Parvathi Devi Temple Pune

Shrine’s History

The main temple, as it stands today, was built by the third Peshwa, Shrimant Nana Saheb in the year 1749 A.D. The history of the temple is linked with a miracle. It is believed that Kashibai, the mother of the third Peshwa was suffering from a severe ailment in her right foot. One of her advisors informed her about a temple of Goddess to the South of Pune which was famous for its miraculous healing power. Kashibai went to the temple which was located on top of this hill and prayed for her recovery. She vowed that if she was cured of her ailment, she would build a temple there. She soon recovered and her son built a temple on the hill. This was the famous Parvati temple. Another belief is associated with the temple of Parvati. Chhatrapati Shri Shahu Maharaj, the ruling king of the Maratha Empire and the grandson of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, was pious, kind and a man of high moral character. He had a special affection for his minister, young Nana Saheb Peshwa and he entrusted the entire business of the empire to him.

The young Peshwa won the confidence of the king and was bestowed with his faith and affection. The correspondence stands evidence to the fact that for the aged king, the young Peshwa was almost like a son. The death of King Shahu Maharaj was a personal loss to Nana Saheb. As a sign of remembrance, he brought the ‘KHADAWA,’ the wooden footwear of the late king and also an icon of Shivalinga with him from Satara to Pune and placed them underneath the Shivalinga of the main temple of Parvati. Though there is no evidence in writing about this episode but three events point out to the truth of this belief. Firstly, Nana Saheb Peshwa called the Shiva of Parvati hill temple by the name “Devadeveshwara” i.e.”Lord of Lords” – suggesting its supreme position in the divinity. Secondly, Nana Saheb Peshwa paid personal attention to the Parvati temple. Thirdly, when he became seriously ill, he preferred to remain near his favourite deity, than to stay at his usual place. Noted historians have also pointed this fact that Nanasaheb Peshwa had special respect and love for Devadeveshwar at Parvati Hill.

It is true that the magnificent temples which stand today on the hill were built by the Peshwas. However, the hill of Parvati was known much earlier even in the days of Chhatrapati Shri Shivaji Maharaj. In a letter of grant , granted under the seal of King Shivaji Maharaj, to one Brahmin Mahadbhat, son of Mudgalbhat Purandare, there is a clear reference to Parvati village .We can, therefore, conclude that Parvati hill was known in the Maratha days with some small temples on it. The temples stand as a reminder of Nana Saheb Peshwa’s love for Chhatrapati Shri Shahu Maharaj.

Architectural Relevance of This Shrine

The steps are an example of the fine stonework of the Maratha period. A special black quarry stone has been used for all these steps.

Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There

By Road

The nearest bus stop is Pune

By Rail

The nearest railway station to parvati temple is Pune Jn Train Station which is 4 km away from Parvati Temple.

By Air

The nearest airport to Parvati Temple is chatrapati Shivaji international airport , which is 122 km away from Parvati Temple .

Shrine Timings

4:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Events Celebrated at This Shrine

Shivratri

Extra Information About this Shrine

One has to climb 103 steps to reach the hilltop. The steps are an example of the fine stonework of the Maratha period. A special black quarry stone has been used for all these steps. It is weather-resistant and except for a few places, the stone has survived for over two hundred and fifty years even after being fully exposed to sun, wind and water. The steps are so wide that an elephant can easily walk with all pomp and gaiety towards the temple. They are not too steep and even old people can climb with ease. It is an enjoyable sight to see children running up and down the hill.