Record-Breaking Crowds in Pandharpur: 2.5 to 3 Million Devotees Throng the Holy Town

Pandharpur: The spirit of the famous abhang “Vithu Maza Lekurwala… Sange Bhaktancha Mela”  came alive on this Ekadashi as an unprecedented sea of devotees descended upon Pandharpur.

Over the past decade, the number of pilgrims visiting Pandharpur has grown significantly — not only during the major Ashadhi, Kartiki, Maghi, and Chaitri pilgrimages, but also on weekends, holidays, and festivals. This Ekadashi has witnessed a new all-time high. While initial estimates suggested 2.2 to 2.5 million devotees, the administration and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis have confirmed that between 2.5 and 3 million devotees have arrived in Pandharpur.The town is not just bustling — it is submerged in an ocean of devotees.

Devotees’ Longing Meets the Lord’s

In the Varkari tradition, it is said that just as devotees yearn for a glimpse of their dark-complexioned Vitthal, the Lord himself eagerly awaits His devotees.

How Darshan Timings Have

 ChangedIn earlier times, padsparsha darshan (touching the Lord’s feet) on Ekadashi used to take a minimum of 24 hours. The daily rituals — including the first worship, padya puja, and the official state maha-puja — would conclude around 5:00 AM, after which darshan would begin.

As the number of pilgrims increased over the years, the duration of rituals was shortened to prioritize efficient darshan management.

Queues Stretch 5–8 km; Waiting Time Up to 30 Hours

Despite these efforts, the surging crowds have dramatically lengthened the queues. What once passed through the darshan mandap near the temple was later extended into large tin sheds (patrasheds). When even those proved insufficient, the queue moved further out.

Today, the padsparsha darshan queue stretches 5 to 8 kilometres beyond Gopalpur, far from the main temple. As a result, devotees at the end of the line are now taking an estimated 26 to 38 hours to complete their darshan and exit the temple premises.