Pandharpur
Sacred Vitthal temple town on the banks of the Chandrabhaga river in Maharashtra — one of the most revered pilgrimage centres in the Bhakti tradition.
Connection to Adi Shankaracharya
Pandharpur's association with Adi Shankaracharya is attested primarily through the Pandurangashtakam, a devotional hymn of eight verses attributed to him. The hymn praises Lord Panduranga (Vitthal) and offers a philosophical meditation on the deity's iconic standing posture upon a brick — interpreting it through an Advaitic lens. The composition reflects the Acharya's characteristic method of integrating Bhakti with Vedantic inquiry, and its attribution is preserved across multiple traditional compilations of his stotras.
Source: Pandurangashtakam, attributed to Adi Shankaracharya; preserved in traditional compilations such as Shankaracharya Stotra Sangraha and widely referenced in commentarial literature on the Pandharpur tradition.Places of Interest
Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Temple
The principal temple of Pandharpur, enshrining Lord Vitthal (Panduranga) and Goddess Rukmini. A major Vaishnava pilgrimage centre and the heart of the Varkari tradition.
Pundalik Temple
Dedicated to the devoted son Pundalik, whose devotion is said to have drawn Lord Vitthal to Pandharpur. Located near the Chandrabhaga riverbank.
Chandrabhaga River Ghat
The sacred river ghat where pilgrims take a ritual bath before visiting the Vitthal temple. A site of great spiritual significance during Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi.