Was able to visit the Shri Mryutyunjayeshwar Temple at Kothrud, Pune on 3 October 2023. I think this is the temple usually referred to as the "Kothrud Shiva temple". Ancient, peaceful, pristine and with tremendous positive vibes. Will need to return for a longer visit and to offer prayers.
The temple is believed to be from the Peshwa Era and was possibly owned by Sardar Haripant Ballal Phadke, a contemporary of Nana Phadanvis, during the time of Peshwa Sawai Madhavrao, which would be about the late 18th Century. This needs to be verified. I will check up on it and edit this portion later.
It is said that the temple along with the nearer Shri Dashabhuja temple at Paud Phata was subsequently handed over to the Peshwa family as dowry, when the daughter of Dajiba Phadke, the son of Sardar Haripant Phadke, was wed to Peshwa Bajirao II, son of Raghunathrao Peshwa.
Though, Punekars familiar with the temple, often refer to Mastani Bai, second wife of Peshwa Bajirao I (daughter of Raja Chhatrasal), of having been in the region and visited the temple.
The temple is now managed by the Shri Devdeveshwar Temple Trust, with Prof. V. V. Peshwa (of whom I have had the fortune of interacting with, in his academic life) as the Principal Trustee.
"It is a beautiful place. Very quiet and peaceful though surrounded by the busy Karve Road and Kothrud Area." - Dr. Jyotsna G. Padiyar.
"Beautiful and peaceful temple. Built by the Peshwas, and received as dowry from the Phadke family. Later, renovated by the Peshwa family. Mastani Bai is believed to have visited here with Peshwa Bajirao I. Historically important temple. Should visit when visiting Pune. Har Har Mahadev." - Smt. Rajashri M. Chaudhari
First edit - Bharat Bhushan, 4 October 2023
No comments:
Post a Comment