Pune’s temples trace the city’s history as vividly as any monument. They range from Peshwa-era shrines on ancient hillocks to rock-cut caves that predate the city itself, each one woven into the daily rhythm of local life. This redBus guide covers a list of temples in Pune that hold the most significance, along with their timings and travel details you will need to plan your visit.
1. Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
Built in 1893 by sweet-maker Dagdusheth Halwai in memory of his son, this is one of the most visited temples in Pune. The 7.5-foot gold-adorned Ganesha idol and the temple’s role in shaping the public Ganeshotsav tradition make it iconic city-wide.
- Best Time to Visit: August–September, during Ganeshotsav
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily
- Aarti Timings: Suprabhatam 7:30–7:45 AM | Naivedyam 1:30–2:00 PM | Madhyana 3:00–3:15 PM | Mahamangal 8:00–9:00 PM | Shejarti 10:30–10:45 PM
- How to Reach: Located in Budhwar Peth, central Pune; autos and cabs are readily available from anywhere in the city
- Nearby Railway Station: Pune Junction (approx. 4 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Swargate/Shivajinagar bus stand
2. Khatu Shyam Ji Temple, Pune
A local shrine dedicated to Khatu Shyam (Barbarika), the Mahabharata warrior, is worshipped here as an incarnation of Krishna. Often said to be one of the best temples in Pune, devotees from Rajasthan and other North Indian communities settle in Pune and throng here, especially on Ekadashi.
- Best Time to Visit: Ekadashi days and Phalgun month
- Temple Timings: Generally 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM (please confirm locally, as timings vary by branch)
- How to Reach: Located within Pune city; auto or cab is the easiest option
- Nearby Railway Station: Pune Junction
- Nearby Bus Station: Local PMPML stops nearby
3. Chaturshringi Temple
Perched on a hillock on Senapati Bapat Road, this 300-year-old shrine to Goddess Chaturshringi was built by Peshwa-era merchant Durlabhsheth Pitambardas Mahajan. Around 100 steps lead up to the sanctum, and Navratri sees the temple at its liveliest.
- Best Time to Visit: Navratri (September–October) or early morning any day
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
- How to Reach: On Senapati Bapat Road, opposite Savitribai Phule Pune University; easily reached by auto or bus
- Nearby Railway Station: Shivajinagar Railway Station (approx. 3 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Shivajinagar Bus Stand
4. Parvati Hill Temple
It is a cluster of five 18th-century Peshwa-era temples atop Parvati Hill, 640 metres above sea level. The main Devdeveshwar Temple, dedicated to Shiva, sits alongside a museum showcasing Peshwa-era artefacts and coins.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or evening, October–February
- Temple Timings: Hill and temple generally open 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM; museum has separate timings
- How to Reach: Near Swargate, in south-central Pune; climb 103 stone steps to the top
- Nearby Railway Station: Pune Junction (approx. 5 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Swargate Bus Stand
5. Pataleshwar Cave Temple
It is an 8th-century rock-cut marvel from the Rashtrakuta period, carved from a single basalt rock. This ancient temple in Pune is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. It houses a circular Nandi mandapam and sanctums once dedicated to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
- Best Time to Visit: Monday, Mahashivratri, or the Shravan month
- Temple Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
- How to Reach: On Jangli Maharaj Road, Shivajinagar; walkable from FC Road area
- Nearby Railway Station: Shivajinagar Railway Station (approx. 1.5 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Deccan Gymkhana Bus Stand
6. Kasba Ganpati Temple
This temple is the seat of Pune’s Gramadevata, or presiding deity, and was established in 1640 by Jijabai, mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. As the first Ganpati of the Ganeshotsav immersion procession, it holds the highest ceremonial standing among Pune’s Ganesh temples.
- Best Time to Visit: Ganesh Chaturthi
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
- Aarti Timings: Not officially listed
- How to Reach: Kasba Peth, near Shaniwar Wada; short auto ride from central Pune
- Nearby Railway Station: Pune Junction (approx. 4 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Swargate / Shivajinagar
7. Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati Temple
Known as the first sarvajanik (public) Ganpati of Pune, the origin of this famous temple in Pune traces back to 1892 and is linked to India’s freedom movement. It’s famed for elaborate annual decorations recreating mythological and historical scenes.
