In this episode of “5 Minutes,” Dr. Robert Svoboda explores Vitthala and the devotion surrounding this beloved form of Lord Krishna.

I am speaking about Vitthala because today is Ekadashi, and Ekadashi is sacred to Lord Vishnu. Many people are familiar with different forms of Vishnu, such as Jagannatha worshipped in Puri, Lord Venkateshwara in Tirupati, Lord Ranganatha in Sri Rangam, Lord Krishna as he exists in Guruvayur, and Krishna as the king of Dwaraka.

However, people outside Maharashtra and Karnataka may not be as familiar with Lord Krishna in the form known as Vitthala.

There are different opinions about the origin of the word Vitthala. The explanation I personally like is that vit means brick, which it does in Sanskrit, and thala means established upon. Therefore, Vitthala is Vishnu who is standing upon a brick.

The story of how this happened involves a devotee sometimes called Pundalika or Pundarika. He lived in the small town of Pandharpur, where the Vitthala temple is located between Pune and Sholapur in Maharashtra.

Pundarika was originally a difficult child who caused his parents great distress. He behaved in ways that made them lose hope that he would ever become a good son. However, one day he changed completely and dedicated himself to serving his parents.

Vishnu, looking down from Vaikuntha, was very pleased with this transformation. During the rainy season, Vishnu decided to bless Pundarika with his darshan. He came down and called out from outside the small home where Pundarika lived with his parents.

“I am the blessed Vishnu. I have come to give you darshan. Come outside now.”

Pundarika replied, “Blessed Vishnu, thank you very much. But I am serving my parents. You will have to wait because I have taken a vow that my parents come first. Everything else comes afterward, even you, blessed Vishnu.”

Vishnu was very pleased by this devotion but pretended to object. He said, “Pundarika, you have forgotten that it is the rainy season. There is mud outside your home, and my lotus feet will become dirty. What will you do? Remember, a guest is like God. Atithi Devo Bhava. Your mother and father are also like God. Matru Devo Bhava.”

Pundarika thought for a moment, and fortunately for him and for all future devotees of Vitthala, there was a brick nearby. He threw the brick outside and said, “Blessed Vishnu, please stand on this brick until I have finished serving my parents. Then I will come and receive your darshan.”

Vishnu was deeply pleased. He stood on the brick and waited.

When Pundarika finally came outside, he found the form of Vishnu already established there. Vishnu had become an image standing on the brick, with his hands resting on his hips. He wore large makara kundalas, earrings shaped like crocodiles or fish depending on the tradition, and he had a distinctive crown. He appeared peaceful and full of blessing.

This is the origin of the form of Vishnu known as Vitthala.

Vitthala became the beloved deity of Jnaneshwar and his siblings, as well as many great saints of Maharashtra, including Namdev, Gorakumbhar, and Tukaram. They belong to a devotional tradition centered around Vitthala, and even the famous dabbawalas, the men who deliver lunches throughout Mumbai, are connected with this devotional community.

Many songs have been composed and sung in praise of Vitthala. Since today is Ekadashi, it is a wonderful day to remember Vitthala and the devotion of Pundarika.