A number of temples, churches and even a synagogue can be found among the religious monuments of Pune. Though Lord Ganesha is a chief deity not just in Pune but all over Maharashtra, a great diversity can be found in worship here.
The Pataleshwar temple is located in the heart of the city in a place called Shivajinagar. It is a rock cut temple of Lord Shiva which probably dates back to the eight century. The pillars and the Nandi have been carved from one single rock. The temple is reminiscent of the Kailasa temple found at Ellora caves.
The Kasba Ganapati is the temple of first honour in the city. It is the Gram Daivat of Pune, located near the Lal Mahal. The temple was established in ten year 1636 by Shivaji and later improved by the subsequent Peshwas. The idol has a very unique appearance with diamonds for eyes and a gem studded in its naval. It is enclosed in silver castings. The idol gets the first place of honour in the Ganesh Utsav procession.
The Parvati temple is one of the most famous landmarks of Pune which is visible from almost every part of Pune. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati and Devadeshwar, and a hundred and eight steps lead to it. There are also temples dedicated to Lord Ganesh, Lord Kartikeya and Lord Vishnu.
The Omkareshwar temple is situated in Shaniwar Peth. The temple is around 250 years old and famous for its stone structure. It is well known for having survived the 1962 floods in Pune.
A tomb can also be seen here. On the cast bank of the Mula River, about 180 ft from the Holkar Bridge, is Holkar`s Tomb. He was trampled to death by an elephant in 1802 and the adjacent temple of Mahadeo was erected in his memory.
There is also a Gurudwara found here, located at Ganesh Peth. Sikhs come here in large numbers.the birth anniversaries of the first guru, Guru Nanak and tenth guru, Guru Govindsinghji are celebrated here with great enthusiasm.
A number of churches are also found among the religious monuments of Pune, the legacy of a Christian rule.
All Saints` Church formerly Christ Church, was consecrated by Bishop Carr. Built in 1841, it is 150 ft long from east to west and 75 ft broad at the chancel. Over the west door are two regimental colours of the 23rd Bombay Light Infantry. There are some notable memorial tablets and brasses erected by regiments to officers and men who died on service in India. Note the plaque to the thirty officers of the 14th King`s Light Dragoons who died or were killed in action between 1841 and 1859.
The Roman Catholic Chapel of St Ignatius lies to the south-east. To the north-east of this are the old cemeteries, close to the river.
St Mary`s Church, built in 1825, lies south of St Paul`s. It is a conventional classical church with a square tower and spire. Inside it is faced in polished chunam. The baptismal font is in the south-west corner, flanked by some splendid stained-glass windows.
St Paul`s Church was consecrated by Bishop Harding. It was constructed in 1867.Inside are some interesting stained-glass windows. South of St Paul`s is the Jews` Synagogue, a large red brick building with a lofty tower consecrated in September 1867.It is also called the Lal Deval. The sanctum is semicircular. The Tomb of David Sassoon adjoins the synagogue. It is over 28 ft high, with a Hebrew inscription and the Sassoon arms.
The Roman Catholic Cathedral of St Patrick lies close to the Botanical gardens, across the Nava Canal. Pune is a centre for several missions and schools. The Church of the Holy Name at Vetal Peth has a campanile modelled on that at San Marco in Venice.
Thus, the religious monuments of Pune display the great diversity of religious faith in the city.
