Pune is a state of Maharashtra in western India. It is the seventh largest city located 160 kilometers southeast of its capital. Its name comes from the word Punya Nagari, which means City of Virtue in Sanskrit.

It came into existence during the year 937 AD founded by Shivaji of the Maranatha Empire. Today, there are many religious places like mosques, temples, and churches throughout the city. There are Hindu, Protestant and Muslim worshipers who attach great importance to their own faith.

Below are some of the places of worship that reflect the multicultural and architectural diversity of the city:

Chaturshringi Temple

The Chaturshringi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Chatshrungee. It is located on a rocky hill near Senapati Bapat Road during the reign of Shivaji Maharaj. Today, it is surrounded by large IT companies and commercial buildings. People who visit this temple seek the blessing of God Devi Ambareshwari.

The temple has a scale model at its entrance. A Hindu festival is held annually during Navarati. There are lit lamps decorated in the style of the Indian tradition.

fire temple

The fire temple is also called Agiary (a place of worship of Zoroastrians). It is situated along Agiary Street, now Dastur Meher Road. The temple was established by Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy in the year 1844.

The structure protects the Holy Fire and the Sacred Holy Book (Atesh Adaran Saheb). In November 1844, the sacred fire was lit for the first time inside the Pune Fire Temple amid the trees of Cyprus. It kept burning without going out once. It is adorned by a fountain in a triangular field. It became the erected fountain of Pune’s water supply.

Ganapati Temple

The Ganapati temple dates back to the 17th century on the banks of the Krishna river at Sangli in Theur. It was built and dedicated to Lord Ganesha, an elephant-headed Hindu deity also known as Ekadanta, Ganapati, Vinayaka. It is one of the beautiful temples in the southern part of Maharashtra. It is carved with black stones and doors made of multicolored woods. It is one of the Maharashtrian wonders that features rich design and inspiring architecture.

A Maharashtrain festival was held at the temple during Ganesha Chaturdashi. The temple is decorated with mixed ornaments. People come to visit the place to pay homage to its protector.

Pataleshwar cave temple

The Pataleshwar cave temple is dedicated to the god of the underworld known as Lord Pateleshwar. The rock-cut cave architecture of the temple is located on Jangali Maharaj Road in Shivaji Nagar. It is one of the heritage sites dating back to the 8th century AD.

It has a unique structure made of a single stone block that houses large pillars, the Nandi bull and the shrine of Lord Shiva. It has an eye-catching display with small rooms for visitors. The worship area in a cube-shaped hall includes statues of Sita, Laxman, Rama and other Hindu gods and goddesses. The temple museum is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. Displays 5,000 characters using rice grains.

St. Mary’s Church

St. Mary’s Church is one of the oldest Protestant churches on Staveley Road, Pune. It was consecrated by Bishop Heber and built for British soldiers and officers in 1825.

The Gothic-style architecture of the church is one of the main attractions. Originally it was adorned with a huge tower. It was replaced by shorter concrete in 1982. There are stained glass windows in the altar which cost around £200. The interior of the church features a commemorative plaque in memory of Colonel William Morris.

omkareshvara temple

Omkareshwar is a major tourist attraction situated on the Mutha River. It was built in the 17th century during the reign of Sadashiv Bhau. It is dedicated to Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. The extraordinary style of stone carvings demonstrates an exotic vision of columns and arts.

The white dome is made of smooth soapstone on the upper parts. The columns are carved in polygons, circles and squares. Its tower is built in the Nagara style with 5 layers representing different images of a Hindu god.

Parvati hill and temple

The Parvati Hill temple is dedicated to Hindu deities like Ganesha, Vishnu, Parvati, Kartikeya and Devadeshwar. This temple is located on high hills of 108 steps. The entire temple offers a full view of the city.

There is an adjoining museum that contains things from the contemporary society of the Peshwas. Artifacts include ancient manuscripts, weapons, replicas of ancient paintings, and coins.