“Vitthal Vitthal Vitthala Hari Om Vitthala” is an extremely popular Gujarati bhajan dedicated to the devotion of Lord Vitthoba (Shri Vitthal of Pandharpur). This bhajan is highly cherished in Gujarat and Maharashtra and is especially sung during devotional gatherings, satsangs, and kirtans.
Lord Vitthal, also known as Vithoba or Pandurang, is considered a manifestation of Lord Vishnu’s avatar, Shri Krishna. He is depicted as a dark-complexioned youthful man, standing on a brick with both hands resting on his waist, often accompanied by his wife, Rukmini. Through this bhajan, devotees chant his name, cultivate love and devotion in their hearts, and experience spiritual bliss.
This bhajan is deeply connected to the saint tradition and is particularly sung by the devotees of the Warkari sect in Maharashtra. Saints like Sant Tukaram, Sant Namdev, and Sant Gyaneshwar spread the devotion of Lord Vitthal to the masses through their abhangas and kirtans. “Vitthal Vitthal Vitthala Hari Om Vitthala” is also a beautiful example of this devotional path, expressing immense faith and love for Lord Vitthal.
In Gujarat, Lord Krishna is especially worshiped as the symbol of divine love and devotion, and Shri Vitthal is considered to be a divine form of Shri Krishna. Chanting “Hari Om Vitthala“ in this bhajan provides spiritual peace to devotees and fills them with a sense of divine bliss.
During the Pandharpur pilgrimage in Maharashtra, millions of Warkari devotees chant “Vitthal Vitthal Vitthala Hari Om Vitthala” as they proceed towards Pandharpur. In Gujarat, this bhajan is sung with great reverence in Garba, satsangs, and temples. During annual festivals and especially on Ekadashi, devotees sing this bhajan to seek the blessings of Lord Vitthal.
Let us immerse ourselves in the melodious tune of this bhajan and experience the divine love and blessings of Lord Vitthal!
Mythological Story
The Tale of Pundalik – How Lord Vitthal Came to Pandharpur
In the 6th century, a devotee named Pundalik was born in Pandharpur, Maharashtra. Pundalik had deep devotion for his parents and his beloved deity, Shri Krishna. He was a simple, sweet-natured person, full of devotion.
One day, Lord Shri Krishna, along with his wife Rukmini, came to Earth to visit Pundalik. Pundalik, busy serving his father, told the Lord, “O Lord! I am currently attending to my father’s service. Please stand on this brick and wait.”
Obeying the devotee’s instruction, Lord Krishna placed both hands on his waist, stood on the brick, and Rukmini also stood on the brick alongside him, waiting patiently.
When Pundalik completed serving his parents and looked back, he found that the Lord had taken a divine idol form. Since then, he has been worshipped as Vitthal.
The Story of Saint Namdev and Vitthal’s Milk Offering
One day, Saint Namdev’s parents had to go to another village for some work. They instructed Namdev to stay at home, first offer milk to Lord Vitthal, and then take his own meals. If he failed to do so, the Lord would become displeased.
Every day, Namdev would bathe, wear clean clothes, fill a bowl with milk, and place it before the deity, praying humbly, “O Vitthal! Kindly drink this milk.” For three days, the Lord did not drink. Namdev remained hungry, unaware that his parents were secretly mixing the milk with other milk after a while.
On the fourth day, exhausted and weak, Namdev heated the milk and placed it before the idol, and fell down. At that moment, the Lord’s hands reached out, lifted the bowl, and drank all the milk. Namdev rejoiced and then ate his own meal. From that day onwards, Lord Vitthal drank the milk daily.
When his parents returned, they asked if the Lord had consumed the milk. Namdev honestly recounted everything, leaving them astonished. They instructed him, “Tomorrow, offer the milk before us as well.”
Vithoba Temple of Pandharpur – Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir
The Vithoba Temple, also known as Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir, is a prominent and historic Hindu temple located in Pandharpur town, Solapur district, Maharashtra. This temple is dedicated to Lord Vithoba (a form of Lord Vishnu) and his consort Rukmini.
It is considered one of the most visited temples in Maharashtra. Devotees visiting here express their devotion and reverence by taking a holy dip in the sacred Bhima River.
Benefits of the Bhajan
Chanting the name of Lord Vithoba brings peace and joy to the heart. This bhajan inspires true devotion and faith in the minds of devotees. It helps reduce mental stress and deepens the personal connection with the Lord.
Lyrics – Vitthal Vitthal Vitthala Hari Om Vitthala
Vitthal Vitthal Vitthala Hari Om Vitthala (2)
Kone Kone Dithela Hari Om Vitthala (2)
Vitthal Vitthal…
Gokul Ma Aavela Hari Om Vitthala (2)
Nandbaba Ae Dithela Hari Om Vitthala (2)
Vitthal Vitthal…
Mathura Ma Aavela Hari Om Vitthala (2)
Vasudeve Dithela Hari Om Vitthala (2)
Vitthal Vitthal…
Mewar Ma Aavela Hari Om Vitthala (2)
Mirabaiye Dithela Hari Om Vitthala (2)
Vitthal Vitthal…
Junagadh Ma Aavela Hari Om Vitthala (2)
Narsinh Mehtae Dithela Hari Om Vitthala (2)
Vitthal Vitthal…
Porbandar Ma Aavela Hari Om Vitthala (2)
Sudamae Dithela Hari Om Vitthala (2)
Vitthal Vitthal…
Virpur Ma Aavela Hari Om Vitthala (2)
Jalarame Dithela Hari Om Vitthala (2)
Vitthal Vitthal…
Pandharpur Ma Aavela Hari Om Vitthala (2)
Pundarike Dithela Panduranga Vitthala (2)
Vitthal Vitthal…
Dakor Gam Ma Aavela Hari Om Vitthala (2)
Bhaktoe Sahu Dithela Hari Om Vitthala (2)
Vitthal Vitthal…
