Architectural and Multi-Cultural Worship Places in Pune

Pune is a Maharashtra state in Western India. It is thepay respect to their protector.
seventh largest city located 160 kilometers southeastPataleshwar Cave Temple
of its capital. Its name comes from the word PunyaPataleshwar Cave Temple is dedicated to the God of
Nagari, means the City of Virtue in Sanskrit.the Underworld known as Lord Pateleshwar. The
It started to exist during 937 AD founded by thetemple rock-cut cave architecture lies on the Jangali
Shivaji from the Maranatha Empire. Nowadays, thereMaharaj Road in Shivaji Nagar. It is one of the heritage
are many religious places like mosques, temples andsite dated back 8th century AD.
churches throughout the city. There are Hindus,It is of unique structure made out of a single block of
Protestants and Muslims worshippers that stronglystone that houses big pillars, Nandi bull and Lord
give importance to their own faith.Shiva’s shrine. It has a striking display with small
Below are some of the worship places that reflect therooms for the visitors. The worship area in a
city’s multi-cultural and architectural diversity:cube-shape room includes statues of Sita, Laxman,
Chaturshringi TempleRama and other Hindu Gods and Goddess. The
Chaturshringi temple is dedicated to Goddesstemple’s museum is enlisted in Guinness Book of
Chatshrungee. It is located on a hill rock just near theWorld Records. It exhibits 5,000 characters using
Senapati Bapat Road during the reign of Shivajigrains of rice.
Maharaj. Today, it is surrounded by the big ITSt. Mary's Church
companies and commercial buildings. People who visitSt. Mary’s Church is one of the oldest protestant
this temple seek the blessing of God Devichurches on Staveley Road, Pune. It was consecrated
Ambareshwari.by Bishop Heber and was built for the British soldiers
The temple has a scale model on its entrance. A Hinduand officers in 1825.
festival is being held annually during Navarati. There areThe Gothic style architecture of the church is one
lighted lamps decorated in an Indian tradition style.major attraction. It was originally adorned with a huge
Fire Templetower. It was replaced with shorter concrete in 1982.
Fire temple is also called as Agiary (a place of worshipThere is stained glass at the altar which costs about
of Zoroastrians). It is situated along Agiary Street, now200 pounds. The church interior is boasting with
Dastur Meher Road. The temple was established bymemorial plaque for Colonel William Morris memory.
Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy in year 1844.Omkareshwar Temple
The structure protects the Holy Fire and Sacred HolyOmkareshwar is a major tourist attraction situated on
Book (Atesh Adaran Saheb). In November 1844, theMutha River. It was constructed in 17th century during
holy fire was first lighted inside the Pune Fire Templethe reign of Sadashiv Bhau. It is dedicated to Goddess
amidst the Cyprus trees. It was still burning withoutParvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. The extraordinary style
turning off even once. It is adorned by a fountain in aof stone carvings proves an exotic view of columns
triangular field. It became the erected source ofand arts.
Pune’s water supply.The white dome is made up of soft soap stone on the
Ganapati Templeupper portions. Columns are carved in polygons, circles
Ganapati Temple is dates back to 17th century on theand squares. Its tower is built in Nagara style with 5
banks of river Krishna at Sangli in Theur. It was builtlayers that represents different images of a Hindu
and dedicated to Lord Ganesha, an elephant headedGod.
Hindu deity also known as Ekadanta, Ganapati,Parvati Hill and Temple
Vinayaka. It is one of the beautiful temples in theParvati Hill temple is dedicated to Hindu deities like
southern part of Maharashtra. It is carved with blackGanesha, Vishnu, Parvati, Kartikeya and Devadeshwar.
stones and doors made up of multi-colored woods. It isThis temple is located on high hills of 108 steps. The
one of the Maharashtrian marvels that feature a richentire temple offers a full view of the city.
design and inspiring architecture.There is an adjoining museum that contains things of
A Maharashtrain festival was held in the temple duringthe contemporary society of the Peshwas. Artifacts
Ganesha Chaturdashi. The temple is decorated withinclude old manuscripts, weapons, replicas of ancient
mixed adornments. People come to visit the place topaintings and coins.