Shri Vitthal Mandir Vitthal Jukthi, Chandrapur, t. Chandrapur

The ancient Vitthal Temple, situated in the Bazar Ward of Chandrapur—a city of great cultural and historical significance in Vidarbha—is a revered center of faith for the Warkari sect in the district. It is one of the most important ancient temples in the Vidarbha region. The surrounding area has come to be known as ‘Vitthal Khidki’ because of this temple. The five-day Palkhi Utsav (Rath Yatra) celebrated here on Ashadhi Ekadashi is considered one of the major festivals in Chandrapur. During this time, thousands of Warkaris from across Vidarbha arrive here with their Dindis to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal.

The legend of the Vitthal Temple states that Govindrao Khadakhadi, who lived here, was a devout follower of Lord Balaji. One morning in the year 1750, while praying to Lord Balaji, he suddenly noticed a beautiful black stone slab outside his house. He had never seen this stone there before. Believing it to be a divine sign from Lord Balaji, he inwardly decided to have an idol of Balaji carved from this stone. Accordingly, the next day, he brought a stone carver (one who breaks stones with a chisel and hammer). After worshipping the slab, as Govindrao struck it while chanting ‘Jai Lakshmi Venkatesh’ (a name of Lord Balaji), an echo of ‘Hari Vitthal…’ emanated from the stone. With every subsequent strike on the stone, the same echo of ‘Hari Vitthal…’ was heard. This continued for 3 days. Govindrao did not know what to do. Finally, he prayed to Lord Balaji, requesting him to show the way.

On the third day, Lord Balaji appeared to Govindrao in a dream and suggested that Balaji and Vitthal are one and the same. He advised him to abandon the insistence on making an idol of Balaji and instead create an idol of Lord Vitthal. Following this, the stone carvers were instructed, and in a short time, beautiful idols of Vitthal-Rukmini were carved from that stone. At that time, a small temple was built near the southwestern window (Khidki) of the Chandrapur Fort, and these idols were installed at an auspicious time. Since then, this area has been known as ‘Vitthal Khidki’. Govindrao spent the rest of his life in the service of this Lord Vitthal. After Govindrao, his disciple Sadashivbhatt Ayachit, also known as Janardan Maharaj, served the temple. It is said that due to his devotion to Lord Vitthal, Janardan Swami attained many Siddhis and often even brought the deceased back to life. After some days, following divine will, he left for a pilgrimage. Thereafter, Govind Awale served as the temple attendant. Gopal, the son of Govind Awale, started the Rath Yatra here on Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi, which continues to this day.

Although the Vitthal Temple at Vitthal Khidki, located near the Chandrapur bus stand, is ancient, it acquired its present form after restoration and renovation in 1991. Retaining the original sanctum sanctorum, the villagers built a spacious, two-story temple. The entrance gate in front of the temple has a unique shape, with approximately 25-foot-tall Veena structures on both sides, connected at the top by cymbals (Chiplya). This entrance is considered a major attraction. Despite being in the heart of the city, the temple premises feel peaceful and scenic due to the many ancient and large trees.

The Vitthal Temple is two-storied. While the main entrance does not feature intricate carvings, the exterior of the original sanctum sanctorum displays unique craftsmanship. In the center of the two-story assembly hall (Sabhamandap) stands a 5-foot-tall idol of Saint Namdev. Additionally, there are idols of saints in the niches of the walls. The temple has 3 sanctums, and the idols of Vitthal-Rukmini are placed in a brass arch (Makhar) on a pedestal in the main sanctum. Above the main sanctum is a dome-shaped spire, flanked by 2 smaller spires. In the sanctum to the left of the main one, there are marble idols of Shri Krishna, Shri Dattatreya, and Saint Dnyaneshwar, along with a unique seated idol of Ardhanarinateshwar. In the right-hand sanctum, there is a marble idol of Goddess Gayatri. In a niche outside the main sanctum, there is a 4-armed idol of Bhairava seated on a dog.

Daily worship of Lord Vitthal takes place at 7 o’clock in the morning. At 4 o’clock in the evening, the Dnyaneshwari and Bhagavata scriptures are recited. Large fairs are held here on Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi. During Ashadhi, there is a 5-day Palkhi festival. On the 5th day, a Rath Yatra is taken out to the banks of the Irai River. Additionally, festivals are also celebrated on Tukaram Beej, Shri Krishna Janmashtami, and Datta Jayanti.

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