Temples In Pune

With its captivating beauty and splendid places, Pune truly perches itself as a glittering fairyland on the Deccan Plateau. Being the home to majestic history, the city has an interesting line-up of attractions like palaces, forts, museums, caves, parks, gardens and most importantly temples, which gives the city sense of sanctity and solemnity. With the prestigious tag of ‘cultural capital of India’, Pune is the home to a wide number of temples, which offers religious dip to the devotees who come to the city. If you wish to take a trip to Pune, then don’t return without taking a glimpse of the popular religious shrines. Most of the temples here have its own story to tell. Acting as sacred and tranquil place, the temples in Pune serve as the powerhouse for the theists. If you want to explore the sanctimony of the city, then go ahead, explore the article, and know all about the temples in Pune.

Popular Temples In Pune

Omkareshwar Temple
Omkareshwar temple, located near Balgandharva auditorium in Shaniwar Peth, is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Pune. This extraordinary 17th century temple was constructed on the banks of river Mutha by Krsnaji Panta Citrava during the tenure of Sadashivrao Bhau. Admired for its stone carvings, this temple proudly showcases the creativity and old charm of ancient India. The exotic architecture of this 250 years old shrine is renowned for its white soft soap stone dome displaying the intricate carvings and the Nagara style shikar displaying the image of different Hindu Gods.

Chaturshringi Temple
Chaturshringi temple, located on a hillock near Senapati Bapat Road, is one of the famous temples in Pune, which dates back to the majestic supremacy of Chatrapati Shivaji. On your trip to the city, don’t forget to seek the blessings of Goddess Chatshrungee or Ambareshwari, the presiding deity of the temple. Situated on tranquil surroundings, the temple boasts of an interesting legend. It is said that Goddess Chatshrungee came in the dreams of an humble trader and asked him to unearth the deity of her which is apparently the same idol that adorns the temple.

Parvati Hill and Temple
Parvati Hill and Temple, situated at a distance of 1 km from Swargate, serves as the major tourist attraction in Pune. The hillock, situated at a distance of 2100 feet above the sea level, offers amagnificent view of the city. The hill, which hosts number of temples, serves as the oldest historical heritage of Pune. It is believed that the Peshwa ruler Balaji Baji Rao watched the defeat of British from this place. The main attractions of the hill are the Parvati and Sedeveshwar temple, whcih dates back to 17th century. Other temples situated in the hill are dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Lord Kartikeya, Lord Vishnu and Lord Vitthal.

Nageshwar Temple
Nageshwar temple also known as Jnaneshwar Temple is located in Nagesh Peth and is one of the oldest shrines in the city. Belonging to the times of Sant Jnaneshwar and Tukaram, the temple was built in 1730. The typical Yadav structure of the main shrine has undergone several renovations over the years, resulting in the present day structure of the temple. As per the popular belief, the temple once contained a reservoir whose water had the power to cure leprosy.

Fire Temple
Fire temple or Agiary, the popular shrine of Zoroastrians, is situated in Dastur Meher Road. Built in 1844 by Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy, the temple houses Atesh Adaran Saheb i.e. the Sacred Holy Book and the Holy Fire. The Cyprus trees around the temple symbolize the greatness of Zoroaster, who is believed to have brought cypress from heaven.

Pataleshwar Cave Temple}
Pataleshwar Cave Temple is dedicated to Lord Pataleshwar, the God of the Underworld. Located on Jangali Maharaj Road in Shivaji Nagar, the temple serves as the heritage centre of Pune. The appealing part of temple is its magnificent architecture carved out of single rock, which bears its resemblance to the world famous rock-cut temples of Ellora. The exotic temple architecture houses gigantic pillars, small rooms for visitors and the sculptures of Lord Pataleshwar, Sita, Rama, Laxman and other Hindu deities. Beside the shrines, the place has a museum, which is famous for its exhibit of rice grain with nearly 5,000 characters inscribed on it.

Dagdusheth Halwai Ganesh Temple Dagdusheth Halwai Ganesh Temple near the famous historical monument Shaniwar Wada boasts of a history of nearly 100 years. The temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesh, is the most famous and must visit shrine of the city. The seven and a half feet tall idol of Ganesha is decorated with flowers, coconuts, colors and lights. On your visit to Pune, don’t miss to visit this temple.

Kasba Ganpati Temple
Kasba Ganpati temple, located near Shaniwar Wada and Lal Mahal in the Kasba Peth area, attracts huge number of devotees from all across Maharashtra. Kasba Ganesh of the temple is believed to be the gram devatha of Pune and he is believed to be the protector of the city. As per the historical records, Dadoji Konddev, a loyal employee of Maratha Kingdom informed about the beautiful idol to Shivaji’s mother Jijabai. And later according to the instruction of Jijabai, the Kasba temple was constructed. During Ganesh festival, the temple mesmerizes devotees with its brilliant decoration, bhajans, satsangs and cultural programs.