Pune also known as the Oxford of India is known for its educational institutions but it also has a long history of spirituality which can be seen in the temples in and around the city. The city is also known as the city of Ganesha and houses the majority of the Ashtavinayak temples. The city was once an important centre under the Marathas and its cultural heritage is still visible.
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple
Located at a distance of 127km from Shivajinagar, Pune in Rajgurunagar this shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is constructed in Nagara-style architecture which was prevalent in the 13th century.
Omkareshwar Temple
This shrine is dedicated to the blue-necked form of Lord Shiva and is located in Shaniwar Peth, Pune. It was built by Chimaji Appa who was the brother of Peshwa Bajirao and has been declared a Heritage Site by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is built in Peshwa-style architecture which is characterised by the white domes of the temple decorated with carvings.
Kasba Ganpati Temple
This temple was built by the Peshwas of Maharashtra and is the main deity of Pune, also known as Lord Ganesh’s city. It is located on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Road in Pune. The temple’s architecture follows the orthodox Puneri-Wada Style. The temple’s location in the ‘Heart of The Pune City’ i.e the ancient Kasba Peth has characterised the shrine as the caretaker and main deity of the whole city.
Sri Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh and is visited by numerous pilgrims every year. The temple is 130 years old and situated in Budhwar Peth, Pune. It was established by the founder of the still-running ‘Dagdusheth Halwai Sweets near Datta Mandir.
Sri Mahalakshmi Temple
Located opposite Sarasbaug in Dadawadi, Pune; this temple is dedicated to the 3 mother Goddesses Mahalaxmi, Mahakali, and Maha Saraswati. The temple is built in Dravidian style architecture and was built under the supervision of the famous sculptor Hemraj Sompura of Sumerpurand.
Chatushrungi Mata Temple
It was built under the reign of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji and is dedicated to both Goddess Durga and Lord Ganesh. It is situated on the Senapati Bapat Road and is a huge religious monument. This temple was constructed in 1786 and follows the West-Indian style of architecture of the contemporary era.
Sri Chintamani Ganpati Temple
This shrine is situated 25km from Pune in Theur and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is a part of the Ashtavinayak Temples and is known for the myth of Lord Ganesha retrieving the wish-granting jewel Chintamani for his devotee Kapila. The temple incorporates wooden architecture in the form of Sabha-Mandapa as well as the Peshwa architectural style of the 18th century.
Shree Devdeveshwar Temple
Located on the top of the Parvati hills near Pune, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built under the Peshwa rule and is believed to have miraculous healing tendencies.
Neelkantheshwar Temple
The temple has more than 1200 idols and as the name suggests it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It takes a couple of hours to explore the whole temple complex which is situated between Panshet and Khadakwasla. The temple also offers a staying facility to the pilgrims and a great view of the Panshet Dam.
ISKCON Temple
It is the largest temple in the city and is dedicated to Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha. Situated on Kondhwa Road,Pune, this temple was built in 2013 by ISKCON. The temple follows a Jain architectural style characterised by inscriptions and carvings depicting stories of Lord Krishna.
Moreshwar Temple
Located 65km from Pune in Koregaon this shrine is built under the reverence of Lord Ganesha. It is the first temple out of the Ashtavinayak temples. The structure has four towers or minarets built with black stone and incorporates an idol of Lord Ganesh made with 5 alloys.
Bhuleshwar Shiva Temple
It was built in the 8th century under the Yadava rulers and is a great piece of our heritage. It is situated at a distance of 45km from Pune near Malshiras and is dedicated to Lord Shivas. It has myths of disappearing sweets from the plate of Prasada. The temple has one of the most unique architectural characteristics as it is a Hindu shrine built in accordance with Islamic architecture.
