Vitthal Rukhmini Temple:
A Marathi-Hindi language row has emerged at Pandharpur’s renowned Vitthal-Rukhmini temple recently.
- It is a Hindu temple situated in Pandharpur, Maharashtra.
- Located on the banks of the river Bhima, also known as Chandrabhaga, Sri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir is dedicated to Lord Vithoba, a form of the Lord Vishnu or Krishna, and his consort Rukhmini.
- The temple is classified as one among the 108 Abhimana Kshethrams of the Vaishnavate tradition.
- The temple was built by King Vishnuvardhana of the Hoysala Empire between 1108 and 1152 CE.
- He built the temple after being persuaded by Pundalik, a historical figure, great devotee of Lord Krishna.
- There is an inscription in the temple, of a Hoysala King Vira Someshwara dating back to 1237 CE, which grants the temple a village for its upkeep.
- An extensive temple was constructed in the second half of the 13th century following the Hemadpanti style of architecture.
- The temple was attacked by invaders and completely damaged.
- The present temple was built in the 17th century & later in the Deccan style, with dome motifs and lobed arches by the contribution of Peshwas of Pune, the Shindes of Gwalior, and the Holkars of Indore.
- The temple was the first shrine in India that welcomed people and women from backward categories as priests in 2014.
