The short answer
Chokhamela Samadhi and Sant Namdev Payari: what visitors should know first
Yes, and you will pass them anyway. Take a few minutes at the gate to see Chokhamela's samadhi and to learn why the first step matters. It costs nothing and adds real context to the darshan.
History and context
The story behind Chokhamela Samadhi and Sant Namdev Payari
Chokhamela, born in the Buldhana district and living at Mangalvedha, was initiated into bhakti by Namdev (1270-1350 CE). Wikipedia says upper-caste people reportedly barred him from the Vitthal temple, so he built a hut across the Bhima, and that his tomb is in front of the temple. A legend says his bones were buried at the temple's footsteps. No construction date for the samadhi is given.
Useful facts
Chokhamela Samadhi and Sant Namdev Payari facts at a glance
- Location
- Front gate of the Vitthal Rukmini temple, Pandharpur
- Experience type
- Saints' memorials and pilgrim ritual
- Known for
- Chokhamela's samadhi and the Namdev Payari first step
- Era
- Chokhamela, 13th-14th century; Namdev, 1270-1350 CE
- Time or schedule
- Part of the temple approach; follows temple hours
Why it matters
Why Chokhamela Samadhi and Sant Namdev Payari is worth your time
Chokhamela was a 13th to 14th century saint of the Mahar community, taught by Namdev, and one of the first low-caste poets in India according to Wikipedia. Tradition says he was barred from entering the temple and built a hut across the river. His tomb now sits in front of the Vitthal temple.
That placement is a quiet statement. The saint who could not enter now greets every visitor at the gate. For many pilgrims, this is the most important moment in the temple visit, because it shows the Varkari tradition's claim that devotion matters more than birth.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The samadhi at the gate
The first shrine you meet honours a saint who was once kept out of the temple.
- 02
The first step
Pilgrims touch the Namdev Payari before darshan, a custom tied to a child's accepted offering.
- 03
Namdev's bust
A bust just inside the gate completes the pair of early Varkari saints.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Treat this as the first part of your darshan, not a separate trip. Wikipedia notes that visitors first pay respects at the small samadhi of Chokhamela at the front gate and at a bust of Namdev just inside. Pause at the samadhi, read any notices, and then follow the queue.
The first step of the temple is called the Sant Namdev Payari. In the traditional story, the child Namdev's offering was accepted and he asked that devotees touch this step before darshan. Many pilgrims touch it and bow, and you will see this ritual repeated all day.
If you want more background, ask a local guide or read about Chokhamela before you go. His life shows how the Varkari tradition made room for those the wider society pushed away.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Stand to one side when pausing so the queue keeps moving
- Learn Chokhamela's story before you go; it deepens the visit
- Follow temple rules on photography at the gate
- Arrive early, before the queue grows
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Entrance to the Vitthal Rukmini temple, Pradakshina lanes
- Time needed
- 10 to 20 minutes
- Best time
- Early morning, before the queue builds
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Level or gently sloping ground at the gate, though the area is crowded. Pause to one side so you do not block the queue, and keep a companion close.
- Tickets and access
- Free and part of the temple approach. Follow the temple's rules on footwear and photography at the gate.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Chokhamela Samadhi and Sant Namdev Payari
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Level or gently sloping ground at the gate, though the area is crowded. Pause to one side so you do not block the queue, and keep a companion close.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Who was Chokhamela?
A 13th-14th century saint-poet of the Mahar community, a disciple of Namdev, whose tomb stands in front of the Vitthal temple.
What is the Namdev Payari?
The first step of the temple, which pilgrims touch before darshan, linked to a story about the child Namdev.
Do I need a ticket?
No. It is part of the temple approach.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
