Weather: 15 - 27°C
Tags: Monument
Timings: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Time Required: 1 - 2 hours
Entry Fee: Indians - INR 5, Foreigners - INR 25
Overview of Shinde's Chhatri, Pune
Shinde's Chhatri, located in Wanwadi, Pune, is a stunning memorial dedicated to the 18th-century military leader Mahadji Shinde. Serving as the commander-in-chief under the Peshwas, Mahadji Shinde played a crucial role during the Maratha Empire's peak. The monument stands proudly beside a Shiva temple and reflects a beautiful blend of Anglo-Rajasthani architecture. The memorial marks the cremation site of Mahadji Shinde, who passed away in 1794.
Originally a temple built by Shinde, the monument was expanded in 1965 by his descendants, including Maharaja Madhavrao Scindia of Gwalior. Managed by the Shinde Devasthan Trust, it remains a testament to Maratha heritage and impressive architecture.
Architecture of Shinde's Chhatri
The three-story monument features ornate Anglo-Rajasthani design with intricately carved pillars and colorful windows inspired by English architecture. Inside, visitors will find a statue of Mahadji Shinde and paintings depicting his family's history. The Shiva temple showcases beautiful yellow stone carvings of saints and gods, and the complex also includes a Vittala temple. The building's vibrant, decorative interiors are illuminated by royal chandeliers, and the golden kalash atop the spire adds to its grandeur. Despite a period of neglect, restoration efforts have brought back its former glory, making it a must-visit historical site in Pune.