Parvati Hill, towering over Pune at 2,000 feet, offers stunning panoramic views of the city. Situated in the southeastern part of Pune, this peaceful hill provides a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle, with a pleasant climate year-round. The hill is home to the Parvati Temple, dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, and houses shrines to other Hindu deities including Vishnu, Rukmini, Vitthalla, and Vinayakar.
Visitors can reach the summit by climbing 103 stone steps, designed to allow elephants to ascend. The temple is located at the highest point in Pune, and the area also features other temples, the Peshwa Museum, and a water tank. The temple gates open at 5:00 AM and close at 8:00 PM daily.
History and Architecture
The Parvati Temple was built in 1749 by Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshwa to honor a vow made by his mother, Kashibai. Legend says she was cured of foot pain after visiting a shrine atop the hill, and in gratitude, Nanasaheb constructed the temple. The temple, originally called "Devadeveshwara," stands as a magnificent relic of the Peshwa era.
The temple’s entrance is a grand structure with massive granite doors and Bhairava statues, added in 1981. Inside, visitors are greeted by a white marble idol of Lord Ganesh, brought from Jaipur, where prayers are offered before starting any activity.
Celebrations and Events
The temple is especially vibrant during the Shravan Mas Utsav, celebrated during the holiest month of the Hindu calendar, which brings around 25,000 devotees every Monday. The temple also hosts a daily classical music festival from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, making it an ideal time to visit for music enthusiasts.
A visit to Parvati Hill Temple is not just a spiritual journey but a peaceful retreat to experience Pune’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
