Parvati Hill, located in the heart of Pune city, is the favourite spot for nature lovers, fitness freaks, history buffs and spiritual seekers. This is not just a hill, but an experience into the spiritual and historic side of Pune city. While it offers panoramic 360-degree views of the entire city, it also has some ancient temples steeped in history. Parvati Hill’s location offers unmatched views of Pune at sunrise or sunset. And its temples, with their rich Maratha heritage, take you several centuries back in time! Here’s the catch: to reach the Parvati Temple in Pune, you have to climb 103 steep stone steps. But I would argue that this climb is worth the effort!
Do you like exploring Shiva temples? Check out: 108 Shiva Temples in Pune
History of Parvati Temple in Pune
Parvati Hill’s history is fascinating, filled with stories of divine intervention, miracles, and the Maratha legacy. The story starts with a Patil named Navloji Taware, whose mother was very sick. One night, she dreamt of the divine Goddess Parvatai Devi. In the dream, the Goddess instructed Taware’s mother to find her in a spot near the Nivdunga tree on this hill. The next day, Navloji Taware followed his mother’s divine dream and found the exact spot on this hill. He built a small shrine at this place and began worshipping the Goddess Parvatai Devi. Miraculously, his mother recovered from the sickness and regained her health.
Years later, when Kashibai, the mother of Peshwa Nanasabheb, suffered from a severe foot ailment, she was instructed to visit Goddess Parvatai Devi, on a hill towards the south of Pune. As instructed, she visited this exact spot and prayed for recovery. She vowed to build a grand temple here if she was cured. With the divine blessings of the Goddess, she was indeed cured and regained her health. So as promised, her son Shrimant Peshwa Nanasaheb built the Devdeveshwar Shiva temple on this hill in 1749. And later, his brother, Peshwa Raghunath Rao, added 2 more temples – the Kartikeya Swami temple and Vishnu Narayan temple on the same hill.
Do you like exploring Shiva temples? Check out: 108 Shiva Temples in Pune
The Maratha Empire
These temples on Parvati Hill were constructed during the golden era of the Marathas. At this time, the Maratha empire stretched far and wide across the Indian sub-continent. The Bhagwa flag of Marathas was flown everywhere from Attock in present-day Pakistan, to Cuttack in East India and Thanjavur in South India. The Parvati Hill in Pune thus served as a prominent seat of Maratha power at that time.
At present, there are four main temples on top of the Parvati Hill, along with a small Shiva temple near the entrance, at the base of the hill. Parvati Hill is also home to the Samadhi of Nanasaheb Peshwa, because he took his last breath here. Moreover, it also has a small yet notable Peshwa Museum, which offers a glimpse into the rich Maratha history, the legacy of the Peshwas and Pune’s glorious past.
Ancient Temples on Parvati Hill in Pune
Devdeveshwar Shiva Temple
The most magnificent temple on Parvati Hill is the Devdeveshwar Shiva temple. It is not only a stunning example of peak Peshwa architecture, but also a Shiv Panchayatan-style temple. It has the main Shiva temple at the centre, surrounded by 4 secondary small temples of Surya, Ganesha, Vishnu and Bhawani in all four directions. The temple is west-facing and designed in a way to offer spectacular views on Poornima or full moon day. The full moon rises directly in front of the main Shiva temple. The sight of the glowing full moon against the sparkling nightscape of Pune city is something you must witness with your own eyes! The simple sunset views from this temple are equally beautiful.
The word Devdeveshwar means – the God of the Gods, and the temple was named so by Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshwa.
Pro tip: Visit this temple on the evening of a full moon day to witness the stunning sunset and moonrise over Pune city.
This temple is surrounded by a high wall boundary (tatbandi). In olden times, when I was younger, visitors were allowed to climb on top of this wall (tatbandi) and enjoy the breathtaking views of Pune city. But nowadays, as the architecture is fragile, the entry is restricted for safety reasons.
Vithhal Rukmani Temple
Tucked between the Devdeveshwar temple and the Peshwa museum on the Parvati hilltop, this small temple is a much more recent addition. It is located just where the steps to Parvati hilltop end, and it houses small idols of Vithhal and Rukmani. This is probably the first temple you will see when you climb to the top of Parvati Hill. But this is a much recent concrete & cement temple.
