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|| माझी माऊली माझं मंदीर ||
||     राम कृष्ण हरी     ||    जय हरी विठ्ठल    ||    माझी माऊली, माझं मंदिर    ||
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About us

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Who We Are

Shree Vitthal Rukmini Temple UK (SVRTUK) is a spiritual movement and community-led initiative to establish the first ever Prati-Pandharpur outside India – a sacred Mandir and Sant Bhakti Centre devoted to Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini, in the United Kingdom.

Born from the heartfelt longing of Vitthal Bhaktas across the UK, this Mandir will serve as a cultural and spiritual anchor for Marathi and Indian families, and as a beacon of Bhakti, Sant Sampraday, Naamsmaran, and Seva for generations to come.

Pandharpur

Pandharpur is a holy town in Maharashtra, India, located on the banks of the Chandrabhaga (Bhima) river. It is one of the most important pilgrimage places for Hindus, especially in Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Pandharpur is also known as Dakshin Kashi (Kashi of the South) and is the main center of Lord Vitthal worship.

Lord Vitthal (Vithoba, Pandurang)

Vitthal, also called Vithoba or Pandurang, is considered a form of Lord Krishna (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). He is usually shown standing on a brick with his hands on his hips, waiting with love for his devotees. Pandharpur’s main temple is dedicated to Vitthal.

Rukmini

Rukmini is the consort of Lord Vitthal (Krishna). In Pandharpur, the Rukmini temple is also very important, and devotees visit her shrine along with Vitthal’s, as she represents devotion, love, and strength.

The Story of Vitthal , Rukmini and Bhakt Pundalik:

Once, in Dwarka, Rukmini Devi (the wife of Lord Krishna) became upset with him. In her hurt and anger, she left the palace and went to the deep forests to do penance.

Lord Krishna, full of love and worried for her, searched everywhere. Finally, he found her in the forests near the Chandrabhaga river (present-day Pandharpur). To convince her to return, he stood before her with his hands on his waist, waiting patiently on a brick. This posture of Krishna, standing on a brick, became the form of Vitthal (Vithoba).

The Story of Pundalik and Lord Vitthal:

Long ago, a devoted son named Pundalik lived near Pandharpur. At first, he did not treat his parents well, but later, after realizing his mistake, he completely changed. He started serving his mother and father with great love and respect, considering service to parents as the highest form of devotion to God.

Seeing this pure devotion, Lord Krishna and Rukmini decided to visit Pundalik’s house. When they arrived, Pundalik was busy serving his parents. He didn’t want to interrupt this service, so instead of rushing to greet the Lord, he respectfully tossed a brick (vit in Marathi) outside and requested: “Please, Lord, kindly wait here until I finish my duty.”

Lord Krishna, pleased with this true devotion, stood on the brick with his hands on his waist, waiting for Pundalik. Rukmini also stood with him. When Pundalik finally came out, he bowed before them with deep devotion.

The Lord was so pleased that he said: “Pundalik, from today, I shall remain here in Pandharpur, waiting on this brick, to bless all my devotees.”

Since then, Krishna has been worshipped as Vitthal (the one standing on a brick), with Rukmini by his side.

Pandharpur Vari and Varkari Tradition

  •  Varkari means “one who undertakes a pilgrimage (vari) to Pandharpur.”
  • The Vari is a spiritual pilgrimage where hundred thousands of devotees walk for days from different parts of Maharashtra and nearby states to reach Pandharpur, especially during the Ashadhi Ekadashi (June–July) and Kartik Ekadashi (October–November).
  • Devotees sing abhangas (devotional songs) of saints like Sant Dnyaneshwar, Sant Tukaram, Eknath, and Namdev during the journey.
  • This movement emphasizes devotion (bhakti), equality, simplicity, and community service.
  •   Vari has rich history of over 750 years
  • The Vari is not only a pilgrimage but also a social and spiritual movement that spread the message of:
  • Bhakti (devotion)
  • Seva (service)
  • Samatva (equality of all people)

What We Believe

  • Vithu Mauli is not just a deity — he is devotion personified. Rukmini Mata is our guiding Shakti — the strength behind our Bhakti.
  • The Sant Parampara is the invisible scaffolding of our culture.
  • Naamsmaran is the ultimate meditation — and the loudest whisper of the soul.
  • Bhakti is simple, inclusive, timeless — and everyone’s birthright

Our Story

When countless Bhaktas in the UK yearned for Vitthal’s presence in their lives, the call of devotion became action. On 14th April 2025, a group of inspired devotees undertaking the longest-ever global Wari — carrying Vitthal’s Padkamals (holy footprints) by road from Pandharpur to London, crossing borders, hearts, and histories. What began as a Sankalp has now turned into a divine mission — to bring Pandharpur’s essence to the UK, and keep the Sant Bhakti legacy alive in a changing world.

Our Purpose

To create a spiritual, cultural and emotional home for all who seek the grace of Vitthal Mauli — a place where: Mauli is seen in every being Bhakti and 'Nam' is practiced Sant teachings are lived Spiritual belonging is felt We are not just building a structure. We are nurturing a spiritual ecosystem that combines ancient Bhakti with global accessibility, making Sant culture and Naamsmaran relevant to the next generation of seekers.

Our Vision

To establish the Shree Vitthal Rukmini Temple UK as a global spiritual landmark, radiating the timeless teachings of Pandharpur and Sant Bhakti Parampara across borders.

To make Sant Bhakti accessible, relatable, and joyful for both seasoned devotees and new generations — through devotion, digital innovation, technology, and seva.