Divine Vitthal-Rakhumai Temple Pinjar, Barshitakali, Acola

It is said that the folk deity of Maharashtra, Vitthal, who has stood on a brick on the banks of the Chandrabhaga in Pandharpur for twenty-eight yugas to meet Pundalik, has also come and resided in Pinjar for the sake of His devotees. For this reason, the Vitthal-Rukhumai temple at Pinjar, the beloved deity of crores of devotees, has earned the reputation of being the ‘Prati Pandharpur’ (the other Pandharpur) of Akola district. It is said that this Vitthal-Rukhumai site is about three to four centuries old. Thousands of devotees who are unable to travel to Pandharpur for the darshan of the dark-complexioned Vithoba come to this temple and surrender themselves at the feet of Vitthal.

The legend regarding the temple is that Kalyan Swami Maharaj of Pinjar was a supreme devotee of Vitthal. He used to perform the Wari to Pandhari regularly. Due to old age, it became impossible for him to go on the Wari one year. This left his mind in great distress. One night, Pandurang appeared to him in a vision and said, “You do not need to come to Pandharpur for my darshan. I shall come to you. Go to the confluence of the three rivers near Pardi village, close to Pinjar. If you dig there, you will have my darshan.” The next day, he went to the confluence in Pardi village with some villagers and dug, where they found idols of Vitthal-Rukhumai made of sandstone. The villagers tried to lift these idols, but they could not.

Thereafter, Kalyan Swami began singing Abhangs pleading with Vitthal. Only then was the idol lifted with ease. The idols were then brought to Pinjar village in a bullock cart amidst music and celebrations. Outside the village, on the riverbank, the oxen pulling the cart stopped on their own. They would not move forward or backward. Then, Vitthal appeared to Kalyan Swami in another vision and commanded him to install the idols at that very spot. Accordingly, the idols were installed there. This temple is mentioned in the ‘Central Provinces and Berar District Gazetteer’ of ‘Akola District – Volume १’ (१९१०). It states that ‘An ancestor of the then moneylender Waman Savji of this place built a small Vitthal temple here many generations ago. That ancestor had a dream that if a temple were built here, it would attain the same sanctity as Pandharpur and there would be no need to travel far for the Pandharpur Wari. Therefore, he built this temple.’ In १९०९, Waman Savji renovated this temple. The gazetteer also states that he spent two thousand rupees for this purpose. Recently, this ancient temple was renovated, after which this structure attained its present form.

Located on the outskirts of Pinjar village at the confluence of three rivers, this temple stands on a high plinth. One enters the temple courtyard by climbing a few steps. There is a facility of benches for devotees to sit in this courtyard. In the courtyard, in front of the temple, is the Sanjeevan Samadhi site of Kalyan Swami Maharaj. With a structure comprising a Mandap, Sabha Mandap, and Garbhagriha, the temple appears like a fortress. One enters the temple Mandap through the entrance gate, which is on a high plinth reached by five steps. This two-storied entrance has pillar branches on both sides with lamp niches on them. There is a Nagarkhana on the upper floor.

The walls of the enclosed Sabha Mandap have niches containing idols of various gods, goddesses, and saints. Beyond the Sabha Mandap, leaving a circumambulation path, is the structure of the Garbhagriha. In the Garbhagriha, the idols of Vitthal-Rukhumai are on a Vajrapitha. It is the faith of the devotees that the darshan of these idols provides the experience of having the darshan of Pandharinath of Pandharpur himself. Behind this Makhar is a large image of Vitthal. The temple also houses idols of Hanuman and Gajanan Maharaj. Along with the main Shikhara over the Garbhagriha, there are two other Shikharas on this temple. One is over the main entrance and the other is over the place where the temple of Gajanan Maharaj is located.

Large fairs are held in the temple premises for two and a half days starting from the full moon of the Ashadh and Kartik months. Thousands of devotees from many districts of Vidarbha attend these fairs. Many Palkhis also arrive here from various parts amidst the sound of cymbals and Mridangam. The Dahi Handi ceremony held here during the fairs is famous throughout Vidarbha. Religious programs like Bhajans and Kirtans are also organized during these fairs. On the night of the second day of the fairs, the Palkhi of Vitthal goes around the town.

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