dagdusheth halwai ganpati Temple
Have you ever wondered why Pune’s most famous Ganpati idol is called Dagadusheth Halwai Ganpati? This Ganpati has been in Pune for over 125 years, even during the British era. In our Hindu culture, Ganpati Bappa holds a special place; we chant his name before starting any new work. Dagadusheth Halwai Ganpati is one of the main temples in Pune, attracting people not just from Maharashtra but from all over India. During the Ganpati festival, hundreds of thousands of people come to seek darshan of Ganpati, and it gives off a unique vibe during the festival. Even after living in Pune for over 15 years, this question suddenly struck me: why do we call this Ganpati idol Dagadusheth Halwai Ganpati? Out of curiosity, I explored the history of this temple and discovered fascinating information that I’m excited to share.
History Of DAGDUSHETH HALWAI GANPATI
In the late 18th century, there was a sweet maker named Dagadusheth Halwai who lived in Pune. His sweets were loved by everyone, making him a successful businessman. However, tragedy struck Dagadusheth and his family amidst their prosperity. Both of his sons died due to the plague, leaving Dagadusheth and his wife Laxmibai mourning with heavy hearts.
During this challenging period, their guru Maharaj advised them to build two temples—one dedicated to Lord Ganesh and the other to Lord Datta. Following this guidance, the first idol was crafted in 1893 by Baburao Naik using paper and sticky jaggery glue (called randha), with an expenditure of Rs 22. This historic idol now resides in the Akara Maruti Mandir of Shukrawar Peth.
Bal Gangadhar Tilak suggested the idea of Sarvajanik Ganpati to unite Indians against British rule during this time.To prepare for a grand celebration, Lokmanya Tilak funded the installation of Ganpati idols in five areas of Pune and called upon the people of Pune to support the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav through his newspaper Kesari. People began to participate, and from 1896, they started donating money for the festivities.Due to this initiative, Dagadusheth Halwai Ganpati gained even more popularity and became the main attraction for all devotees.
In 1896, they replaced the original Ganpati idol with a new one, while the first idol remained in Akara Maruti Mandir of Shukrawar Peth. The third idol was made for Dagadusheth’s 75th anniversary in 1947, and the second idol is currently located in Pitashree old age home in Kondhwa Khurd.
To manage all temple-related festivals and activities, the Shrimant Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Trust was formed. The trust organizes the Ganeshotsav festival and engages in social work such as operating an old age home, providing housing and education for 400 destitute children, and offering services like ambulance service for the poor and health clinics in tribal areas of Pune District.
About DAGDUSHETH HALWAI GANPATI
The temple is a stunning building with a long history of over 100 years. Jay and Vijay, two marble guards, immediately catch everyone’s attention. The temple is built so simply that you can see everything happening inside, including the beautiful Ganesh idol, from outside. The Ganesh idol is 2.2 meters tall and 1 meter wide, decorated with about 40 kilograms of gold. The daily prayers, rituals, and Ganesh aarti are worth attending. The temple looks amazing when it’s lit up during the Ganesh festival. The Dagdusheth Ganpati Trust takes care of the temple’s upkeep. It’s located in the heart of the city, close to the local shopping market. The trust also organizes various cultural activities like music concerts, bhajans, and recitations. This article mentions your favorite at super low prices. Choose from same-day delivery, drive-up delivery or order pickup.
Temple Timing: 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM Daily
how to reach DAGDUSHETH HALWAI GANPATI
To reach the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, you can use various modes of transportation. If you’re driving, navigate to the heart of Pune city and locate the temple. Public transport options include local buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis, which can drop you off near the temple. Visitors coming by train should alight at Pune Railway Station and then hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple. For those arriving by air, Pune Airport is the closest, and from there, you can hire a taxi.
NEAR BY ATTRACTIONS
Lal Mahal: This historic mahal is renowned for its red brick architecture and served as the residence of Shivaji Maharaj during his childhood. The palace was built by Rajmata Jijabai.
Shaniwar Wada: Once the seat of the Peshwas, this grand fortification is famous for its architectural splendor and historical significance.
Vishram Baugh Wada: A serene retreat with beautiful gardens, Vishram Baugh Wada offers a glimpse into Pune’s rich cultural heritage.
Tulshi Bagh Shopping Street: A bustling marketplace offering a variety of goods, perfect for shopping enthusiasts.
Tulshi Baug Ram Mandir: This temple dedicated to Lord Rama is a peaceful place for spiritual contemplation amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
Shanidev Temple Near Shanipar: Devoted to the deity Saturn, this temple attracts devotees seeking blessings and protection from malefic planetary influences.
Nana Wada: Once the residence of Nana Phadnavis, a prominent figure in Maratha history, this wada showcases traditional Marathi architecture.
Amruteshwar Mahadev Temple: An old temple for Lord Shiva. It’s famous for its beautiful carvings and peaceful vibes.
Click on this link to watch the first Dagadusheth Halwai Ganpati Murti video https://youtube.com/shorts/MxY3FlGOBSk?si=eNS59SQ9AF6Choo7
Click on this link to watch the Second Dagadusheth Halwai Ganpati Murti video https://youtube.com/shorts/MxY3FlGOBSk?si=eNS59SQ9AF6Choo7