Located near Mandvi Gate, just opposite Sarkar Wada, stands the 211-year-old Vitthal Mandir. Commissioned by Maharani Gahinabai, wife of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad II, this temple was constructed in the late 1860s using the Maharani’s private funds. It houses idols of Lord Vithoba, along with his consorts Satyabhama Devi and Rukmani Devi, which were brought from Maharashtra.
The Temple:
The temple complex is structured around a central courtyard adorned with large trees, creating a serene park-like atmosphere. Legend has it that the majestic Kadam tree in the courtyard was planted by Lord Vitthal himself. At its heart lies a small idol of Radha Krishna, with the courtyard once featuring tanks connected to a fountain.
The main temple, located in the southern wing of the complex, features a Sabha Mandap adorned with intricately carved wooden elements. Originally double-storied, the upper portion of the mandap was unfortunately destroyed in a fire in 1962. Since then, the remaining wooden structure has been supported by concrete columns and a roof.
Inside the garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum), both the door and the altar of the temple are embellished with graceful silver relief patterns. Silver-coated reliefs of “Rag-Raginis” flank the temple door, adding to its ornate beauty.
Annually, the temple hosts a procession known as ‘Vitthalnathji no Varghodo‘ during the festival of Devpodhi Agiyaras as well as Dev Uthi Agiyaras, continuing one of the oldest traditions in the city’s cultural heritage.
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