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← Older revision		Revision as of 05:20, 22 July 2023
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	\| alt = A black-and-white image of an idol of an arms-akimbo bare-chested man, wearing a conical head-gear, a dhoti and ornaments. The idol is placed on a brick, and backed by a decorated halo.		\| alt = A black-and-white image of an idol of an arms-akimbo bare-chested man, wearing a conical head-gear, a dhoti and ornaments. The idol is placed on a brick, and backed by a decorated halo.
	\| caption = The central image at [[Vithoba Temple\|Vitthal Temple]] in Pandharpur		\| caption = The central image at [[Vithoba Temple\|Vitthal Temple]] in Pandharpur
	\| name = ~~Vithoba<br/> Vitthala~~		\| name = Pāṇḍuraṅga
	\| Devanagari = ~~विठोबा<br> विठ्ठल~~		\| Devanagari =
	\| Sanskrit_transliteration = ~~{{IAST\|Viṭhobā}} <br> {{IAST\|Viṭhṭhala}}~~		\| Sanskrit_transliteration =
	\| affiliation = ~~form~~ of [[Vishnu]] / [[Krishna]]		\| affiliation = Form of [[Vishnu]]/[[Krishna]]
	\| abode = [[Pandharpur]]		\| abode = [[Pandharpur]]
	\| mantra = ~~Om vitthalaya namah~~		\| mantra =
	\| weapon = Chakra, Shankha		\| weapon = Chakra, Shankha
	\| consort = [[Rukmini\|Rakhumai]], [[~~Satyabhama~~]], [[~~Rahi (goddess)~~\|~~Rahi~~]]		\| consort = [[Rukmini\|Rakhumai]], [[Rahi (goddess)\|Rahi]], [[Satyabhama]]
	\| mount = [[Garuda]]		\| day = [[Wednesday]]
			\| mount = [[Garuda]]
	}}		}}

	'''Vithoba''', also known as '''Vi(~~t)thal(a~~)''' and '''Panduranga''', is a [[deva (Hinduism)\|Hindu ~~deity~~]] predominantly worshipped in the Indian state of [[Maharashtra]] and [[Karnataka]]. He is ~~generally considered as~~ a ~~manifestation~~ of the god [[Vishnu]], or his [[avatar]] [[Krishna]]. Vithoba is often depicted as a dark young boy, standing arms akimbo on a brick, sometimes accompanied by his consort [[Rukmini\|Rakhumai]].		'''Vithoba''' ([[International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]]: ''viṭhōbā''), also known as '''Vithala''' ([[International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]]: ''viṭhala'')''',''' and '''Panduranga''' ([[International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration\|IAST]]: ''pāṇḍraṅga''), is a [[deva (Hinduism)\|Hindu god]] predominantly worshipped in the Indian state of [[Maharashtra]] and [[Karnataka]]. He is a form of the god [[Vishnu]], or his [[avatar]] [[Krishna]]. Vithoba is often depicted as a dark young boy, standing arms akimbo on a brick, sometimes accompanied by his consort [[Rukmini\|Rakhumai]].

