Chaturshringi Temple, Pune - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Chaturshringi Temple

At a distance of 6 Km from Pune Junction, Chaturshringi Temple is a Hindu temple located on the slope of a hill on Senapati Bapat road in Pune. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Chaturshringi, who is also referred to as Goddess Ambareshwari. The word 'Chaturshringi' is derived from the word 'Chattu' which means 'Mountain with four peaks' and represents faith and power. Revered as the principal deity of Pune, Goddess Chaturshringi attracts numerous devotees who come to pay their respects. It is one of the best places to visit as part of the Pune pilgrimage packages.

History & Mytology of Chaturshringi Temple

According to the legend, once there was a rich and prosperous merchant named Durlabhsheth Pitambardas Mahajan, who was an ardent believer of Goddess Chaturshringi and visited all temples of the Goddess. But when he became old, it was difficult for him to travel and visit sacred places of the goddess. So he felt great grief and prayed to the goddess for Darshan. The Goddess heard his prayer and appeared to him in his dream. The Goddess told him that she would stay on a mountain in the North-West of Pune and asked him to come there. There he found a natural statue of goddess (swayambhu) and he constructed the present temple at the same spot. The temple is maintained by the Chattushringi Devasthan Trust.

Architecture of Chaturshringi Temple

The Chaturshringi Temple exemplifies traditional Hindu architectural design, characterized by its shikhara (spire) and mandapa (hall). Situated on a hillside, the temple stands 90 feet tall and spans 125 feet in width. True to its name, which translates to 'four peak mountains,' the temple complex is spread across four distinct elevations. Visitors must ascend over 170 steps to reach the shrine dedicated to Goddess Chaturshringi.

Within the temple grounds, there are also shrines for Goddess Durga and Lord Ganesh. The Ganesh shrine features eight miniature idols representing Ashtavinayaka, with these small temples positioned on four separate hillocks. A particularly intriguing aspect of this temple is the smaller version of the Mandir located at the entrance, allowing devotees the option to pray and make offerings at this mini-temple if they choose.

In 2013, a proposal was put forth for a ropeway to facilitate easier access to the Mandir for the elderly and those with physical challenges. However, this proposal faced multiple rejections from the Charity Commissioner's office. Recently, the Mandir Trust has opted to install escalators leading to the Temple instead.

Festivals of Sri Chaturshringi Temple

The Chaturshringi Temple in Pune observes Navaratri as its principal festival, featuring a fair at the base of the hills on the festival's eve. The celebration commences with Ghatasthapana, marking the first day of Navaratri, and concludes with Vijayadashmi, also known as Dassara. During this period, thousands flock to the temple and its surroundings to pay homage to Goddess Chaturshringi. In addition to Navaratri, the temple also commemorates other significant Hindu festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Chaitra Padwa, and Ganesh Chaturthi.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Chaturshringi Temple

While Chaturshringi Temple doesn't have a strict dress code, it is recommended to adhere to modest clothing that covers your upper arms and legs as a sign of respect. Men are encouraged to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, as well as formal trousers and shirts. Women may opt for a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing contemporary attire such as mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops while on the temple grounds.

The temple welcomes those of other faiths who visit for worship and fellowship, enriching the spiritual atmosphere.

Chaturshringi Temple Timings

Monday: 7 AM - 9 PM
Tuesday: 7 AM - 12:30 PM
Wednesday: 7 AM - 9 PM
Thursday: 7 AM - 9 PM
Friday: 7 AM - 12:30 PM
Saturday: 7 AM - 9 PM
Sunday: 7 AM - 9 PM

Chaturshringi Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Chaturshringi Temple

The best time to visit Chaturshringi Temple is from September to February while the peak season is from September to November when the weather is pleasant and suitable for temple exploration. Additionally, the Navaratri celebrations are in full swing during this time. Besides, visiting the temple during Tuesdays & Fridays is also recommended to avoid large crowds. Pune experiences mild to moderate rainfall during this season, which can result in high humidity. However, it is ideal for those who enjoy the lush greenery and vibrant scenery that monsoons bring. It is advisable to steer clear of Pune during the summer months, as the heat can be quite severe.

How to Reach Chaturshringi Temple

Pune boasts excellent connectivity through air, rail, and road transport. The nearest airport, Pune International Airport, is located approximately 10 kilometers from the city and offers flights to numerous international destinations, including Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the USA, Europe, and Sri Lanka, as well as domestic routes to major cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Jaipur, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kolkata, and Goa. Pune Junction Railway Station provides robust train services linking the city to all significant towns and cities across India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Additionally, Pune is well-served by bus routes connecting it to nearly all cities and towns in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. The Chaturshringi Temple can be easily accessed by local bus or by hiring a cab or auto-rickshaw from any area within Pune.