Parvati Hill Temple, Pune

Introduction to the Parvati Hill Temple

Parvati Hill is a famous hill in south Pune. It stands at a 2100-ft height and provides a mesmerizing view of the entire Pune city and the surrounding valley. This famous landmark of Pune, Maharashtra, is a well-known tourist destination that attracts visitors from all over the world. A 250-year-old Devdeveshwar temple (Shiva and Parvati), Kartikeya Temple, Vishnu Temple, Vitthal Temple, and Rama Temple are some of the famous temples on the hilltop. A group of these temples is called Parvati Hill Temple.

Legend of the Parvati Hill Temple

According to one legend, Kashibai, mother of the Peshwa ruler Nanasaheb Peshwa, was suffering from leg pain. She knew the magical healing power of the temple and prayed for relief from her leg pain. She also pledged to build a temple after her recovery. Once she started feeling better, her son Nana Saheb built the Devdeveshwara temple in 1740.

Another legend says Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj, the grandson of Chhatrapati Shivaji, and Nana Saheb had great admiration and affection for each other. After Chhatrapati Shahu's demise, the grieved Nana Saheb took the wooden footwear of Chhatrapati Shahu, a pure silver figurine of Shiva, a pure gold figurine of Parvati, and a golden idol of Ganesh, and established the temple that now stands as Devdeveshwara temple in the Parvati Hill Temple.

The Architecture of the Parvati Hill Temple

The Peshwas built all these temples during their reign. The Parvati Hill Temple has 103 steps leading to the hilltop. Weather-resistant, unique black stones were used to build these wide steps. The main Devdeveshwara temple was constructed using black stones. Devdeveshwar, the family deity of the Peshwa dynasty, is in the main temple. Two Dwarpalaka sculptures in the Chalukyan style are on both sides of the entrance of the Devdeveshwar temple. Copper Kalashas beautify the temple shikharas. Surya, Ganapati, Bhavani Devi, and Vishnu have small shrines on the four corners.

The idol of Parvati is installed in the Bhavani Devi shrine. She is also known as Ashtabhuja Devi. Ragobadada built the Kartik Swami temple. The Vishnu Temple was built in 1758 AD. His shrine completes the complex of the Parvati Hill Temple. Vishnu blesses his devotees in the Madhava form, standing on Lakshmi Yantra. He is 1.5 meters tall and carved in black stone. The Vishnu temple's shikhara is octagonal, and its base is rectangular.

At the bottom of Parvati hill, devotees can worship Ramana Ganapti. Peshwas used to respect and encourage scholars. For the same, an open area was reserved near the Ramana Ganapati. The learned scholars from across the country assemble here in August–September. Poets, astrologers, philosophers, physicians, and Vedic scholars gather in Pune and are honored according to their merit.

Parvati Hill Temple is better known as the Peshwa Museum. It exhibits some ancient paintings and manuscripts. People can see a collection of Peshwa rulers' portraits in this museum. Tourists can visit the Samadhi of Nana Saheb Peshwa here.

A well-marked trail is available to climb up to the Parvati Hill Temple. Since the steps are wide and sloppy, it might be uncomfortable for older people to use them. People can see wooded areas on one side of the trail and rocks on the other side. It will take at least 15-20 minutes to reach the Parvati Hill Temple.

While climbing the steps, one can see Sati Samadhi on the 32nd step. The Gymnasium is on the 75th step. Nagarkhana was the next important spot, and it was demolished in 1970. The sun rays during the sunrise between March 23 and September 23 pass through the windows of Nagarkhana and fall directly on the idol.

Festivals in the Parvati Hill Temple

The Parvati Hill Temple celebrates all Hindu festivals grandly. Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, Mahashivratri, and Diwali are some of them.

Benefits of Worshipping at Parvati Hill Temple

Devotees who suffer from ailments visit the Devdeveshwara temple for a speedy recovery.