- Best Time to Visit: Ganesh Chaturthi
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily
- How to Reach: Budhwar Peth, close to Dagdusheth Temple; walkable within central Pune
- Nearby Railway Station: Pune Junction (approx. 4 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Swargate Bus Stand
8. Saras Baug Ganpati Temple (Talyatla Ganpati)
Set amid the lake-turned-garden of Saras Baug, this 18th-century Peshwa-built temple in Pune is popularly called Talyatla Ganpati, meaning “Ganpati of the lake.” It’s as much a morning-walk landmark as a place of worship.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning, for a quieter darshan
- Temple Timings: Garden opens around 6:00 AM; temple closes by evening, occasionally shuts in the afternoon
- How to Reach: Off Saras Baug Road, opposite Nehru Stadium, south-central Pune
- Nearby Railway Station: Pune Junction (approx. 4 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Swargate Natraj Stand
9. Shri Omkareshwar Temple
It is an 18th-century Shiva temple in Pune on the banks of the Mutha river and is marked by distinctive onion-shaped domes. Smaller shrines within the complex add to its quiet, contemplative character, away from the city’s busier landmarks.
- Best Time to Visit: Monday evenings or during Shravan
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily (approximate)
- How to Reach: Near Shaniwar Peth, close to Omkareshwar Bridge
- Nearby Railway Station: Pune Junction (approx. 3 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Swargate Bus Stand
10. ISKCON Temple, Pune (NVCC)
It is Pune’s biggest temple complex and is spread over six acres in Kondhwa. Inaugurated in 2013, this ISKCON temple houses the main Radha-Vrindavanchandra shrine in North Indian style and a separate Venkateswara (Balaji) shrine styled after Tirumala.
- Best Time to Visit: Janmashtami or any evening aarti
- Temple Timings: Generally 4:30 AM – 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM (confirm before visiting)
- Aarti Timings: Morning and evening aartis held; exact schedule varies by season
- How to Reach: Katraj-Kondhwa Bypass, Kondhwa Budruk; best reached by cab or auto
- Nearby Railway Station: Pune Junction (approx. 10 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Swargate Bus Stand
11. Shree Chintamani Temple, Theur
Fifth stop on the sacred Ashtavinayak circuit, this temple is located roughly 25 km from Pune. Legend holds that Ganesha relieved Brahma of his worries at this spot, giving the deity the name Chintamani, or “reliever of anxiety.”
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings, to avoid Tuesday and Chaturthi crowds
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
- How to Reach: Near NH548C, Theur village; best reached by cab or bus from Pune
- Nearby Railway Station: Pune Junction (approx. 25 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Hadapsar / Swargate Bus Stand for connecting buses
12. Shri Mayureshwar Temple, Morgaon
The first and most significant stop on the Ashtavinayak yatra, this temple is roughly 65 km from Pune. Built between the 14th and 17th centuries, the design of this temple in Pune is said to have inspired the layout of the other seven Ashtavinayak shrines.
- Best Time to Visit: Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganesh Jayanti
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily
- How to Reach: Morgaon village, off the Pune–Solapur highway; best by cab or state transport bus
- Nearby Railway Station: Jejuri Railway Station (approx. 35 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Swargate Bus Stand for MSRTC buses to Morgaon
13. Jejuri Khandoba Temple
It is a hilltop shrine to Khandoba, an avatar of Shiva and the family deity for countless Maharashtrian households. The approach up is roughly 200 turmeric-dusted steps, followed by the “Bhandara” (turmeric) shower ritual, making this visit unforgettable.
