Goa’s sacred bond with Vitthal

THE DIVINE CALL OF ASHADH

When the rain-soaked clouds of Ashadh gather in the sky, the eleventh day (ekadashi) of Ashadh and Kartik in winter draws vast crowds to Pandharpur and to Goa’s own Vitthal temples.

LOVED BY ALL

Lord Vitthal, also known as Vithoba or Pandurang, is revered by all, transcending caste, creed and community.

WORSHIP WOVEN IN TIME

Historical evidence suggests that the worship of Lord Vitthal in Goa dates back to the 14th century, showing its deep-rooted presence in the region.

LEGACY OF VITHALAPUR

The Shri Vitthal temple at Vithalapur (Karapur), near Sankhali, holds nearly six centuries of spiritual heritage and devotion.

ACROSS GOA

From Pernem in the north to Canacona in the south, temples dedicated to Lord Vitthal have long been centers of faith and culture for Goans.

IN FOLK SONGS AND FESTIVALS

Goa’s folk songs of Shigmo, Dhalo, Lavani and Fugdi mention Shri Vitthal, echoing his name in rhythm and dance.

CARVED IN THE HEART AND ART

Goa’s traditional Kaavi mural art also features Lord Vitthal, with depictions etched onto sacred walls. 

CHIKHAL KALO 

The annual Chikhal Kalo festival in Vithalapur, Ponda and Marcel are celebrated with muddy joy and deep reverence for Shri Vitthal.

JOURNEY OF DEVOTION 

Devotees, forgetting social and economic boundaries, walk together singing devotional songs in a pilgrimage that echoes the famed Wari to Pandharpur.

A TEMPLE LIKE PANDHARPUR

The temple at Vithalapur, bearing sculptures of Vitthal alongside his consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama, is honoured in Goa as a sacred counterpart to Pandharpur.

NEXT: Jagannath Rath Yatra brings devotees together in Margao, Goa