Pandharpur to London: 70-Day Dindi Journey to Carry Vitthal’s Blessings Across 22 Countries
Pune/London, April 15, 2025 – In a historic first, a spiritually charged 70-day Dindi (pilgrimage procession) has begun its transcontinental journey from Pandharpur to London, carrying the symbolic Padukas (holy footprints) of Lord Vitthal across 18,000 kilometers and 22 countries. The mission: to bring Pandharpur’s divine energy to the UK for the planned construction of a Shri Vitthal-Rukmini temple in London.
A Pilgrimage Like No Other
The journey was flagged off on Monday morning from Shri Vitthal Temple in Pandharpur, following traditional rituals and blessings by Gahininath Maharaj Ausekar, co-chairman of the temple committee. The first halt for the motorized Dindi was at Baramati.
Spearheaded by Anil Khedkar, a native of Ahilyanagar and long-time resident of London, this initiative is being carried out under the banner of Marathi Mandal UK, an organization deeply rooted in promoting Maharashtrian culture abroad.
“Through this Dindi, the divine presence of Shri Vitthal-Rukmini from Pandharpur will spiritually connect with devotees around the world,” said Khedkar. “There are grand Indian temples abroad, but no temple dedicated to Vitthal, the deity central to Maharashtra’s Bhakti tradition. That’s what this Dindi aims to change.”
Why a 70-Day Road Journey?
Though the Padukas could have easily been airlifted to the UK, the organizers deliberately chose a land route to embody the spirit of devotion and echo the Warkari tradition of walking long distances in the name of faith.
The pilgrimage will pass through India, Nepal, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Poland, Germany, and France before reaching London on June 21, where it will conclude with rituals at the proposed temple site.
All required visas, border permissions, and legal formalities for the cross-border journey have been secured. The team will travel in specially designated vehicles equipped for the long spiritual mission.
A Temple in the Making
The upcoming Vitthal-Rukmini Temple in London aims to be a cultural and spiritual hub for the global Marathi diaspora. According to Khedkar, construction will commence soon after the Dindi’s arrival, supported by the UK-based Marathi community and spiritual institutions.
Spiritual Significance
Khedkar, who has walked the Alandi to Pandharpur Wari for seven consecutive years, emphasized that the Dindi is not just symbolic—it’s a message of Bhakti, peace, and cultural unity, spreading the teachings of Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar across continents.
The send-off ceremony at Pandharpur was attended by key temple officials, including Shakuntalatai Nadgire, Dnyaneshwar Deshmukh Jalgaonkar, Executive Officer Rajendra Shelke, Manager Manoj Shrotri, Accounts Officer Mukesh Anecha, and Department Head Pandurang Burande.
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