Ram Mandir: A Grand Temple in the Heart of Pune
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| Ram Mandir: A Grand Temple in the Heart of Pune |
Ram mandir Pune: Pune, known as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, is home to numerous temples that showcase the city's rich cultural and spiritual heritage. One of the most iconic temples in Pune is the Ram Mandir located in the bustling Pune Camp area. This magnificent temple is dedicated to Lord Ram and sees thousands of devotees flocking daily to offer prayers and seek blessings.
History of Ram Mandir
Ram Mandir of Pune has a history dating back to the 18th century. As per historical records, the land where the temple currently stands was donated by Nanasaheb Peshwa of the Maratha Empire to serve as a place of worship for the Hindu community. The construction of the temple began in 1749 under the patronage of Sawai Madhavrao Peshwa. After his untimely death in 1772, the construction was completed by his uncle - Regent Raghunathrao in 1780.
The temple derives its name from the epic Ramayana and is devoted to Lord Ram who is revered as Maryada Purushottam - the perfect man. The sanctum sanctorum houses beautiful idols of Lord Ram along with Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman. Furthermore, the complex also has shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Shiva, Parvathi, Kartikeya and more. This makes Ram Mandir one of the most important religious hubs for Hindus in Pune.
Grand Architecture
Ram Mandir stands tall at over 60 feet height visible even from a distance. The temple architecture is an excellent blend of Hemadpanti and Maratha styles. The main shikhara of the temple has five progressive storeys and culminates in a circular dome. The spire is adorned with a golden pitcher and a flag denoting victory of good over evil.
The temple premises span across a vast area of around 2.5 acres. The perimeter is enclosed by strong fortified walls built out of sturdy laterite stone. The entrance has an imposing archway flanked by Deepmalas. The pristine white building has intricately carved windows, pillars and arches that exemplify fine craftsmanship.
The interiors are embellished with colorful paintings depicting scenes from Ramayana. The marble flooring, chandeliers and lamp posts add to the visual appeal. The ambience induces a sense of tranquility and divinity.
Major Attractions
Ram Navami Celebrations
Ram Navami which marks the birth of Lord Rama is celebrated in a grand manner at Ram Mandir. Thousands gather here on this auspicious occasion to seek blessings and join the festivities. The temple is gorgeously decked with flowers and lights. Special prayers, bhajans, kirtans and discourses are arranged. A palanquin procession carrying the idols of Ram, Sita and Lakshman is taken out on the streets. Devotees eagerly wait to get a glimpse and seek blessings of the deities as the procession passes along major areas of Pune city. Prasad is distributed after the rituals conclude. These celebrations bring the entire community together to commemorate the virtues of the Maryada Purushottam.
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| Ram mandir Pune |
Home to Sant Tukaram and Sant Gyaneshwar
Prior to the construction of the temple, Ram Mandir premises used to house the shrines of Sant Tukaram and Sant Gyaneshwar. They were revered saints who played a key role in promoting bhakti movement in Maharashtra in the 13th century through their spiritual writings and kirtans. Their shrines located in the vicinity of the Ram temple attracted large followers.
While the shrines dedicated to the saints have been relocated to another part of the city, Ram Mandir continues to be the holy site where they spent a significant part of their lives engaged in bhakti and imparting teachings to devotees. People visit the temple to pay homage to the legacy of these saints who contributed immensely to the cultural fabric of Maharashtra.
Magnificent Temple Tank
The temple premises houses a massive water tank known as Narayan Tirtha which covers an area over 350 square feet. According to legends, a deep well was constructed here to provide water to the troops of Peshwa Madhavrao. In 1780, the well was later expanded and covered to create the temple tank.
The Narayan Tirtha has become a beautiful spot where devotees can be seen feeding fish or simply sitting by the steps immersed in prayer. The sight of the clear blue water surface dotted with pink lotuses is a visual delight. The tank provides a serene ambience for devotees to meditate and feel rejuvenated.
Active Participation in Pune Festivals
Ram Mandir plays an important role in Pune's cultural festivals and events owing to its sacred significance. The temple chariot carries the idol of presiding deities during the processions organized for major festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri and Gudi Padwa in Pune city.
In addition, the temple premises also serve as a key venue for staging various performances like bhajan recitals, plays, kirtans and folk arts during the Sawai Gandharva music festival held annually in Pune. Active participation in cultural celebrations has made Ram Mandir an integral part of Pune's identity.
Place for Spiritual Retreats
The temple often organizes spiritual retreats, discourses and lectures by learned scholars and saints for the devotees. These discourses based on Ramayana and other holy scriptures help devotees understand the deeper spiritual significance and impart moral values. Meditation and yoga camps are also arranged within the temple premises.
Furthermore, devotional songs and bhajans are sung in the evenings to create a peaceful ambience for worship. Such activities provide attendees a chance to immerse in spirituality, reflect upon life and find inner peace through prayer. For these reasons, Ram Mandir is visited not just by local residents but also by people from other cities who wish to partake in spiritual retreats.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Beyond its religious significance as a place of worship, Ram Mandir is also valued for its cultural and historical heritage. It provides insights into the glorious Maratha rule and temple architecture style of the era. As one of the iconic temples commissioned and revered by the Peshwas, it remains an invaluable part of Pune's cultural history. The temple continues to be well-preserved by the trustees.
The sanctity of Ram Mandir had drawn prominent freedom fighters like Lokmanya Tilak and Mahatma Phule to visit and offer prayers at this temple during the struggle for independence. Even today, the temple is graced with visits by eminent national leaders, spiritual gurus, artists and celebrities. The temple therefore remains a living tradition connecting generations.
Final Words
In the heart of Pune's urbanscape, Ram Mandir stands tall as an architectural jewel showcasing the grandeur of Maratha era constructions. The temple evokes divinity with its elaborate shrines, pillared corridors and the tranquil temple tank. The festivities, spiritual retreats and discourses organized here provide the residents an opportunity to immerse in devotion and gain wisdom. Rich in cultural heritage and historical legacies, Ram Mandir continues to be one of Pune's pride that upholds the essence of India's Sanatana Dharma.
FAQs
Q: What are the temple timings?
A: The temple is open from 5 AM to 10 PM every day. The morning aarti is performed at 7 AM and the evening aarti takes place at 8:30 PM.
Q: What is the significance of Ram Navami celebrations here?
A: Ram Navami marks the birth of Lord Rama and is one of the biggest festivals celebrated at Ram Mandir Pune. The procession taken out on this day follows the same traditional route since the Peshwa era. Over 1 lakh devotees gather to seek blessings.
Q: How can one reach Ram Mandir?
A: Ram Mandir is located in Shukrawar Peth area, 2 km from Pune Railway Station and 3 km from Swargate Bus Stand. One can easily get shared autos directly to the temple.
Q: What is the dress code to visit the temple?
A: There is no specific dress code but decent and modest clothing is recommended. Men can wear shirts/kurtas and women are advised to cover their heads and wear Indian outfits.
Q: What are some prasads offered here?
A: Popular prasad includes pedhas, ladoos, vada paav and sabudana vada. During festivals, special sweets are distributed. On Tuesdays, being the day of Lord Hanuman, bananas are given as prasad.
Q: Are there any accommodations for stay?
A: Devotees can stay at the nearby dharamshala run by the temple trust. Advance booking is required. There are also some budget hotels located close to the temple.
Q: Is there a cloak room facility?
A: Yes, there is a cloak room near the shoe stand where luggage can be stored safely. A nominal charge of Rs. 10 is levied for using this facility.
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