Parvati Hill and Temple situated at a distance of approximately one kilometre from Swargate and 4 kilometres from Deccan Gymkhana. Situated at a height of 2100 feet above sea level, Parvati Hill prides itself of having a number of temples, considered to be the oldest heritage structures of Pune. It is so high that there are 108 steps to reach the temple top. Devotees start making their way as early as 5.00 in the morning. Due to its dizzying height, one can have a panoramic view of the city, delightful to one`s eye. It is believed that Peshwa Baji Rao used to watch the defeat of the Britishers in the Battle of Kirkee from this site.
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.
