[2] It is the main centre of worship for Vithoba, a form of the god Vishnu or Krishna, and his consort Rakhumai.

[citation needed] The temple was built by King Vishnuvardhana of Hoysala Empire between 1108 and 1152 CE upon being convinced by the historical figure Pundalik.

A dip in the holy river Chandrabhaga, on whose banks Pandharpur resides, is believed to have power to wash all sins.

Pundalik is a devoted son to his parents Janudev and Satyavati, who lived in a forest called Dandirvan.

Tired with their son's misbehavior and ill treatment, the elderly couple decide to leave for Kashi.

Legend holds that people who die in the city of Kashi attain salvation and emancipation from the cycle of birth and death.

Every evening, when the party camps for the night, the son forces his parents to groom the horses and do other jobs.

Pilgrims wish to take a dip in their holy waters to wash away their sins, which in fact are soiling their clothes.

"[citation needed] Pundalik realizes his misdeeds, becomes entirely devoted to his parents and ensures their comfort, even risking his own.

Seeing this act, Krishna was extremely impressed by Pundalik's love for his parents and granted a boon.

One day his mother asks him to complete the ritual of "naivedya" (any food made in the house is first offered to God, the ritual comprises placing the offering plate before the deity and sprinkling water around the plate and with a prayer to God).

Seeing this utmost devotion and innocence of a child, God appears, eats the offering and blesses Namdev.

Namdev asks for being present in the "first step" at His temple, so that he could innumerable devotees will touch him before having the "darshan" (view).

For, Padha Darshan (To touch the Lotus Feet of Lord), there is an entrance which leads to the queue complex outside the temple.