	Vithoba is the focus of an essentially [[monotheism\|monotheistic]], non-ritualistic [[bhakti]]-driven<ref>Zelliot and Berntsen (1988) p. xviii "Varkari cult is rural and non-[[Brahmin\|Brahman]] in character"</ref><ref>Sand (1990), p. 33 "According to Raeside the Varkari tradition is essentially monotheistic and without ritual, and, for this tradition, Vithoba represents Hari Krsna, while for the badavas or hereditary priests "Vithoba is neither Visnu nor Siva. Vithoba is Vithoba (...)"; p. 34 "the more or less anti-ritualistic and anti-brahmanical attitudes of Varkari sampradaya."</ref> [[Varkari]] faith of Maharashtra and the [[Haridasa]] ~~faith of~~ Karnataka. [[Vithoba Temple, Pandharpur]] is his main temple. Vithoba legends revolve around his devotee [[Pundalik]] who is credited for bringing the deity to Pandharpur, and around Vithoba's role as a saviour to the poet-saints of the Varkari faith. The Varkari poet-saints are known for their unique genre of devotional lyric, the [[abhang]], dedicated to Vithoba and composed in [[Marathi language\|Marathi]]. Other devotional literature dedicated to Vithoba includes the [[Kannada]] hymns of the Haridasa and the Marathi versions of the generic [[aarti]] songs associated with rituals of offering light to the deity. The most important festivals of Vithoba are held on [[Devshayani Ekadashi]] in the month of [[Ashadha]], and [[Prabodhini Ekadashi]] in the month of [[Kartik (month)\|Kartik]].		Vithoba is the focus of an essentially [[monotheism\|monotheistic]], non-ritualistic [[bhakti]]-driven<ref>Zelliot and Berntsen (1988) p. xviii "Varkari cult is rural and non-[[Brahmin\|Brahman]] in character"</ref><ref>Sand (1990), p. 33 "According to Raeside the Varkari tradition is essentially monotheistic and without ritual, and, for this tradition, Vithoba represents Hari Krsna, while for the badavas or hereditary priests "Vithoba is neither Visnu nor Siva. Vithoba is Vithoba (...)"; p. 34 "the more or less anti-ritualistic and anti-brahmanical attitudes of Varkari sampradaya."</ref> [[Varkari]] faith in Maharashtra and the [[Brahmanical philosophy\|Brahminical]] [[Haridasa]] sect established in [[Dvaita Vedanta]] in Karnataka. [[Vithoba Temple, Pandharpur]] is his main temple. Vithoba legends revolve around his devotee [[Pundalik]] who is credited for bringing the deity to Pandharpur, and around Vithoba's role as a saviour to the poet-saints of the Varkari faith. The Varkari poet-saints are known for their unique genre of devotional lyric, the [[abhang]], dedicated to Vithoba and composed in [[Marathi language\|Marathi]]. Other devotional literature dedicated to Vithoba includes the [[Kannada]] hymns of the Haridasa and the Marathi versions of the generic [[aarti]] songs associated with rituals of offering light to the deity. The most important festivals of Vithoba are held on [[Devshayani Ekadashi]] in the month of [[Ashadha]], and [[Prabodhini Ekadashi]] in the month of [[Kartik (month)\|Kartik]].

	The historiography of Vithoba and his sect is an area of continuing debate, even regarding his name. Though the origins of both his sect and his main temple are likewise debated, there is clear evidence that they already existed by the 13th century.		The historiography of Vithoba and his sect is an area of continuing debate, even regarding his name. Though the origins of both his sect and his main temple are likewise debated, there is clear evidence that they already existed by the 13th century.
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	== Origins and development ==		== Origins and development ==

	Reconstruction of the historical development of Vithoba worship has been much debated. In particular, several alternative theories have been proposed regarding the earliest stages as well as the point at which he came to be recognised as a distinct deity. The ''Pandurangashtakam stotra'', a hymn attributed to [[Adi Shankara]]charya of the 8th century, indicates that Vithoba worship ~~have~~ already existed at an early date.<ref name="Pande 2008 p. 508">Pande (2008) p. 508</ref>		Reconstruction of the historical development of Vithoba worship has been much debated. In particular, several alternative theories have been proposed regarding the earliest stages as well as the point at which he came to be recognised as a distinct deity. The ''Pandurangashtakam stotra'', a hymn attributed to [[Adi Shankara]]charya of the 8th century, indicates that Vithoba worship had already existed at an early date.<ref name="Pande 2008 p. 508">Pande (2008) p. 508</ref>

