LORD PANDURANGA VITHAL OF PANDHARPUR

THE RIVER CHANDRABAGHA

It is customary to take a dip in a river or pushkarini before availing the darsan of the archamurthis of any kshetra. Here it is the river Bhima going by the name of Chandrabhaga, and is the first spot visited by the pilgrims on reaching the kshetra. It has many visit-worthy places, like the Vishnupad, Pundarika temple and other shrines on its bed. After taking bath in the sacred river, devotees visit the Vishnupad temple built on a rock and has flights of stairs on four sides. It is a beautiful temple enshrining the foot prints of Lord Krishna and his cow. It has many images on the pillars and they are impressive. Next is the sacred temple enshrining the samadhi of Pundarik responsible for the Panduranga's shrine here. The object of worship here is Sivalinga, fitted with a brass cover resembling that of Siva form bust upwards. The head- gear of the Lord is adorned with the coils of a five hooded cobra. And it is exceedingly enticing. Huge brass images of Jaya Vijaya - the Dwarapalakas installed at the entrance lend majesty to this small shrine. The regular worship is offered to this Sivalinga and it starts early in the morning. After this the brass kavacha is placed and adorned with silk bordered dhoti and garlands. Important sevas and festivals like Sivaratri are celebrated and they attract huge crowds. As the Samadhi contains a great pitrubhaktiparayana of immortal glory, it is visited with great fervour. After this, the pilgrims straightaway walk towards the main shrine situated at half a kilometre's distance. This sacred river bank is always crowded and the bhajan programmes at several points make this a daily MELA of perennial attraction.

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