Located near Mandvi Gate just opposite the Sarkar Wada, is the 209-year-old Vitthal Mandir. Commissioned by Maharani Gahinabai, wife of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad II, it is said to have been constructed out of the Maharani’s private funds. It was constructed in the late 1860s, and houses the idols of Lord Vithoba, with his two wifes Satyabhamadevi and Rukmanidevi. It is said that these idols were bought from the village of Maharani Gahinabai from Maharashtra.
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The temple:
The temple is housed inside a precinct of buildings created around a court. Inside, the courtyard has been planted with huge trees which gives an impression of a tiny park. It is said that the huge “Kadam” tree was planted by the Lord Vitthal himself. Ornamented with a small idol of Radha Krishna in its heart, the courtyard is said to have a small well or tanks. Earlier, these tanks were connected to a fountain.
The actual temple containing the idols are housed in the southern wing of the precinct. The chamber containing the idols is preceded by a “Sabha Mandap”. This mandap is decorated with beautifully carved wooden elements. Earlier it was a beautiful double-storeyed. Unfortunately, its upper portion was brought down in 1962 due to damage caused by a fire. After this, the remaining wooden structure was supported with concrete columns and roof.
The door of the “garbha griha”, as well as the altar of the temple, have been gilded in graceful silver relief patterns. Along with this, the door is also flanked by silver-coated reliefs of “Rag-Raginis”.
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Every year the temple organizes a procession called “Vitthalnathji no Varghodo” on the occasion of Devpodhi Agyaras. The procession is a part of one of the oldest traditions of the city.
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