Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapathi Temple, Pune - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapathi Temple

At a distance of 4 Km from Pune Junction, Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapathi Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated in the Budhwar Pet near Shaniwar Wada in the Pune City of Maharashtra. Sri Dagdusheth Temple is dedicated to the Hindu God Ganesha. This is one of the important Ganesh temples in Maharashtra, and among the must include places in the Pune tour packages. The Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati temple is renowned for its religious celebrations and attracts a significant number of devotees daily, who come to participate in the daily pooja, abhisheka, and Arti dedicated to Lord Ganesha.

Presently, the temple is under the administration of Halwai Ganapathi Trust. One of the richest in Maharashtra, the trust organizes various cultural activities like singing concerts, bhajans, Atharvasheersh recitation, etc. The trust also operates an old age home - Pitashree at Kondhwa, ambulance service for the poor, and health clinics in tribal belts of Pune.

History & Mythology of Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapathi Temple

The Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapathi Temple was established by Dagdusheth Halwai, a renowned sweet maker from Pune who originally hailed from Karnataka and relocated to Maharashtra in the mid-1800s. In the late 1800s, he experienced the tragic loss of his son due to a plague epidemic, which left him and his wife heartbroken. In their time of grief, they received guidance from their Guru, Shri Madhavnath Maharaj, who encouraged them to construct a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple was completed in 1893. Each year, the Ganapathi festival is celebrated with profound devotion and enthusiasm, not only by Dagdusheth's family but also by the entire community. Subsequently, Lokmanya Tilak transformed the Ganapathi festival into a public event to unite people in the struggle for freedom.

Architecture of Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapathi Temple

The temple is constructed in a traditional architectural style, featuring a spacious courtyard and a dome that is plated with gold. The centerpiece of the temple is a magnificent idol of Lord Ganesh, measuring 7.5 feet in height and 4 feet in width. This idol is embellished with approximately 8 kilograms of gold and various precious gems. The idol was commissioned in 1968 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Ganpati and was crafted by Shree Shankar Appa Shilpi. Additionally, the idol is accompanied by two silver doors that illustrate significant events from Lord Ganesh's life. The temple is further enhanced by four large chandeliers that illuminate the idol, contributing to a sacred ambiance.

Festivals of Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapathi Temple

The most important festival of Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple is Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Ganeshotsav. This vibrant celebration lasts for ten days, occurring in late August or early September, and is marked by elaborate festivities. The temple is adorned with an array of flowers, lights, and vibrant textiles. On the final day of the celebration, the idol is paraded through the streets before being immersed in water, symbolizing a heartfelt farewell. Another significant occasion is Maghi Ganesh Jayanti, which honors the rebirth of Lord Ganesh and is observed on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Magh (January/February). Additionally, the temple hosts several other festivals, including Sankashti Chaturthi, Gudi Padwa, Akshaya Tritiya, Vijaya Dashami, and Diwali.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapathi Temple

While Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati 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.

Non-Hindus are welcome to explore the temple complex and appreciate its architectural beauty; however, access to the sanctum sanctorum may be restricted.

Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapathi Temple Timings

Monday: 5:30 AM - 11 PM
Tuesday: 5:30 AM - 11 PM
Wednesday: 5:30 AM - 11 PM
Thursday: 5:30 AM - 11 PM
Friday: 5:30 AM - 11 PM
Saturday: 5:30 AM - 11 PM
Sunday: 5:30 AM - 11 PM

Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapathi Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshan available for Rs. 100

Best Time to Visit Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapathi Temple

The best time to visit Ganapathi Temple is from September to February while the peak season is from August to September when the weather is pleasant and suitable for temple exploration. Additionally, the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations are in full swing during this time. Apart from Ganesh Chaturthi, visiting the temple during weekdays or non-peak hours is also recommended to avoid large crowds. However, it is advisable to steer clear of Pune during the summer months, as the heat can be quite severe.

How to Reach Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapathi 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 Dagdusheth Ganapathi Temple can be easily accessed by local bus or by hiring a cab or auto-rickshaw from any area within Pune.