Nestled in the heart of bustling Pune city, Parvati Hill is one of the city’s favourite spots for fitness freaks, nature lovers, history buffs and spiritual seekers. This is not just a hill, but an experience offering 360-degree views of Pune city and ancient temples steeped in history. Although the ARAI hilltop / Vetal Tekdi is technically the highest point in Pune city, Parvati Hill wins hearts with its panoramic views combined with the rich Maratha heritage. Parvati Hill’s vantage point offers unmatched views of the entire Pune city, especially at sunrise or sunset. But to reach the top you must climb 103 steep stone steps, and the reward is well worth the effort.
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. She dreamt of the divine goddess Parvatai Devi, who instructed her to find her in a spot near the Nivdunga tree on this hill. Following his mother’s divine vision, Navloji Taware discovered this exact spot, built a small shrine and began worshipping the divine goddess Parvatai Devi. Miraculously, his mother recovered and regained her health.
Later when Kashibai, the mother of Peshwa Nanasaheb suffered from severe foot ailment, she was also instructed to visit this goddess on a hill towards the south of Pune. She visited this exact spot, prayed for recovery and vowed to build a grand temple if she was cured – and she was! So, as promised her son Shrimant Peshwa Nanasaheb built the Devdeveshwar temple on this hill in 1749. Later his brother, Peshwa Raghunath Rao added the Kartikeya Swami temple and Vishnu Narayan temple on this hill.
The temples on Parvati hill in Pune were constructed during the golden era of the Marathas. T this time, the Maratha empire stretched far and wide, with their Bhagwa flag flying from Attock in present-day Pakistan, to Cuttack in East India and Thanjavur in South India. The Parvati hill served as a prominent seat of Maratha power.
At present, there are four main temples located at the top of Parvati Hill, along with a small Shiva temple near the entrance at the base of the hill. Parvati is also home to the Samadhi of Nanasaheb Peshwa. It is believed that he took his last breath here. Additionally, the hill houses the Peshwa Museum, which offers a glimpse into the rich history and legacy of the Peshwas, the Maratha era and Pune’s glorious past.
Check out our Ebook: 108 Shiva Temples in Pune
The most magnificent temple on Parvati hill, Devdeveshwar temple is a stunning example of peak Peshwa architecture. It is a Shiv Panchayatan-style temple, which has the main Shiva shrine at the centre. It is surrounded by 4 secondary shrines 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, and the sight of the glowing moon against the sparkling nightscape of Pune city is unforgettable.
The word Devdeveshwar means – the God of the Gods, and it was named so by Nanasaheb Peshwa.
The temple is surrounded by a giant wall boundary or tatbandi. In olden times, even when I was younger, visitors were allowed to climb the temple’s boundary and enjoy the breathtaking views of Pune city, but now the entry is restricted for safety reasons.
Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6RkHdRmXoavEjy7p6
Pro tip: Visit this temple on the evening of a full moon day to witness the stunning sunset and moonrise over Pune city.
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.
Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4uF3rNdWS5FjWEoT9
This temple was built by Raghunath Rao, and at present it is located near the samadhi of Nanasaheb Peshwa. This is an extremely rare temple. There are very few temples dedicated to God Kartikeya (Murugan) – God Shiva’s elder son, in Pune and Maharashtra. I have seen Kartikeya Swami temple only on Parvati hill. This temple has an attractive sculpture of God Kartikeya, and it is crowded on Kartik Swami Jayanti day.
Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hEbKNmSnZxBMyRbR6
Perched higher up than the Devdeveshwar temple, at the dead end of Parvati hill, the Vishnu Narayan temple has a serene and peaceful atmosphere. It has a large idol of the standing God Vishnu. On the walls inside this temple, there are some beautiful handpainted wall paintings depicting scenes of God Vishnu. Many people who visit Parvati Hill miss out on this temple because it is located at the far end of Parvati Hill. An ancient wall 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, some steps or seating areas have been constructed in the premises in front of this temple, which can be used as an open theatre. A hiking trail starts from behind this Vishnu Narayan temple. This hiking trail takes you to a lesser-known Waghjai Devi temple and it further ends somewhere in Taljai hills.
Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iPsJdjP9APM7xSxV6
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 towards the left side. It is a unique Shivalinga, with 5 Lingas combined in one Shivalinga – symbolising Panchamukha or the 5 faces of God Shiva.
Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sahx8AoXnTR7umMV6
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.
Location Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2nL8kXwuw9b3uta2A
Parvati Hill 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!
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