- Best Time to Visit: Champa Shashthi (Nov–Dec) or Somvati Amavasya
- Temple Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily (approximate)
- How to Reach: Jejuri town, about 50 km from Pune via Saswad; autos available from Jejuri station to the temple base
- Nearby Railway Station: Jejuri Railway Station (approx. 3 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Swargate Bus Stand for direct MSRTC buses
14. Sri Balaji Mandir, Pimpri-Chinchwad
It is a South Indian-style temple in Pune dedicated to Lord Venkateswara and is modelled loosely on the Tirupati shrine. Popular with Pune’s South Indian community, it offers a calm alternative to the city’s older, more crowded temples.
- Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings or Vaikuntha Ekadashi
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM (approximate)
- How to Reach: Pimple Saudagar area, Pimpri-Chinchwad; well connected by PMPML buses and cabs
- Nearby Railway Station: Akurdi Railway Station (approx. 5 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Nigdi Bus Stand
15. Dashabhuja Ganapati Temple
A lesser-known but historically rich temple in Erandwane, it was once owned by Sardar Haripant Phadke of the Peshwa court. The idol’s ten-armed (Dashabhuja) form and right-facing trunk make it distinct from other Ganesh idols in the city.
- Best Time to Visit: Ganesh Chaturthi or any Tuesday
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily (approximate)
- How to Reach: Karve Road, Erandwane; short auto ride from Deccan Gymkhana
- Nearby Railway Station: Pune Junction (approx. 6 km)
- Nearby Bus Station: Deccan Gymkhana Bus Stand
Things to Know When Visiting Temples in Pune
Pune’s famous temples range from quiet cave shrines to festival-heavy landmarks, so a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s what to keep in mind before you set out.
- Crowd Patterns
Tuesdays, Chaturthi and major festivals draw heavy footfall at Ganesh temples; plan weekday visits if you prefer a calmer darshan.
- Footwear Stands
Most temples have free or nominal-fee footwear counters at the entrance; carry socks if you’re visiting hilltop shrines with hot stone steps.
- Photography Rules
Interior photography is restricted at several temples, including Chaturshringi and Dagdusheth; check signage before clicking.
- Prasad and Donations
Contributions are voluntary at most temples; be cautious of unofficial “priests” outside temple gates asking for payment for rituals.
- Physical Effort
Hilltop temples like Parvati Hill, Chaturshringi and Jejuri involve 100 to 200 steps, so wear comfortable footwear and carry water.
- Travel Timing
For temples outside city limits, such as Theur, Morgaon and Jejuri, plan for a half-day or full-day trip depending on your starting point.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do remove footwear before entering the sanctum
- Do carry small change for donation boxes and prasad counters
- Do check festival calendars before visiting, as timings often extend during Ganeshotsav or Navratri
- Don’t carry leather items, alcohol or non-vegetarian food into temple premises
- Don’t touch idols or offer items without checking with temple staff first
- Don’t litter or damage stone carvings, especially at protected sites like Pataleshwar
Dress Code
- Modest, fully covered clothing is preferred over shorts or sleeveless outfits
- Traditional wear such as sarees, kurtas or salwar suits is welcomed, though not mandatory
- Some temples, including Jejuri, encourage white or yellow clothing to match the turmeric rituals
- Head coverings aren’t compulsory at most Maharashtrian temples, unlike some North Indian shrines
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the most famous temple in Pune?
Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple is Pune’s most visited shrine, known for its gold-adorned idol and grand Ganeshotsav celebrations.
2. Are Ashtavinayak temples near Pune part of a single-day trip?
Some, like Theur, can be covered in half a day. Others, such as Morgaon, are further out and work better as a separate day trip, so plan your route based on distance.
3. Do I need to book tickets in advance for Dagdusheth Temple?
Regular darshan is free and doesn’t need booking. Paid VIP darshan tickets are available on-site during peak periods like Ganesh Chaturthi.
4. Is Jejuri Khandoba Temple suitable for a day trip from Pune?
Yes, it’s about 50 km from Pune and easily done as a day trip by bus, train to Jejuri station, or self-drive.
5. What should I wear while visiting Pune’s famous temples?
Modest, comfortable clothing works best. Avoid shorts or sleeveless outfits, and consider closed footwear if you’re climbing hilltop temples like Parvati or Chaturshringi.
