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A popular religious destination in Pune, Wagheshwar Temple is deeply rooted in India’s rich spiritual heritage. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracting devotees from across the country on a pilgrimage experience. Offering a peaceful respite from city life, the remote location of the Wagheshwar Temple is one of the must-visit destinations around the area. The architectural beauty of the temple is coupled with its deep-rooted history and mythological significance as well. If you are interested in indulging in experiencing some spiritual solace and architectural wonders, a visit to this temple is a must.
Quick Details
Wagheshwar Temple Address: Wagheshwar Temple, Nagar Rd, Wagholi, Pune, Maharashtra 412105
Wagheshwar Temple Timings: 8 AM – 12 PM; 4 PM – 8 PM
Deity: Lord Shiva
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time to Visit: October to February
Ideal Visit Duration: 1 – 2 hours
About Wagheshwar Temple
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The Wagheshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who happens to be one of the most worshipped in Hindu mythology. The temple’s name is derived from the Marathi words “Wagh” and “Ishwar”, symbolising Lord Shiva’s association with the powerful animal. The temple is located in the small village of Wagholi, which is located on the outskirts of Pune. The temple is believed to have been built in the 18th century by the local Peshwas. Over the years, the temple has further maintained its spiritual presence among the devotees.
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How To Reach Wagheshwar Temple
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Though close to Pune, the temple is slightly off the beaten path, making the journey to this temple an adventure.
By Air: Pune International Airport is the nearest airport to the temple, located around 15 km from the airport. There are taxis available outside the temple that you can avail.
By Rail: Pune Junction is your nearest railhead from the temple. After arriving at the station, one can either hire a taxi or board a local bus to Wagholi and then get to the temple from there.
By Road: You can take a bus, car, or taxi from Pune City, which is about 15 kilometres away. The journey via the Pune-Ahmednagar Highway offers picturesque views of rural Maharashtra, taking around 30-40 minutes to reach.
Things To Do At Wagheshwar Temple
There are a lot of unique activities that you can indulge yourself in inside the Wagheshwar Temple.
1. Offer Prayers And Perform Rituals
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At the heart of any visit to Wagheshwar Temple is the opportunity to offer prayers and perform rituals dedicated to Lord Shiva. Since the temple is quite popular, the crowd can be a little overwhelming, especially during Mahashivratri. You can participate in daily aarti ceremonies and various rituals, which add to the spiritual experience of visiting the temple. Additionally, the temple priests are available to guide you through the traditional offerings and prayers, in case this is your first time in the temple.
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2. Explore The Temple’s Architecture
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Wagheshwar Temple is a beautiful example of ancient temple architecture, built in traditional Maratha style with carvings, stonework, and sculptures. On the exterior of the temple, you get to witness detailed engravings of mythological scenes and gods. As you stroll through the temple complex, you’ll discover various smaller shrines dedicated to other deities, offering a deeper insight into Hindu temple architecture and the cultural heritage of Maharashtra as well. Numerous significant elements add to the beauty of the temple’s architecture that you can’t miss out on.
3. Meditation By The Temple Pond
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One of the main attractions inside the Wagheshwar Temple is the pond that’s located inside the temple complex. This lake, considered sacred by devotees, enhances the temple’s overall spiritual ambience. Many visitors choose to sit by the pond and engage in meditation while other devotees often take a dip in the pond before visiting the main shrine inside the temple. You do have to carry extra clothing with you if you are planning to take a dip in the pond. Beyond that, the calmness that persists around the pond is truly magical.
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4. Stroll Around The Temple Complex
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After you finish offering your prayers to the deity, you can take your time to stroll around and explore the temple complex. There is a large and spacious mandap in the centre of the temple, which adds to the beauty of the place. You can either take a stroll around the temple and witness the architecture, carvings and details on the walls from up close or you can sit back and relax. As you walk, you can stop to explore the various smaller shrines dedicated to other deities like Lord Ganesh and Goddess Parvati, each with its unique carvings and significance.
5. Learn About The Temple’s History
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One of the enriching activities at Wagheshwar Temple, Wagholi is delving into its fascinating history. Located in the Wagholi area of Pune, Maharashtra, this ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. According to local legends, the temple was built by the Pandavas during their exile, adding a layer of historical intrigue. The temple’s architecture, featuring intricate carvings of Hindu gods and goddesses, showcases the craftsmanship of the time. As you explore the temple, you’ll also find a large Nandi statue, the bull vehicle of Lord Shiva, standing guard in front of the main deity. Learning about the temple’s storied past offers a deeper appreciation for its spiritual and cultural significance.
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Places To Visit Around Wagheshwar Temple
Due to the Wagheshwar Temple’s proximity to Pune city, there are numerous adjoining sightseeing spots that you can explore.
