Shri npure Maharaj Math Pandharpur, Pandharpur, Solapur

In the twelfth century, Saint Dnyaneshwar wrote the Dnyaneshwari and opened the doors of knowledge to the common people. Yet, for eight hundred years thereafter, Dalits were forbidden from having the darshan of Lord Pandurang in Pandharpur. From May 1 to 10, 1946, Sane Guruji observed a ten-day fast. Krantisinha Nana Patil actively supported this fast. The then Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Mavalankar, came to Pandharpur, successfully mediated the matter, and the temple of Pandurang was opened to all. The Tanpure Maharaj Math, where Sane Guruji observed his fast, continues to function as a major religious and social center in Pandharpur today. Millions of devotees visiting Pandharpur make it a point to visit the Tanpure Math.

Tanpure Maharaj, born Badrinath Kushaba Tanpure, was born to Rukminibai in the village of Dagadwadi in Pathardi Taluka. He was deeply influenced by the thoughts of his parents, who were proponents of the Bhagavata Dharma and social equality. Having earned a degree in Marathi, the Maharaj pursued in-depth studies of the Vedas, Upanishads, Gita, Bhagavata, and Dnyaneshwari at the Varkari Shikshan Sanstha in Alandi. He was a scholar of Sanskrit. He served as the President of the Charodham Mandap Trust and as an official for many social organizations. He implemented numerous social initiatives across India and built dharmashalas in Varanasi and Badrinath to propagate the Bhagavata Dharma.

Although precise information regarding the founding of this math is unavailable, it has been a witness to many historical events. It was in this very math that Sane Guruji sat for his ten-day fast in 1946. It is said that the Peasants and Workers Party of India was founded in this math on August 3, 1947. During the Sarvodaya Sammelan, Acharya Vinoba Bhave and Dr. Rajendra Prasad imparted intellectual guidance to workers here. Social, cultural, and educational activities continue incessantly in this math. It is located about one kilometer from the Pandharpur railway station and the Vitthal-Rukmini temple. The math has a strong fortification wall, and within it stands an entrance building about thirty feet high. The entrance features two square pillars on both sides, topped by an arched torana. On the ceiling of the entrance, in the center, is a large meditative statue of Lord Mahadeva, flanked by statues of other deities. The entrance building houses guard rooms on both sides and stairways leading to the upper level.

The courtyard of the math contains a parking area and several ancient trees. In the courtyard stands the three-story Samadhi temple of Tanpure Maharaj. The Samadhi temple is surrounded by a fenced fortification with an entrance. There is a Tulsi Vrindavan in the paver-block-covered courtyard of the Samadhi temple. The structure of the temple includes an Ardhamandapa, a Sabhamandapa, and several inner sanctums. In front of the entrance to the Samadhi temple, there are two platforms on either side, each adorned with lion sculptures. The temple entrance is about twenty feet high. It features two ornate pillars on either side, topped by an arched torana. The door frames are decorated with floral and leaf motifs, with a statue of Lord Ganesha at the center of the lintel and a Kirtimukha on the architrave.

In the Sabhamandapa, there are six circular pillars on both the left and right sides, supporting beams and a balcony on the second floor. The balcony features circular and square pillars topped by a ceiling. In the center of the ceiling is a chakra with a chandelier. The Sabhamandapa houses a small chariot containing the statue of Tanpure Maharaj. Inside the Sabhamandapa, the Maharaj’s Samadhi is situated, and in front of it, within an ornate shrine with two pillars, is a meditative statue of the Maharaj on a Vajrapitha. The Sabhamandapa contains a row of several inner sanctums. The door frames of all these sanctums are decorated with floral and leaf motifs, with a statue of Lord Ganesha on the lintel and moonstones at the base. All the inner sanctums contain statues of deities and saints.

On the roof of the Samadhi temple, there are two dome-shaped shikhara spires at the front. On the left and right sides of the roof, there are three-tiered circular spires that taper towards the top. The spires are adorned with various carvings and niches for deities. At the apex of these spires are two amalakas placed one above the other, topped by kalashas. In the center of the Samadhi temple roof is a large statue of Lord Maruti, depicted in the ecstasy of devotion.

The vast courtyard of the math contains several multi-story buildings. These include a mythological art gallery, a pilgrim residence (Bhakta Niwas), a kitchen, a home for widows and the elderly, and the Varkari Shikshan Sanstha. The Bhakta Niwas has about two hundred rooms, providing accommodation for devotees during pilgrimage seasons. The Annachhatra here provides free food to devotees daily. The courtyard also houses a dispensary and rooms providing health facilities. There is a stage in the courtyard for cultural programs.

Like all other maths and temples in Pandharpur, Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi are the main annual festivals celebrated here. During these times, hundreds of devotees stay here, and millions benefit from the Mahaprasad. A large number of devotees visit to have the darshan of the Maharaj’s Samadhi. All Ekadashis and annual festivals are celebrated in the math. Additionally, the Annachhatra operates daily.

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