A fascinating visit to the temples of Old Pune
The old areas of Pune, known as Peths, are historic neighborhoods with narrow lanes and old architecture. These Peths contain numerous temples that historically served as community gathering centers. Many of these temples date back to the Shivkalin or Peshwekalin eras. Traditional features include vintage stone gateways with arched windows and ancient wooden doors guarded by Dwarapalakas. Stepping through these doors transports visitors to a calmer, slower world, often opening into peaceful courtyards. These courtyards typically feature a Tulsi Vrindavan, other smaller shrines, and sometimes a large shade-giving tree. The temples themselves are built from stone and wood, showcasing historical paintings and intricate glass lamps. The courtyards are also frequented by birds and small animals, adding to their charm. Mysterious locked doors in the courtyards can lead to adjacent houses, and stone statues often line the corridors. Locals are a valuable source of information, eager to share stories and historical anecdotes about these heritage sites. Exploring these temples reveals fascinating facts and enriches one's understanding of Pune's past. Examples include the Tulshibaug Ram Temple, Nageshwar Shiva Temple, Belbaug Vishnu Temple, Trishund Ganpati Temple, and Lakshmi Narasinha Temple, each with unique historical connections.
