Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir - Maharashtra

Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir, located in the serene town of Dehu near Pune, Maharashtra, is a sacred pilgrimage site revered by devotees of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini. Steeped in spiritual heritage, the temple is intrinsically linked to Sant Tukaram Maharaj, a beloved Marathi saint and poet. Dehu serves as an important spiritual hub, especially during the annual Wari pilgrimage to Pandharpur. This guide provides complete details about the temple’s significance, facilities, travel options, and nearby attractions to help you plan a fulfilling visit.

About the Temple:Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir in Dehu is a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vitthal (a form of Lord Vishnu) and his consort Rukmini. Dehu holds significant spiritual importance as the birthplace of Sant Tukaram Maharaj, a prominent 17th-century Marathi saint and poet. The temple is a focal point for devotees, especially during the annual pilgrimage known as the Wari, where thousands of warkaris (devotees) embark on a journey to Pandharpur, singing abhangs (devotional songs) composed by Sant Tukaram.

Temple Description:The temple complex showcases traditional Maharashtrian temple architecture, featuring intricately carved stone structures and a serene ambiance conducive to meditation and devotion. The sanctum sanctorum houses the idols of Lord Vitthal and Goddess Rukmini, attracting devotees throughout the year.

Temple Specialty:

Birthplace of Sant Tukaram Maharaj

Starting point of the annual Tukaram Palakhi to Pandharpur

Celebrated for devotional songs (Abhangs) and Wari pilgrimage traditions

Location Details

Temple Address: Zendemala, Dehu Road, Pune, Maharashtra 412101, India

Temple Location (Longitude and Latitude): 18.7206° N, 73.7686° E

Temple Timings & Sevas

Temple Timings: Open daily from early morning to late evening (exact hours vary during festivals)

Temple Sevas:

Daily Aarti and Bhajans

Special Poojas on Ekadashi

Annual Sant Tukaram Palakhi Procession

Facilities

Traveling Facilities:

Accessible by road via Mumbai-Pune Highway

Well connected by rail (Dehu Road Railway Station nearby)

Nearest airport is Pune International Airport (~30 km)

Food Facilities:

Local eateries and restaurants offering Maharashtrian cuisine are available near the temple

Stay Facilities:

Guesthouses, dharmashalas, and hotels are available in Dehu and nearby Pune city

Nearby Transport Hubs

Nearby Railway Station: Dehu Road Railway Station (~5 km)

Nearby Airport: Pune International Airport (~30 km)

Nearby Bus Station: Dehu Bus Stand

Transportation Routes

Bus Routes to Temple: PMPML city buses connect Dehu to various parts of Pune

Train Routes to Temple: Pune–Lonavala local trains stop at Dehu Road Station

Airways to Temple: Pune Airport connects to major Indian cities with regular flights

Nearby Attractions

Nearby Cities:

Pune (~30 km)

Lonavala (~50 km)

Mumbai (~150 km)

Nearby Temples & Visiting Places:

Alandi – Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi

Pandharpur – Main Vitthal-Rukmini Temple

Tuljapur – Tulja Bhavani Temple

Akkalkot – Swami Samarth Temple

Preferable Visiting Season

Best time to visit is October to February (winter season)

Ashadhi Ekadashi (June–July) is the most auspicious and vibrant time to visit during the Wari festival

Shopping – Famous For

Abhang devotional literature and music CDs

Traditional Maharashtrian artifacts and souvenirs

Local delicacies like Puran Poli and Modak

A visit to Shri Vitthal-Rukmini Mandir in Dehu is not just a spiritual journey but also a cultural experience. Whether you’re a devotee seeking blessings, a history enthusiast tracing the footsteps of Sant Tukaram, or a traveler looking to explore the sacred geography of Maharashtra, this temple offers serenity, devotion, and inspiration. With well-connected travel routes, food and accommodation facilities, and proximity to many other religious and historic sites, Dehu stands out as a must-visit destination on the map of Indian spirituality.