Sacred Pandurang Sansthan Deulgaon Mali, Mehkar, Buldana

The Vitthal-Rukmini temple in Deulgaon Mali, located in the Mehkar taluka, is renowned throughout the region as ‘Prati Pandharpur’ (the second Pandharpur). Thousands of devotees from the taluka visit this ancient temple for darshan. The festival held here in the month of Ashadh has a tradition spanning three hundred and fifty years. Devotees believe that Lord Vitthal himself resides in this town during the Dahi Handi ceremony, which takes place in the presence of thousands of Warkaris and devotees. It is claimed that this is the largest Dahi Handi celebration held in any temple across the state. A grand festival is also organized on the occasion of Kartik Ekadashi. During both these festivals, the entire area resonates with the chanting of Vitthal’s name. The grand wrestling matches held during the Kartik month festival are a major attraction.

There is no precise information available regarding exactly when this Vitthal-Rukmini temple was built. However, it is said that the temple is more than four hundred years old. The original stone structure has been renovated several times over the course of time. During a renovation carried out a few years ago, the temple acquired its current two-story appearance. The state government has granted this temple the status of a ‘B’ class pilgrimage site.

Deulgaon Mali village is located at a distance of ۱۰ kilometers from Mehkar, which is the taluka headquarters. The villagers here have deep faith in Pandurang. There is a spacious parking lot in front of the temple. From the courtyard adjacent to the parking lot, one climbs four steps to enter the assembly hall (sabhamandap) of the temple, which stands on a high foundation. On both sides of this entrance, there are stone seats (kakshasan) and lamp niches in the walls. In the semi-open assembly hall, near the entrance, there are small shrines dedicated to Garuda and Hanuman. In the center of the assembly hall, there is a tortoise (kachhap) idol. Climbing three steps from the assembly hall, one enters the antarala (vestibule). Paintings of saints are depicted on the walls of the vestibule. In the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), the idols of Vitthal-Rukmini are placed on a marble throne (makhar) atop a vajrapitha. New idols were consecrated here in the year ۲۰۲۳. This throne features exquisite craftsmanship. Both idols are adorned with silver crowns. The temple premises include a pilgrim residence (bhaktaniwas) and the office of the board of trustees.

Devotees believe that the grace of Pandurang of Pandharpur is upon this village. Many villagers begin their daily routine only after having darshan of Vitthal in this temple. Auspicious family events are also initiated only after seeking the blessings of Vitthal-Rukmini here. On the day of both Ekadashis each month, a large number of devotees gather here. Programs like kirtans and bhajans are held from time to time in the pavilion in front of the temple.

The Ashadhi Mahotsav is the major festival here. This three-day festival begins on Ashadh Purnima. On this day, the Gopalakala ceremony takes place at ۱۲ midnight. The next day, on Ashadh Vadya Pratipada, the Dahi Handi ceremony is held in the evening. The handi is broken by the designated officials in the presence of thousands of devotees. On the morning of Ashadh Vadya Dwitiya, a palanquin procession (palkhi) is taken out through the village. The wooden idols of Vitthal-Rukmini are placed in a palanquin decorated with flowers. Thousands of devotees from the surrounding five villages participate in this dindi, carrying saffron flags in their hands. The palanquin procession also includes about ۸۰ dindis that arrive from various parts of the district. Rangolis are drawn along the route of the palanquin. The palanquin is worshipped at various places along the way. People who have settled in other towns for jobs or business make it a point to visit the village for this festival. Married women also return to their parental homes for this celebration.

A grand festival is also held in the month of Kartik. On the occasion of this festival, an Akhand Harinam Saptah is organized here. During this time, programs such as Shrimad Bhagwat Katha, Dnyaneshwari parayan, and kirtans are held. A palanquin procession is also taken out through the village during this festival. The celebration concludes with a grand feast (mahaprasad) of Patodi bhaji.

During this festival, a wrestling tournament is organized by the Shri Pandurang Sansthan and the Krantisurya Talim Sangh of the village. Deulgaon Mali is famous throughout the district for the sport of ‘wrestling,’ which shares a deep bond with the soil here. The tradition of wrestling here spans several decades. Renowned wrestlers from various parts of the state participate in this competition. Women wrestlers also compete in this tournament. On the day of the competition, the entire area echoes with the beating of drums (halgi), the sound of pipes (pipani), and the chants of ‘Bajrang Bali ki Jai.’ Along with Mehkar taluka, renowned wrestlers from Vidarbha, Khandesh, and Western Maharashtra come to test their luck in these competitions. Authentic indigenous techniques like ‘Ekchak,’ ‘Dhobipachad,’ ‘Ghissa,’ and ‘Hapte’ are displayed here. The winning wrestlers are honored by the villagers with a prestigious silver mace (gada), cash prizes, and trophies.

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