	According to Richard Maxwell Eaton, author of ''A Social History of the Deccan'',<ref name="maxwell" /> Vithoba was first worshiped as a pastoral god as early as the 6th century. Vithoba's arms-akimbo iconography is similar to [[Bir Kuar]], the cattle-god of the [[Ahirs]] of [[Bihar]]~~, who is now also associated with Krishna~~.<ref>For Bir Kuar, Tagare in Mahipati: Abbott, Godbole (1988) p. xxxiv</ref> Vithoba was probably later assimilated into the Shaiva pantheon and identified with the god Shiva, like most other pastoral gods. This is backed by the facts that the temple at Pandharpur is surrounded by Shaiva temples (most notably of the devotee Pundalik himself), and that Vithoba is crowned with the [[Linga]], symbol of Shiva. However, since the 13th century, the poet-saints like [[Namdev]], [[Eknath]] and Tukaram identified Vithoba with Vishnu.<ref name="maxwell" />		According to Richard Maxwell Eaton, author of ''A Social History of the Deccan'',<ref name="maxwell" /> Vithoba was first worshiped as the pastoral god Krishna as early as the 6th century. Vithoba's arms-akimbo iconography is similar to [[Bir Kuar]], associated with Krishna, the cattle-god of the [[Ahirs]] of [[Bihar]].<ref>For Bir Kuar, Tagare in Mahipati: Abbott, Godbole (1988) p. xxxiv</ref> Vithoba was probably later assimilated into the Shaiva pantheon and identified with the god Shiva, like most other pastoral gods. This is backed by because of the facts that the temple at Pandharpur is surrounded by Shaiva temples (most notably of the devotee Pundalik himself), and that Vithoba is crowned with the [[Linga]], symbol of Shiva. However since the 13th century, the poet-saints like [[Namdev]], [[Eknath]] and Tukaram identified Vithoba with Vishnu.<ref name="maxwell" />

	Christian Lee Novetzke of the [[University of Washington]] suggests that Vithoba's worship migrated from Karnataka to the formerly Shaiva city of Pandharpur some time before 1000 CE; but under the possible influence of a Krishna-worshipping [[Mahanubhava]] sect, the town was transformed into a Vaishnava center of pilgrimage. This proposal is consistent with contemporary remnants of Shaiva worship in the town.<ref name="Novetzke116">Novetzke (2005) p. 116</ref>		Christian Lee Novetzke of the [[University of Washington]] suggests that Vithoba's worship migrated from Karnataka to the formerly Shaiva city of Pandharpur some time before 1000 CE; but under the possible influence of a Krishna-worshipping [[Mahanubhava]] sect, the town was transformed into a Vaishnava center of pilgrimage. This proposal is consistent with contemporary remnants of Shaiva worship in the town.<ref name="Novetzke116">Novetzke (2005) p. 116</ref>
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	[[File:Hampi, India, Vitthala Temple gopuram.jpg\|thumb\|The Vitthala temple in [[Hampi]], Karnataka, was built by [[Krishnadevaraya]], whose guru Vyasatirtha was a key Haridasa figure.]]		[[File:Hampi, India, Vitthala Temple gopuram.jpg\|thumb\|The Vitthala temple in [[Hampi]], Karnataka, was built by [[Krishnadevaraya]], whose guru Vyasatirtha was a key Haridasa figure.]]
	[[Haridasa]] means servant (''[[dasa]]'') of Vishnu (Hari). According to Haridasa tradition, their ''sampradaya'', also known as Haridasa-kuta, was founded by [[Achalananda Vitthala]] (''c''. 888). It is a distinct branch within Vaishnavism, centered on Vitthala (the Haridasa–Kannada name for Vithoba).<ref name="Flood">Flood (2003) pp. 252–53</ref>		[[Haridasa]] means servant (''[[dasa]]'') of Vishnu (Hari). According to Haridasa tradition, their ''sampradaya'', also known as Haridasa-kuta, was founded by [[Achalananda Vitthala]] (''c''. 888). It is a distinct branch within Vaishnavism, centered on Vitthala (the Haridasa–Kannada name for Vithoba).<ref name="Flood">Flood (2003) pp. 252–53</ref> Where Varkari are normally associated with Maharashtra, Haridasa are normally associated with Karnataka. The scholar Sharma considers Vithoba worship first emerged in Karnataka, only later moving to Maharashtra. He argues this on the basis of the reference by Dnyaneshwar, mentioned in section "Varkari sect" above.<ref>Sharma (2000) pp. 514–16</ref> Lutgendorf credits the movement to [[Vyasatirtha]] (1478–1539), the royal [[guru]] (''rajguru'') to king [[Krishnadevaraya]] of the Vijayanagara empire. Vitthala enjoyed royal patronage in this era. Krishnadevaraya is also credited with building [[Hampi#Vitthala temple and market complex\|Vitthala's temple]] at the then capital city [[Vijayanagara]] (modern Hampi).<ref>Lutgendorf (2007) pp. 69, 70, 72</ref>
	Where Varkari are normally associated with Maharashtra, Haridasa are normally associated with Karnataka. The scholar Sharma considers Vithoba worship first emerged in Karnataka, only later moving to Maharashtra. He argues this on the basis of the reference by Dnyaneshwar, mentioned in section "Varkari sect" above.<ref>Sharma (2000) pp. 514–16</ref> Lutgendorf credits the movement to [[Vyasatirtha]] (1478–1539), the royal [[guru]] (''rajguru'') to king [[Krishnadevaraya]] of the Vijayanagara empire. Vitthala enjoyed royal patronage in this era. Krishnadevaraya is also credited with building [[Hampi#Vitthala temple and market complex\|Vitthala's temple]] at the then capital city [[Vijayanagara]] (modern Hampi).<ref>Lutgendorf (2007) pp. 69, 70, 72</ref>

