Namdev Chi Payari
Namdev Chi Payari (The step named after Namdev)
Namadwar
Story of First Step in Pandharpur Temple is named after Namdev.. An ardent BhaktNamdev is a great Saint & an ardent bhakt of Pandharpur Panduranga. As a child once his mother asked Namdev to do Naivedya to Bhagwan. Namdev does offerings and waited for Vitthal to take. He keeps praying and requests God to come in person and accept the offering. Namdev started to cry holding Lotus feet of Vitthal to accept the offering.
Moved by his innocence and Bhakti Vitthal arrives and had the Prasad. Vitthal welcomed Namdev to Vaikuntam with him. But Namdev requested Vithoba to stay as a step in the temple so that each of the devotee will step on him & dust of their feet will fall on him.
That Ultimate Bhakti which refused Vaikuntam was highest than ever. Panduranga accepted & blessed Namdev with his wish. Thus the first step of the Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir in Pandharpur is called Namdev Chi Payari.
Yes,it is my hometown Pandharpur.
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