Pune is a vibrant city in Maharashtra that’s renowned for its cultural heritage and spiritual abodes. Among them, the Krishna temples in Pune stand out as some of the best religious destinations to explore in the city. The majority of the Krishna temples hold a special place in the hearts of the devotees where you get to immerse yourself in spiritual reflection and devotion. You also get to bask in the compassion, love, and tenderness that prevails inside these temples. As you are curating the travel itinerary for Pune, ensure that you spend a few days exploring all the top Krishna temples in the city.
8 Krishna Temples In Pune
Being one of the most beloved deities in the Hindu culture, Lord Krishna, who is the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is worshipped across the city of Pune.
1. ISKCON NVCC Temple
Photo: Niraj Suryawanshi / Wikimedia Commons
The ISKCON New Vedic Cultural Center (NVCC) in Pune is one of the most famous Krishna temples in Pune. One of the main highlights of this temple is that it’s dedicated to imparting the teachings of Lord Krishna to the masses. The temple features an elaborate blend of traditional and modern architecture with its intricate carvings, towering spires, and a large hall where devotees gather for prayers and discourses. Furthermore, the temple also has a peaceful and spiritual ambience, where the visitors attend the kirtans and listen to the discourses of the Bhagavad Gita too.
Location: ISKCON TEMPLE AND NVCC, Katraj – Kondhwa Rd, Tilekar Nagar, Kondhwa Budruk, Pune, Maharashtra 411048
Timings: 4:30 AM – 5 AM, 7:30 AM – 1 PM, and 4:30 PM – 8:45 PM
2. Shree Balaji Mandir
Photo: GIVE GITA / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Shree Balaji Mandir, located in the heart of Pune, is another prominent temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his avatar Lord Venkateshwara. The temple is modelled after the famous Tirupati Balaji temple in Andhra Pradesh. The temple features beautiful South Indian-style architecture, complete with a golden dome and intricately designed idols of Krishna and Balaji. The divine energy of this temple is one of the main reasons why people flock to this temple from across the country. Also, the temple complex is quite vast and spread across a large area, adding to the experience of exploring the premises.
Location: Ketkawale, near Narayanpur, Pune
Timings: 24 hours
3. Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir
Photo: Jainpankaj009 / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the popular Krishna temples in Pune that you have to add to your travel plans is the Shri Vitthal Rukmini Mandir. In this temple, Lord Krishna is worshipped in the form of Vitthal. Vitthal, a local manifestation of Lord Krishna, is worshipped with his consort Rukmini. The temple showcases simple yet elegant architecture, and its sacred atmosphere is complemented by the constant chants of ‘Vithoba’ from the devotees. One of the best times to visit the temple is during Ashadhi Ekadashi, a major festival associated with Lord Vitthal. During this time, devotees embark on a “wari” to the temple.
Location: Near Janaseva Bank, N.D.A. Road, Warje Malwadi Rd, Warje, Pune, Maharashtra 411058
Timings: 24 hours
4. Radha Krishna Mandir
Photo: Susmoy Dhaka TV / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
If you are on the lookout for one of the top Pune Krishna temples to explore, the Radha Krishna Mandir is it. One of the highlights of this temple is its location, which is atop a small hillock. Inside the temple lies the idols of Lord Krishna and Radha, who are adorned in jewellery, flowers and vibrant clothes. Since the temple is located amidst nature, slightly off the coast of the main city of Pune, the surroundings of this temple are quite laid back and serene. The temple is particularly lively during Janmashtami when it organises grand celebrations with kirtans, dance performances, and midnight aarti.
Location: Pune, Maharashtra 411046
Timings: 08 AM – 06 PM
5. Shree Krishna Temple
Photo: Susmoy Dhaka TV / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Another one of the best Krishna temples in Pune that you must add to your travel plans is the Shree Krishna Temple. It is located in Pimpri Chinchwad and the layout and architecture of this temple is a lot similar to the Krishna temple in Guruvayur. One of the best things about visiting this temple is the smell of the sandalwood and the diyas in the air. Also, the prasadam that is served in the temple is reminiscent of Kerala culture and traditions. Their offerings include Appam, Payasam and Laddoos.
Location: Service Road, Nigdi Gaothan, Nigdi, Pimpri-Chinchwad
Timings: 5:30 AM – 7:AM and 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
6. Khunya Murlidhar Mandir
Photo: DesiBoy101 / Wikimedia Commons
Khunya Murlidhar Mandir is one of the oldest Krishna temples in Pune, which dates back to the era of the Peshwas. The temple is named “Khunya” because of the bloodied past it has been part of. The temple is witness to the battle between Dada Gadre and Peshwa Bajirao II, which claimed numerous lives. At present, the temple stands as a popular religious centre that has a peaceful courtyard and a gabhara. Inside the inner sanctum lies a precisely carved idol of Murlidhar, standing on one foot. The background of the black stone of the idol adds to the beauty of the place.
Location: Krantiveer Vasudev Phadke Path, Perugate, Sadashiv Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411030
Timings: 7 AM – 12:30 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
7. Mahanubhav Shri Krishna Mandir
Photo: Sharath G. / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Dedicated to the Mahanubhav Panth community in Pune, the Mahanubhav Shri Krishna Mandir is the only Krishna temple dedicated to this sect. The temple is located inside a modern building and has a very peaceful and spiritual aura to its existence. Inside the temple, the idol of Lord Krishna is carved out of black stone and the idol is further adorned with flowers and jewellery. The best time to visit the temple is during the Janmashthami celebrations when the entire temple has beautiful decorations all around.
Location: 358, Ganesh Peth Road, Dulya Maruti Chowk, Ganesh Peth
Timings: 5 AM – 1 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM
8. Hari Krishna Mandir
Photo: ISKCON TV Dhaka / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located in Model Colony, Hari Krishna Mandir is another popular Krishna temple that is located in the heart of Pune. The temple was founded by Sri Dilip Kumar Roy and the main attraction inside the temple is the white marble idols of Lord Krishna and Radha. Visiting the temple is enough to instil a sense of peace and serenity in your mind. One of the best experiences inside the temple is to witness the aartis and bhajans that are conducted throughout the day. You can also indulge in some prasadam and listen to the recitation of Bhagavad Gita, which is conducted daily inside the temple.
Location: No. 1105/10, Hare Krishna Mandir Road, Model Colony, Shivajinagar
Timings: 6 AM – 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
The Krishna temples in Pune offer a spiritual escape for the devotees, both locals and tourists alike. After you finish exploring all the iconic landmarks across Pune, you can take the time to immerse yourself in exploring the individual temples in the city. Ensure to book your vacation to Pune with TripXL for a peaceful and enriching experience.
Cover Photo: Susmoy Dhaka TV / Pexels / Image For Representation Only