Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple

Dedicated primarily to Lord Ganesha, the temple also has associations with Lord Shiva, Dwarapalakas (Jay and Vijay), and Lord Dattatreya.

Recognized as a state heritage site, this ancient temple was built during the British colonial era by Shri Dagdusheth Halwai (Dagdusheth Gadve) and his wife Lakshmibai. The temple’s architecture features a blend of traditional and renovated styles, making it a notable landmark in Pune.

The temple is open for darshan from 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM on most days, with extended hours on Tuesdays until 11:00 PM. During Ganeshotsav, the temple remains open 24x7, allowing devotees to participate in the festivities at any hour.

The best time to visit is during winter (November to February), the festival season, or in the early mornings between 5:00 AM and 12:00 PM for a peaceful darshan experience. Devotees can choose between free darshan and a special darshan option, the latter available for a fee of ₹100.

A variety of poojas are conducted at the temple, with daily Maha-Abhishek (Nitya Abhishek) performed in 30-minute slots from 6:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Special poojas such as Shree Ganpati Sukta Abhishek, Shendur Archana Pooja, Satyavinayak Pooja, and Ganeshyag or Special Maha-Abhishek on Chaturthi days are also available, with pooja services offered in Sanskrit and Marathi.

Pooja prices range from ₹251 for daily rituals to ₹21,000 for full-scale Ganeshyags. Prasad, including kumkum, sweets, fruit, and the iconic modaks, is distributed after aartis and sevas.

Major festivals celebrated here include Ganesh Chaturthi (Ganeshotsav) in August–September, Maghi Ganesh Jayanti in January–February, the Coconut Festival (Pustipati Vinayak Jayanti), Shardesh Mangalam, and Gudhi Padwa to Ram Navami.

The temple is easily accessible: arrive in Pune via air, train, or bus, then take a local auto-rickshaw, cab, or PMPML bus towards Mandai or Shaniwar Wada. From Appa Balwant Chowk or Shaniwar Wada, it’s a short 3–5 minute walk to the temple gates.

Pune Junction and Shivajinagar Railway Station are both within 3.5 km, and Pune International Airport is 11 km away. Visitors should adhere to the temple’s dress code, which requires traditional or modest Indian attire.

Photography is strictly prohibited near the inner sanctum, and mobile usage is not allowed in those areas. Parking is limited, so public transport is recommended; wheelchair ramps and basic assistance are available.

Accommodation options nearby include Hotel Shreyas, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa, and Hotel Woodland, with several budget lodges in the vicinity. For those interested in exploring further, attractions like Shaniwar Wada, Lal Mahal, Tulshibaug Market, and Sarasbaug Ganpati Temple are all close by. For more information or online darshan, visit the official website or contact the temple directly.