The Parvati Hill and Temple is dedicated to the Hindu deities Parvati, Vishnu, Ganesha, Kartikeya and Devadeshwar, dating back to the 17th century. It is said that Karnataka craftsmen carved the main idol out of solid gold. However, the idol was stolen in 1932 and was replaced by a silver one. Besides this temple there are temples dedicated to Lord Kartikeya, Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu and Lord Vitthal. There is also an adjoining museum that houses several records of the Peshwa rulers. It is known from these records that the place served as the private shrine of the Peshwa Baji Rao. Some of the artefacts still to be preserved are- old manuscripts, replica of ancient paintings, weapons, coins etc. Located nearby is the 'samadhi sthan' (burial ground) of Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshwa. It is rumoured that the mighty Peshwa breathed his last in this very place. |