Pangaon - Vithal Mandir

Among the sacred shrines dotted on the colourful landscape of the Marathwad region of Maharashtra, this Vithal deul, situated in a village occupies a pre-eminent place. It is an achient temple said to have been built by Chalukyas; and the architectural style bears ample evidence to testify it. Hoyasala and Kakatiya kings too added their contribution to make it a grand temple with all the essential parts, like grabha griha, prakara, mahadwara, towers, courtyards, etc. Their dimensions and sculptural adornments are quite imposing. The temple has three entrances and it faces east. The eastern mahadwara surmounting the sturdy tower is the tallest and embellished with beautiful sculpture. The oddity that greets the eyes of the visitors is the installation of a big size Nandi in front of the temple. It is set up in a beautiful mandap and fortifies the belief that this was a Siva temple in the beginning and some vested interests converted it into Vaishnava shrine, adding and beautifying the niches and garbha griha with Vaishnavate gods. The presiding deity is Vithal and is masterly sculptured. Along with the other deities installed in the niches, it too has lost its grace, eminence, potency due to ravages of time and lack of maintenance. Though everything is in ruins, it still lures yatris and scholars, because of its rich past and architectural excellences.

It lies 30 km of Parli Vaidyanatha temple in Marathwada region of Maharastra, accessible by four wheelers.

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