The story of Pundalik is one of the most cherished tales in the Bhakti tradition of Maharashtra and is intimately connected with Lord Vitthal (Vithoba) of Pandharpur.
The Devotee Who Brought God to Earth
Pundalik was originally a resident of Kundinapura (in present-day Maharashtra). Initially, he was not a saint but a worldly and selfish man, disrespectful even to his own parents.
After his marriage, Pundalik became absorbed in family life and started neglecting his aged mother and father. He ill-treated them and made them do menial work. His attitude deeply hurt his parents, who were saints at heart but bore everything silently.
One day, Pundalik decided to go on a pilgrimage to Kashi (Varanasi) with his wife. His parents, although old and frail, accompanied them on foot. On the way, Pundalik kept treating them harshly. But then something miraculous happened.
While passing through the ashram of the sage Kukkut, Pundalik witnessed a divine sight. He saw three celestial women entering the ashram, their clothes soiled and faces gloomy. But when they emerged after cleaning the ashram, they were glowing with divine light.
Pundalik asked the sage about the women the sage explained:
“They are the personifications of Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. They wash away people’s sins daily, but become polluted themselves. By cleaning the homes of saints and pure souls, they regain their purity.”
This struck Pundalik deeply. He realized the greatness of serving the noble and living selflessly.
Realizing his mistake, Pundalik turned back from his pilgrimage and returned home with his parents. From then on, he became the ideal son, serving them with utmost devotion and love. He saw God in his parents and dedicated his life to their care.
Pundalik's devotion was so intense that it touched the heart of Lord Krishna. One day, Krishna appeared at Pundalik's door, eager to bless him.
But Pundalik was at that moment massaging his father’s feet. He did not want to interrupt his service, even for the Lord. So, he threw a brick (vit) for the Lord to stand on and said:
“Please wait, Lord. I will attend to you after I finish my duty to my parents.”
Touched by this humility and pure devotion, the Lord stood on the brick, waiting patiently with his hands on his waist – the very form in which Vithoba is now worshipped in Pandharpur.
When Pundalik finally came out, he bowed down to the Lord. Pleased, Krishna granted him a boon. Pundalik requested:
“May you always remain here in this form to bless devotees.”
Thus, the idol of Vitthal (Vithoba) was installed in Pandharpur, where it still stands today on the brick, embodying the Lord’s boundless love for bhakti (devotion) and seva (service to parents).
True devotion lies in selfless service, especially to one's parents.
God is pleased more by loving action than by rituals.
Humility and surrender can bring the divine closer than any austerity.
Vithoba's (Vitthal's or Panduranga's) idol, especially the one at Pandharpur in Maharashtra, is among the most iconic and beloved in Indian devotion. This is how it is traditionally described.
Physical Description of Vithoba's Idol:
Vithoba is depicted standing upright on a brick (known as vit in Marathi, which gives the name "Vitthal").
His hands rest on his hips, a unique posture conveying confidence, waiting, and steadfastness — often interpreted as him patiently waiting for his devotee Pundalik.
The face is gentle and smiling, symbolizing grace and affection toward his devotees.
He wears a tall crown (kirita mukuta).
A Vaishnava tilak (U-shaped with a central line) adorns his forehead, marking him as a form of Lord Vishnu/Krishna.
The idol is richly decorated with jewels, garlands, and silken robes.
He wears earrings (kundalas), armlets, and anklets.
The idol is of black stone, symbolizing the Shyama (dark) form of Krishna.
A key feature — Vithoba stands on a brick placed by his devotee Pundalik, representing devotion and humility.
Arms on Hips: Signifies both impatience with insincerity and assurance to true devotees.
Brick beneath feet: A devotee's offering that became divine — showing that even the smallest act of devotion is recognized.
Smile: Represents the welcoming nature of the deity — especially for saints like Tukaram, Namdev, Chokhamela, Janabai.
Behold the Lord of brick and smile,
Who waits with arms akimbo, still —
On the sacred banks of Bhima's flow,
In Pandharpur, the hearts he fills.
A dusky hue like raincloud’s breast,
He stands in silence, calm and deep;
A crown upon his curly hair,
With lotus eyes that never sleep.
His feet upon the devotee’s stone,
A tale of love and Pundalik's gift;
In patient poise, his hands akimbo,
The veil of sorrow he does lift.
A tulsi garland graces his neck,
His form with yellow silk is dressed;
The conch and discus carved within,
Though unseen — in bhakti manifest.
The cowherd boy of Gokul's field,
Now reigns the shrine in simple grace;
With no throne grand, nor jewels rare,
But just his smile — and endless space.
Namdev sings, “He is my kin,”
Tukaram cries, “He dwells in me!”
To Chokhamela, “He came and spoke,”
Janabai says, “He swept with me!”
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