	[[Vadiraja Tirtha\|VadirajaTeertha]](1480-1600) visited pandarapura and praised lord Vittala in [[Thirtha prabandha\|TeerthaPrabhanda]] as 'Paapavaleepaatanapatvapaangah shripaanipadaanchitajaanujanghah goopalabalaha krupayaa swayam naha shri pandurango bhavatu prasannaha'

	Haridasas consider the temple of Pandharpur to be sacred, as well that of Hampi, and worship Vitthala along with forms of Krishna.<ref>Rao (1966) pp. 7–8</ref> Haridasa literature generally deals with praise dedicated to Vitthala and Krishna. Haridasa poets like [[Vijaya Dasa\|Vijaya Vitthala]], [[Gopala Dasa\|Gopala Vitthala]], [[Jagannatha Dasa (Kannada poet)\|Jagannatha Vitthala]], Venugopala Vitthala and Mohana Vitthala assumed pen-names ending with "Vitthala", as an act of devotion.<ref>Rao (1966) p. 28</ref> The Haridasa poet [[Purandara Dasa]] or Purandara Vitthala (1484–1564), "father of [[Carnatic music]]", often ended his Kannada language compositions with a salutation to Vitthala.<ref name="father">Iyer (2006) p. 93</ref><ref>Kiehnle (1997) p. 39</ref>		Haridasas consider the temple of Pandharpur to be sacred, as well that of Hampi, and worship Vitthala along with forms of Krishna.<ref>Rao (1966) pp. 7–8</ref> Haridasa literature generally deals with praise dedicated to Vitthala and Krishna. Haridasa poets like [[Vijaya Dasa\|Vijaya Vitthala]], [[Gopala Dasa\|Gopala Vitthala]], [[Jagannatha Dasa (Kannada poet)\|Jagannatha Vitthala]], Venugopala Vitthala and Mohana Vitthala assumed pen-names ending with "Vitthala", as an act of devotion.<ref>Rao (1966) p. 28</ref> The Haridasa poet [[Purandara Dasa]] or Purandara Vitthala (1484–1564), "father of [[Carnatic music]]", often ended his Kannada language compositions with a salutation to Vitthala.<ref name="father">Iyer (2006) p. 93</ref><ref>Kiehnle (1997) p. 39</ref>
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	== External links ==		== External links ==

	~~{{commons category\|Vithoba}}~~
	* [http://www.vitthalrukminiMandir.org/ Official site of Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple, Pandharpur]		* [http://www.vitthalrukminiMandir.org/ Official site of Shri Vitthal Rukmini Temple, Pandharpur]
	** [http://www.vitthalrukminimandir.org/gallery.html Images of the central image of Vithoba and Rukmini]		** [http://www.vitthalrukminimandir.org/gallery.html Images of the central image of Vithoba and Rukmini]

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