Pune, 3rd September 2024: As the city of Pune gears up for the much-anticipated Ganesh Chaturthi festival, devotees have the opportunity to embark on a special darshan of the revered “5 Manache Ganpati” from September 7 to 17, 2024. This exclusive tour will allow devotees to visit the most significant Ganpati pandals in Pune, each with a rich historical and cultural legacy, informed Farhan Shaikh, president of Tourism Guide Association (Maharashtra).

Tour Details:

Dates: September 7 to 17, 2024
Batch 1: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Batch 2: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Capacity: 20 people per batch

The 5 Manache Ganpati:

1. Kasba Ganpati:
– The Kasba Ganpati temple holds the distinction of being Pune’s premier Ganpati, a status bestowed by Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Commissioned by Jijabai (Jijausaheb) after a murti of Ganpati was discovered in Pune, the temple is a symbol of the city’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

2. Tambdi Jogeshwari:
– The idol of Tambdi Jogeshwari was unearthed during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj while land was being tilled with a golden plough, signifying the dawn of the Maratha era. The temple, located in Budhwar Peth, continues to be a place of reverence.

3. Tulsi Baug:
– Tulshibaug is named after the Tulshibaug Wada, a complex that houses temples dedicated to Lord Ram, Ganpati, and Shankar. The Tulshibaug Ram Temple was constructed during the Peshwa era, post the Battle of Panipat in 1761, under the supervision of Naro Appaji Khire, the Subhedar of Pune.

4. Guruji Talim:
– Established in 1887 by the Shinde and Nalban families, Guruji Talim is renowned as the “Manacha Tisra Ganpati,” or the third most respected Ganpati in Pune. This Ganpati is a symbol of unity between the Hindu and Muslim communities.

5. Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati:
– The Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati was established by a couple who lost their only son to a plague in the late 1800s. On the advice of a sage, they built this temple, which has since become one of Pune’s most famous Ganpati shrines. The temple is currently maintained by the trust set up by their adopted son, Govindsheth.

6. Shrimant Bhausaheb Rangari Ganpati:
– Established in 1892 by Bhausaheb Rangari in Budhwar Peth, this Ganpati is notable for its unique idol, which depicts Lord Ganesha slaying a demon symbolizing British rule. This Ganpati was among the first to be displayed publicly during the Ganeshotsav, a tradition that continues to this day.

Inclusions:
– The tour will be guided by an expert provided by the State Tourism Department.
– Each participant will receive a small water bottle for the journey.

There is nominal charges for Indian and foreign tourists.