PUNE’S PRIDE

  Purushottam Laxman Deshpande

The name which brings a smile to the face of any Marathi reader. P. L. Deshpande was joyful personality of Maharashtra. Every member craves
to recount one P L joke or a scene from his plays, one-man shows, films, books or whatever. He is an integrated part of Marathi Literature.

Acharya Pralhad Keshav Atre the renowned litterateur has a massive contribution to Marathi literature. He was a man who left his mark in every field that he entered. His oratorical skills mesmerised the audience, outstanding literary style, humour and his activities in various fields left an every lasting impression on the minds of Maharashtrians.

SHARAD PAWAR

President of Nationalist Congress Party. He was the former chief Minister of Maharashtra was a former Defence Minister of India and former Leader of Opposition in Loksabha. Always play an important role ina National Politics

Kasba Ganpati

Kasba Ganpati is the GRAM DAIVAT of Pune. Kasba Peth is near Lal Mahal & the Kasba Ganpati is the Ganpati of First Honor in Pune. So it has the First previlage in the Ganesh Utsav procession.Shivaji Maharaja’s mother Jijabai had put up the statue of Ganesh. On her behalf Dadoji Kondadev had put on a tent in front of the statue of Ganesh.Recently Jija mata Garden has been made next to it, and the statue of Jija mata has also been set there.

Parvati

This is one of the most famous landmarks of Pune. Though the hill is in the Southern half of the city, it is visible from almost every part of Pune. There are 108 steps that lead to the temple dedicated to Parvati and Devadeshwar. There are also temples dedicated to Vishnu, Ganesh and Kartikeya. Climbing to the top of the hill can be rewarding as one can enjoy an excellent paranomic view of Pune. 

It has temple dedicated to lord Shiva which is supposedly the shrine. The Nandi and the pillars are carved from one single rock. Located in a part of Pune known as Shivajinagar, this Shiva Temple was made in the 8th century. Cut from one rock, this temple is reminiscent of the Kailasa temple at Ellora. It has a Shiva Shrine as well as one in honour of his bull Nandi

  Gurudwara ( Ganesh Peth )

This Gurudwara is in Ganesh Peth. Sikhs come to this place in large numbers. It is about 2 kms away from Pune Station. The gurudwara is open to all people irrespective of their religion but your shoes must be removed and heads should be covered. The prayers in the Gurudwara  start in the early hours of morning.  The birth anniversaries of the first guru, Guru Nanakdevji and tenth guru, Guru Govindsinghji are celebrated as festivals with great enthusiasm.

Asthavinayak mean eight Ganeshas.Asthavinayak Yatra concludes only after visiting all the eight temples that are a part of this yatra. This yatra is very famous not only among the Hindus but devotees from all the religions go on the famous Asthavinayak tour. It is believed that one has to complete this Asthavinayak yatra at least once in a life-time.All the eight temples are located in different parts of Maharashtra.

    Moreshwar or Mayureshwar

    Location: Morgaon, Pune District.>  

The temple and idol:
The idol in this temple is  Swayambhu that means self-generated idol with a serpent above the head. The temple has eight Ganesha idols in eight corners. These are Ekadanta, Mahodara, Gajanana, Lambodara, Vikata, Nataraja, Dhumravarna, Vakratunda. The God here is worshipped three times every day: at 7 am, around 12 in the noon and at 8 pm.

Yatra:
According to the Hindu calendar the palkhi of this Ganesh is taken out on Magha Shukla Chaturthi and Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi. The palkhi travels from Chinchwad-Pune during both the Chaturthis.

Utsav:
The fair and celebrations are arranged on Vijayadashami Shukla Chaturthi and Krishna Chaturthi, Somavati Amavasya, according to the Hindu calendar.

Legend and history:
Ganesha, riding a peacock, in the form of Mayureshwara is believed to have slain the demon Sindhu at this spot.

The temple and idol:
The temple is on a hill, which has 283 steps. The hill is full of caves. The idol faces north and this particular idol has to be worshipped form the rear of the temple.

Legend and history:
It is believed that Parvati performed penance to beget Ganesha at this point. This temple stands amidst a cave complex of Buddhist origin. Little is known about its antiquity. It appears that the Ganesha idol came much later than the period in which the caves were built. The temple which stands at a hill top, is in a deserted location and there is no human habitation close by. Even the archaka (priest) lives some distance away.

Tambdi Jogeswari is the Second Ganpati of Honour in Pune. Tambdi Jogeswari was one of the early established Ganesh Mandals. The Mandal has already completed its 100 years. The Idol resembles an elephants. Various functions are organised during the festival by the Mandal. Many people take part in these events keeping social  interest in mind. Many people attend the Aarti to seek blessings.