LORD PANDURANGA VITHAL OF PANDHARPUR

THE ARCHAMURTHI

The archamurthi is called by many names such as Vithoba, Panduranga, Vithal, Krishna etc and each has its story. Vithoba means father of Vithala. Vithala is derived from the Kannada word Vitta, standing for Krishna. It means also one who receives for giving grace to those without (tha), knowledge (vit), by splitting it into three component parts like Vit + tha + la. Pandurang is the sanskritised form of Pandarga, the old name of Pandarpur, reminiscent of Pundalik, whose association made this kshetra Pundarika pura. The image of this august panduranga is about three and a half feet in height and is installed on a four foot high pedestal. The image has two arms adorned with sankh in left hand and lotus stem in the right hand but resting on the hips. It is beautified with Kausthubhamala around the neck, Vastalanchan on the chest, makarakundalas in the ears and a head-gear ornamented with a Sivalinga in the middle. It is standing on a square block offered to him by Pundalik as asana. It is exceedingly enchanting with colourful garlands and the characteristic akimbo pose. A single darsan elevates and it remains for ever, locked up in mind. 

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