Prati Pandharpur Near Pune

The bustling temple town of Pandharpur in Solapur district is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra. Millions of devotees of Lord Vitthal flock here every year, especially during the Ashadhi Ekadashi Waari. However, not everyone can make the long journey to visit the main Vitthal Rukmini temple.

For the convenience of devotees near Pune, a magnificent replica temple complex has been constructed at Dudhiware Khind near Pavana dam. This temple is called Prati Pandharpur.

History and Background of Prati Pandharpur

Prati Pandharpur is the brainchild of the late Shri Baba Maharaj Satarkar, a renowned spiritual speaker and expert on the teachings of Sant Dnyaneshwar's Dnyaneshwari. He conceptualized building a replica of Pandharpur for the benefit of devotees who cannot visit the main temple town.

The construction of Prati Pandharpur started in 1948 and went on for over 50 years under the guidance of Shri Satarkar Maharaj. Every effort was made to replicate the glorious Vitthal Rukmini temple along with key architectural and structural elements. The complex was finally completed and opened for devotees in 1999.

Also read - Prati Shirdi Sai Baba Temple in Shirgaon Pune

Temple Architecture and Main Shrines

Prati Pandharpur is built on sprawling land near Dudhiware Khind overlooking the scenic Pavana dam backwaters. The entire temple complex follows the traditional architecture of the temples of Pandharpur.

The main attraction is the central shrine that houses beautifully carved black stone idols of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini. Adjacent to the main temple is the Samadhi shrine of Shri Satarkar Maharaj. There are also small temples dedicated to Lord Dattatreya, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Mahadev among others. A water kund and Yadavbaba temple can also be seen inside the complex.

Amenities for Devotees at Prati Pandharpur Temple

• Well-maintained Bhakt Niwas provides affordable accommodation for overnight pilgrims

• Clean drinking water kiosks

• Guest house and dormitories for large groups

• The spacious dining hall provides free prasad bhajan to visitors

• The kitchen provides Mahaprasad made from native ingredients to thousands of pilgrims daily

• Hygienic washrooms and toilets

• Lush lawns and resting areas offer serene natural beauty for meditation

Also read - Prati Kedarnath: A Replica of the Kedarnath Temple in Nashik

Annual Festivals and Celebrations

Prati Pandharpur lights up with fervent festivities during major festivals like Ashadhi Ekadashi, Kartiki Ekadashi, Pandharpur Yatra, and Janmashtami among others. The Vitthal Rukmini temple remains heavily crowded as thousands throng for Lord Vithoba’s darshan on these occasions. Cultural programs, religious discourses, and kirtans were also organized.

The best time to visit is during the 4 days of the Ashadhi Yatra Waari festival when the environment resonates with the warkaris’ singing glory of Lord Vitthal. Make sure to plan your travel in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.

How to Reach Prati Pandharpur

• Located around 40 km from Pune near Pavana Dam backwaters

• Easily accessible by private vehicles via Mumbai-Pune highway and Dudhiware Ghat road

• Public transport like buses and shared cabs also available from Pune and Mumbai

Also read - Prati Balaji Mandir in Pune

Conclusion

So if you stay nearby and wish to seek Lord Vitthal’s blessings, pay a visit to this spectacular temple complex at Prati Pandharpur. The serenity of the natural surroundings, simplicity of the devotees and divine aura leaves you feeling spiritually rejuvenated.