Do you like exploring Shiva temples? Check out: 108 Shiva Temples in Pune
Kartikeya Swami Temple
This extremely rare temple was constructed by Raghunath Rao. I haven’t seen a Maratha temple specifically dedicated to God Kartikeya (Murugan) anywhere else in Maharashtra. This temple has an attractive sculpture of God Kartikeya. It is usually crowded on the day of Kartik Swami Jayanti. In Hindu mythology, God Kartikeya is God Shiva’s eldest son, also known to be the God of War. He is commonly known as Murugan in South India. God Kartikeya is unmarried and a Brahmachari, and in order to respect him, women are not allowed inside his temple.
Vishnu Narayan Temple
The Vishnu Narayan Temple is located at the highest point and the dead end of Parvati Hill. It has a very serene and peaceful atmosphere. Inside the temple is a large idol of the standing God Vishnu. The temple walls are hand-painted with wall paintings depicting different scenes of God Vishnu. This temple is also west-facing and has beautiful sunset views. Visitors usually miss out on this temple because it is located at the far end of the Parvati hill. A beautiful ancient wall boundary (tatbani) with elaborate window sills surrounds the left side and back side of this temple. Although the structure shows signs of wear and tear, it has an old-world charm. Recently, a modernised seating area has been constructed in front of this temple.
Do you like exploring Shiva temples? Check out: 108 Shiva Temples in Pune
Waghjai Devi Temple
An ancient hiking trail starts from behind the Vishnu Narayan temple and takes you to a lesser-known Waghjai Devi Temple. It is hidden in the woods at Parvati Paytha (base of this hill). This hiking trail goes further to Taljai Hills via the Waghjai Devi Temple. The hiking trail is hidden behind the Waghjai Devi Temple, and it ends somewhere in the Taljai hills. Alternatively, the Waghjai Devi Temple is easily accessible from Anantrao Pawar College Road. This used to be a small and charming ancient temple, but recently, they constructed an ugly concrete temple here. The nature at this place used to be beautiful, and it is still pretty in the monsoon. But nowadays, its slightly ruined due to the nearby slums, and cleanliness should be the priority here.
Small 5 Shivlingas Temple
Before you start climbing the steps of Parvati hill, don’t miss this small yet ancient Shivalinga at the entrance. When you enter the main gate of Parvati Hill, you will find this small shrine on the left-hand side. It is a unique Shivalinga, with 5 Lingas combined in one Shivalinga – symbolising Panchamukha or the 5 faces of God Shiva. If you frequently visit Parvati Hill, tell me in the comments below, did you spot this small temple?
Hidden Buddhist Cave
As you start climbing the Parvati hill, you will notice a rough path going towards the left, taking you to the southeastern part of the hill. A small rock-cut Buddhist cave is found here. It is believed to be from the 5th to the 8th century. This cave might be in some way linked to Pune’s famous Pataleshwar cave temple. While the carvings are minimal and unfinished, the rock-cut cave adds intrigue to archaeologists and history buffs.
Exact Locations of Temples on Parvati Hill
- Devdeveshwar Shiva Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6RkHdRmXoavEjy7p6
- Vitthal Rukmani Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4uF3rNdWS5FjWEoT9
- Kartikeya Swami Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hEbKNmSnZxBMyRbR6
- Vishnu Narayan Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iPsJdjP9APM7xSxV6
- Waghjai Devi Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/z2e8WCGjEpF48NPw7
- Small 5 Shivalingas Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sahx8AoXnTR7umMV6
- Hidden Buddhist Cave: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2nL8kXwuw9b3uta2A
Other Attractions at Parvati Hill in Pune
- The Peshwa Museum
- Nanasaheb Peshwa Samadhi
- Ancient Underground path from Shaniwarwada to Devdeveshwar temple
Quick details for visiting Parvati Temple, Pune
- Parvati Temple timings: The temples are open full day but the best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset.
- Parking: Easy to find parking at the base of Parvati Hill for two-wheelers, difficult to find a parking spot for cars.
- Accessibility: It requires climbing steep steps, not suitable for wheelchairs/strollers.
- Tips for first-time visitors: Wear comfortable footwear, breathable clothes and carry drinking water.
Why you must visit Parvati Temple in Pune?
Parvati Temple in Pune city gives an unforgettable experience through Pune’s history, nature and spirituality. From the majestic Devdeveshwar temple to the tranquil Vishnu Narayan temple, from the panoramic views of Pune to the hidden Buddhist caves, Parvati Hill invites you to explore its many treasures. If you are in Pune for the first time, this is where you should start your exploration! And if you wish to go on an offbeat track here, head over to the hiking trail that starts from behind the Vishnu Narayan temple, takes you to the hidden Waghjai Devi Mandir and ends at Taljai hills!
Do you like exploring Shiva temples? Check out: 108 Shiva Temples in Pune