1. Osho Ashram
Photo: Preity.133 / Wikimedia Commons
Starting with Osho Ashram, which is in Koregaon Park and is a world-renowned centre for meditation and spiritual rejuvenation. This is a fairly tranquil retreat in the middle of the city where you can indulge in various meditation programs, workshops, and yoga sessions aimed at fostering inner peace and self-awareness. The best way to explore the ashram is by taking a guided tour. The Osho International Meditation Resort is an ideal place for those looking to engage in mindfulness practices after they visit the temple.
Distance From Wagheshwar Temple: 12.7 Km
Timings: 6 AM – 9 AM and 3 PM – 6 PM
2. Pataleshwar Cave Temple
Photo: Karthik Easvur / Wikimedia Commons
Another important religious destination that you can’t skip out on visiting in Pune is the Pataleshwar Cave Temple. This is an ancient rock-cut cave temple, dating back to the 8th century. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is carved out of a single rock and features a linga shrine, massive stone pillars, and a Nandi bull sculpture. Not just the temple, the surroundings of this cave temple are truly mesmerising and a natural retreat.
Distance From Wagheshwar Temple: 17 Km
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM
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3. Pashan Lake
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Pashan Lake is a picturesque artificial lake located about 12 kilometres from Wagheshwar Temple. With a blend of natural beauty and a bird-watching experience, Pashan Lake is truly a beautiful site to add to your travel plans. The area also features a peaceful walking trail where visitors can enjoy a stroll while taking in the scenic beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
Distance From Wagheshwar Temple: 25.4 Km
Timings: 6 AM – 10 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
4. Sindhudurg Fort
Photo: Ankur Panchbudhe / Wikimedia Commons
For history enthusiasts exploring the area around Wagheshwar Temple, a visit to Sindhudurg Fort is a must. Located off the coast of Maharashtra in the Konkan region, this historical sea fort was commissioned by Chhatrapati Shivaji and constructed between 1664 and 1667. With its hidden main entrance and 52 bastions, the fort showcases the strategic brilliance of Maratha architecture. A small temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji within the fort adds to its historical significance. Whether you’re interested in exploring the fort’s rich history or enjoying the scenic beauty of the surrounding area, Sindhudurg Fort offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Distance From Wagheshwar Temple: 30 km
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
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5. Rock Garden
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For a serene and artistic experience around Wagheshwar Temple, a visit to the Rock Garden in Malvan, Sindhudurg, is highly recommended. This charming garden is located on the rocky shore of Malvan, near the Arase Mahal. It offers a splendid view of Chivla Beach and the Arabian Sea. The garden is well-maintained and features various plants, flowers, benches, and sculptures made from waste material. It’s a perfect spot to relax, enjoy the cool breeze, and witness the beautiful sunset. The garden is also close to the historic Sindhudurg Fort, making it an ideal destination for both nature and history enthusiasts.
Distance From Wagheshwar Temple: 49 km
Timings: N/A
6. Devbagh Beach
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For a serene and picturesque getaway around Wagheshwar Temple, a visit to Devbagh Beach in Malvan, Maharashtra, is highly recommended. Known for its pristine sands and crystal-clear waters, Devbagh Beach offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The beach is famous for its beautiful sunsets and the Sangam Point, where the Karli River meets the Arabian Sea, creating a stunning natural spectacle. The nearby Devbagh Beach Resort provides comfortable accommodations and a range of amenities, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing vacation.
Distance From Wagheshwar Temple: 14 km
Timings: 24*7
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Where To Stay
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For visitors planning to extend their stay, there are several accommodation options near Wagheshwar Temple where you can book your stay for a day or two. A few of the popular options include Koyna Lake Resort, Swapnnagari Kas Hill Resort, Tadoba Tiger Valley Resort and Rutuvihar Nature Homestays.
Where To Eat
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Given how popular the pilgrimage site Wagheshwar Temple is, there are several food joints and fine dining restaurants available around. Some of the best ones you can consider checking out are KK’s Kitchen Multi Cuisine restaurant, Hotel Titto’s Family Restaurant and MAHADEV Dining HALL.
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Other Factors To Consider
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When planning your getaway trip to Wagheshwar Temple, keep the following pointers into consideration:
- Dress conservatively when visiting the temple.
- Avoid visiting during peak times and instead, visit early mornings to beat the crowds.
- You’d have to leave your shoes and personal belongings outside, so don’t carry many items.
- Carry cash with you since card and digital payments aren’t popular.
- Photography may be restricted in certain areas of the temple.
Wagheshwar Temple in Pune, Maharashtra is a popular pilgrimage destination that deserves to be explored. The next time you are in the state planning your itinerary, consider spending a day exploring the small village of Wagholi where the Shiva temple exists. You can plan your trip with TripXL to avail convenient and customised packages tailored to your travel needs.
Cover Photo: Roman Saienko / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
