There are several theories about the origins and meanings of this name. Varkari tradition suggests that the name Vitthala is composed of two Sanskrit-Marathi words: ´viṭ´ which means 'brick', and ´thal´ which may have originated from the Sanskrit ´sthala´, meaning 'standing'. Thus´Vitthala´ would mean 'the one standing on a brick'.
William Crooke, orientalist, supported this explanation. The prescribed iconography of Vitthala stipulates, that he be shown standing arms-akimbo upon a brick, which is associated with the legend of the devotee Pundalik.
However...
the Varkari poet-saint Tukaram...
[who ascended just as Jezus Christ did...]
proposed a different etymology !
[in line with Christ's teachings !...]
That ´Vitthala´ is composed of the words ´vittha´ (´ignorance´) and ´la´ (´the one who accepts´), thus meaning 'the one who accepts innocent people who are devoid of knowledge'.
´Father, forgive them...
for they do not know
what they are doing´
!
~bron~
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