Shaniwarwada – The Palace of the Peshwas
My Pune Travel Diary
We reached Shaniwarwada in an hour from Sinhagadh fort(Blog link). But this fort is in the heart of Pune City. So be prepared to spend long hours in traffic jam.
Shaniwarwada
The parking lot of Shaniwarwada fort is not that spacious. Since it was Saturday, it was super crowded. Neither we could get our vehicle inside the parking area, nor we could park outside. So, my driver recommended that he would stay in the car and find a parking space while I go and explore the fort by myself.
Some facts:
Built in 1732, it was the great seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Empire until 1818. The fort itself was largely destroyed in 1828 by an unexplained fire, but the surviving structures are now maintained as a tourist site. This fort rose to popularity ever since the release of the Bollywood film Bajirao Mastani, since people were interested to know about the history of Bajirao.
Gardens of Shaniwarwada
Cannons are placed in the front yard of Shaniwarwada.
Shaniwarwada has 5 gates – Delhi Darwaza, Mastani Darwaza, Khidki Darwaza, Ganesh Darwaza, Narayan Darwaza.
Delhi Darwaza is the main palace gate from where people enter. This gate has massive doors. But there was no entry fee on account of 75 years of Indian Independence.
Mastani Darwaza was the entrance leading to Bajirao’s wife Mastani's palace and was used by her while travelling out of the palace's perimeter wall.
Ganesh Darwaza was used by ladies at the fort to visit he nearby Kasba Pet Ganapathi temple.
Narayan Darwaza obtained its second name after Narayanrao Peshwa's corpse was removed from the fort for cremation through this gate.
This fort is quite huge in area. It will easily take an hour or two to explore this entire fort. There are staircases at each corner of the fort which will take you to the various watch towers on top.
After entering Shanivarvada from the Delhi Darwza, you will see one staircase on your left and I decided to take this as my starting point of exploring this fort.
Nagaar Khana
Just above the Delhi Darwaza is the Nagaar Khana which survived the fire. A stone staircase takes you to main gallery. From there you can see the surrounding of city from one end to another end.
From here I started walking in one direction to explore the fort from top and also to see the different watch towers at each corner of the fort.
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| Busy street that takes you to DagduSheth Ganapati Tempe |
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| Khidki Darwaza |
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| The Seat of the Peshwas in the Ganapathi Ranga Mahal |
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| Ganesh Darwaza |
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| Narayan Darwaza |
Hazari Karanje
This fort complex has an impressive lotus shaped fountain. Hazari means thousand and Karanje means jets. So this is the fountain with thousand jets. This has been designed in the shape of a lotus flower with sixteen petals.
Next I decided to visit Pune’s most famous Dagdu Shet Ganapathi which is hardly 10 minutes by walk. And my friend had advised me to visit Kasba Pet Ganapathi also which is in the same route. My driver had asked me to take the other fort exit and take the busy street adjoining Shaniwarwada to walk towards both these temples.
So I started walking in this busy street. It was too sunny and I was exhausted exploring the huge Shaniwarwada fort. In order to wade off this heat, I decided to stop by near a stall and savor yummy chaas(butter milk) which was the need of the hour for me. It was very refreshing which also energized me for my next walk.
Kasba Pet Ganapathi
As you start walking on this busy street, you will find directions to Kasba Pet Ganapathi temple on the left side of the busy street. So I crossed the street and walked towards the temple.
Some facts : This is one of the oldest temples in Pune. Dedicated to the protector of the city – Kasba Ganpati, the temple was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji’s mother, Queen Jijabai. This god has the first right of immersion during the Ganapathi Utsav.
The temple has wooden interiors in a typical Maratha style popular during Peshwa era. The premises are super clean.
From here I started walking towards DagduShet Ganapthi.
This is a beautiful walk along the busy street. I came across Sai Mandir also.
Shrimant DagduSheth Halwai Ganapathi
Nestled in the busy street of Pune is this beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
The beautiful Ganesha idol can be seen from outside for all people passing by the busy street.
Some facts : The deity of Lord Ganesha was incepted by Shri Dagdusheth Halwai and his wife Lakshmibai way back, when they lost their only son to the plague epidemic.
If you want to take a closer look and serve your offerings to god then you can take Gate 3. But its not easy to get darshan here since first you need to leave your footwear at one place, then you need to leave your bag at another center and finally post security clearance you will be let inside the temple. But once you are in front of Lord Ganesha , you will feel all this is worth it.
Outside the temple premises, in a narrow lane there was one more Ganapathi Pandal.
After a good darshan of Lord Ganapathi, I started walking back to Shaniwarwada parking lot. Enroute I also came across Shrimant Peshwai Ganesh Mandir right outside the Ganesh Darwaza.
With this I started back to my guest house with the satisfaction of yet another well planned eventful day 😊. When in Pune, one should not miss this marvelous creation by Peshwas and also street walking along the by-lanes of Shaniwarwada to get a feel of day in the life of a Puneri and also to get glimpse of the various popular deities.
Pages from My Pune Travel Diary
Lohgadh Fort - Best Monsoon Trek From Pune
Exploring Lonavala - Viewpoints Offering Enthralling Views in Monsoon
Exploring Ancient Buddhist Rock-Cut Caves of Karla and Bhaja
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