with Amalakas and Kalashas. The shikhar of the sanctum features replicas of many smaller shikhars. At its apex is a two-tiered Amalaka and Kalasha.

Daily worship and rituals are performed here just as they are at the temple in Pandharpur. There is a crowd of devotees here for darshan throughout the year. A major festival is held here from Phalguna Shuddha Pratipada to Ashtami. During this Saptaha, which is attended by thousands of devotees, religious programs such as Kakada Aarti, Gatha Bhajan, Valmiki Ramayana Katha, Bhajans, and Kirtans are held. The Saptaha concludes with the Kalya Kirtan. During this week, Mahaprasad is distributed daily.

Thousands of devotees come here for darshan on Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi. After the Abhishek and Mahapuja are performed by dignitaries at dawn, the darshan begins. Thousands of devotees stand in line, chanting ‘Vitthu Mauli’, to have darshan.

On the occasion of Ashadhi Ekadashi, about 80 Dindis arrive here from various parts of the taluka. Refreshments are distributed to the devotees who arrive at this time. A Bhakta Niwas (pilgrim lodging) has been built on the premises to accommodate devotees coming from afar.

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