town, southern Maharashtra (Mahārāshtra) state, western India. It lies along the Bhima River, west of Solapur city. Easily reached by road and rail, it is a religious town visited throughout the year by thousands of Hindu (Hinduism) pilgrims. Four major annual festivals are held in the town in honour of the deities Vithoba, an incarnation of Vishnu, and his consort, Rukmini. The main temple was built in the 12th century by the Yadavas (Yādava Dynasty) of Devagiri (modern Daulatabad). The town is also associated with the Maharashtra poet-saints devoted to the bhakti sect. Pop. (2001) 91,379.