Rakhumai

Rakhumai is the presiding goddess of the Pandharpur temple in Maharashtra, revered as the consort of Vitthala (a form of Krishna). She is the Marathi vernacular form of Rukmini, the chief queen of Krishna, as described in the Mahabharata (Sabhā Parva) and the Bhagavata Purana (10.52-54). According to the Bhagavata Purana, Rukmini was the princess of Vidarbha who married Krishna after he abducted her at her own request to avoid a forced marriage to Shishupala. In the Varkari tradition, Rakhumai embodies devotion (bhakti), marital love, and the feminine aspect of the divine.

She is celebrated extensively in the abhangas of Varkari saints such as Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar, who composed hymns extolling her grace and her inseparable bond with Vitthala. The Skanda Purana (Pandharpur Mahatmya) narrates the legend of Vitthala and Rakhumai's presence in Pandharpur, where Vitthala stands on a brick awaiting his devotee Pundalik, and Rakhumai stands beside him. Iconographically, Rakhumai is depicted standing to the left of Vitthala, adorned in royal attire with a crown, holding a lotus in one hand, and her other hand resting on her hip or in a blessing gesture. Her expression is serene and devoted, symbolizing her constant companionship with Vitthala.

She is considered an incarnation of Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, and thus is also called Pandharpur Lakshmi. Regional worship is centered in Pandharpur, Maharashtra, and extends to Karnataka. Major festivals include Ashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi, when millions of Varkari pilgrims walk to Pandharpur for darshan. Rukmini Puja is also observed separately.

In Hindu cosmology, Rakhumai represents the ideal devotee and the nurturing aspect of the divine feminine, serving as a model for marital fidelity and devotion. Her mantras include "Om Rakhumāyai Namaḥ" and the abhangas of Varkari saints.

Depicted standing with Vitthala. Royal attire, crown. Serene, devoted expression.