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The image of Vitthal was during the medieval period removed several times to protect it from the Moslem invaders. It was either kept with some of the Badavas (priests) or was removed to a sanctuary at a place named Degaon. It is a small village not for from Pandharpur and references abound that indicate that the image was hidden there for fairly long stretches. The image was finally brought Out Of its hiding when the Maratha regime had achieved considerable stability.
A very curious thing about the removal of the image is that it was stolen or held in ransom by private individuals often. One of the recorded incidents is as follows. In the months of April-May 1657 one Raghoji carried away the image and returned it after receiving a large consideration. Some five months later he conspired with a Badava and again stole the image and extracted a huge sum for its restitution.
One thing is to be remembered, however. And that is, the great influence and prestige of the deity was not affected even in the slightest degree by these forced journeys and absences.
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