When one talks about temples in Pune the first that comes to every Punekar’s conscience has to be the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, the temple has stood in Pune for the past 125 years- the architecture is grandiose with the the idol adorned with beautiful ornaments, the idol shines with the pride and love. The devotees rush to the temple for one sight of the Ganesh idol, which in Pune we lovingly call “Gannu Bappa”. The street of Budhwar Peth lits up overwhelmingly during the Ganesh Festival, the streets are blocked with devotees, as the scent of incense sticks wafts in the air with glistening lights all around.
It is a hillock in Pune, it is located at the top of the Parvati hill. At the peak resides the temple which provides a stunning perspective of the city. If you are looking forward to having a good aerial view of the whole city, it is wonderful from the top there. Parvati Temple is the temple of Goddess Parvati as the name suggests. The temple is Pune’s oldest landmark seeping back into the 17th Century, it was built during the Peshwa Dynasty. If one likes the outdoor with a cute tinge of trekking you can surely opt a trip to this Temple
There are a couple of temples surrounding the Parvati Temple, you could explore an find the Karthikeya's temple, the Vishnu Temple, the Vitthal Temple and the Rama Temple.
Visiting Tukai Devi Temple is like stepping into an intriguing pool of history, its a tale hailing back to the 17th Century, Picture the Kalamkar family, heirs of the Mali caste, as they ascend to power, shaping the destiny of this district. Amidst this historical landscape, emerges Kavaji Kalamkar, a visionary who crafts this temple more than just a legacy—he builds a sanctuary for the revered goddess "Tukai Mata" atop Baner Hill. Today, this very hillock stands as a testament to time, nestled within the Baner-Pashan Biodiversity Park, echoing whispers of a bygone era and inviting all to explore its rich heritage.
The temple stands tall at 2214 metres above sea level and was built 400 years ago.
The Omkareshwar Temple is located amongst the beautiful locality fostered by the Peshwas, it is one of the most revered architectural delights of the city. In the streets of Shaniwar Peth, the median that sits in the Omkareshwar temple is the blue-necked idol of Lord Shiva, the tranquility and the peace that the temple offers its devotees is beyond words.
The temple has been on the Mutha river's banks since the 17th Century. Chimaji Appa, the younger brother of Bajirao Peshwa, was also the Maratha Empire's commander. He funded the building of the temple alongside the spiritual guide of the Peshwas, Shivaram Bhat who built the temple.
The power of this temple is unwavering, during the period of covid a Puneri Ajji said,
“I don’t fear this Coronavirus, Omkareshwari Govarya gelya majhya” (Cow dung cakes of my funeral have already reached Omkareshwar temple).
Hindustan Times
This temple located in Shivajinagar's Jangi Raja Area. It is a rock cut shrine of the Lord Shiva. This temple is nestled with great tapestry of history and is a hidden gem dating back to the Rashtrakuta Period. Pataleshwar Cave Temple is one of the many ancient marvel of the city. It displays great craftsmanship as you venture in the hollowed halls, you will observe a beautiful sculptures and carvings in every corner. The visit to the temple is filled with spiritual engagement along with a divine timeless embrace of culture.
According to folklore, the temple was built by the Pandavas during their exile and miraculously in just a few hours when they needed shelter.
Here were my top picks of some of the many temples the city posses, let us know your suggestions too.
