Vitthal–Rukmini Temple, Pandharpur The Sri Vitthal Rukmini Temple at Pandharpur in Maharashtra is one of India's great centres of the Bhakti tradition and the spiritual heart of the Varkari Sampradaya. The principal deity, Vitthal or Vithoba, is regarded as a manifestation of Lord Krishna-Vishnu and is depicted standing with his hands on his hips. His consort is worshipped as Rukmini, or Rakhumai. Pandharpur stands on the banks of the Bhima river, which curves here like a cre