Temples

A photograph capturing the grandeur and spiritual vibrance of the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir in Pune. The temple is renowned for its magnificent idol of Lord Ganesha, which is approximately 7.5 feet tall (2.2 meters) and lavishly adorned with nearly 40 kilograms of gold—often making it one of the most richly ornamented Ganpati idols in the world. The temple was established in the late 19th century by Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai, a successful sweet maker, and holds significant historical importance, especially as it was closely associated with Lokmanya Tilak’s efforts to transform the Ganesh festival into a public celebration (Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav) to unite people for the freedom struggle.

The temples atop Parvati Hill are the oldest heritage structures in Pune. The hill was purchased by the Peshwa rulers, and the main temples were constructed by Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshwa (Balaji Baji Rao) in the 1740s, fulfilling a vow made by his mother, Kashibai, who was cured of an ailment after praying at the small original shrine on the hill. The complex served as the private shrine and residence of the Peshwas. The hill rises to an elevation of 2,100 feet (640 meters) above sea level. Visitors must climb a flight of approximately 103 wide stone steps to reach the top. The steps are not overly steep and are a popular spot for morning joggers and fitness enthusiasts.

The Shri Chatushringi Temple (also spelled Chattushringi or Chaturshringi) is one of the most revered Hindu temples in Pune, Maharashtra, India.Presiding Deity: The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chaturshringi, who is also worshipped as Goddess Ambareshwari and is considered the presiding deity of Pune city.Name Meaning: The name “Chatushringi” is derived from the Marathi words Chattu (four) and Shrunga (peak), as the temple complex is spread across four hillocks that resemble four peaks or a crown.

The Shri Kasba Ganpati Temple is not just a place of worship, but a cornerstone of Pune’s Maratha history and culture.Presiding Deity (Gram Daivat): The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is revered as the ‘Gram Daivat’ (Village Deity) of Pune.Historical Significance: It was established in 1639 AD by Jijabai Bhosale, the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, after she arrived in Pune. The finding of a naturally formed idol of Ganesha near her residence was considered an auspicious sign, marking the beginning of the reconstruction of Pune and the subsequent rise of the Maratha Empire (Swarajya).

The Shri Omkareshwar Temple is one of the grandest and most historically significant Shiva temples in Pune, famous for its grand Peshwa-era architecture.Presiding Deity: The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, in the form of Omkareshwar. The name refers to the Lord of the ‘Omkara’ (the sacred sound Om).Historical Construction: It was constructed between 1736 and 1738 under the patronage of Chimaji Appa, the younger brother and commander of Peshwa Bajirao I. The temple was conceptualized and built by Vedmurty Shivrambhat Chitrav, the spiritual guru of the Peshwas.