Shri Trishund Ganpati Temple in Somwar Peth was opened to the public for Guru Purnima on Sunday (July 21).
The basement, accessible only once a year on this auspicious day, drew many devotees who came to pay their respects at the Samadhi of Dalpatgiri Gosavi.
The Shri Trishund Ganesh Temple, known for its unique architectural style resembling the Verul caves, is a rare sight in Maharashtra. Its design is influenced by Shiva temples due to its origins.
In collaboration with the Shri Trishund Ganpati Temple Trust, the Shri Trishund Mayureshwar Ganpati Vijay Mandal Trust, and the Shri Manta Dagdusheth Halwai Public Ganpati Trust, a free eye check-up and cataract/surgery camp was organized for devotees.
This initiative was supported by the Sathya Sai Service Organization, Pune, and Renuka Netralaya, Pune.
The Trishund Ganpati Temple, dating back to the Peshwa era, is a remarkable example of historical architecture. Constructed between 1752 and 1770, this temple, built from black stone, is renowned for its depiction of Ganpati with three trunks, known as Trishund Ganpati.
The temple’s entrance is flanked by sculptures of one-horned rhinoceroses, restrained by chains, and surrounded by statues of soldiers with guns. Below these sculptures, elephants engaged in battle are depicted.
The basement has a natural spring, causing it to fill with water. Every year on Guru Purnima, the basement is cleaned and opened for devotees.
As Guru Purnima fell on a Sunday this year, there were long queues of devotees from Pune city and surrounding areas waiting to visit the Shri Trishund Ganpati and the Samadhi of Dalpatgiri Gosavi from morning till late at night, according to the Shri Trishund Mayureshwar Ganpati Vijay Mandal Trust.
Inside the temple, the sanctum features an elegant statue of Ganpati with a right trunk, seated on a peacock throne. The backdrop includes a snake hooded Vishnu and an intricate Ganesh Yantra. The circumambulatory path includes statues of Vithoba-Rukmini, Nateshwar, and Lingodbhava, with symbolic figures of Hamsa and Varaha.
The temple’s historical significance is further highlighted by inscriptions in Sanskrit and Persian at its entrance. In addition to this peaceful and intricately carved temple, visitors can also explore the nearby Nageshwar Temple, believed to be 700-800 years old, which retains its ancient charm despite extensive restorations during the Peshwa era.
