Sri Dagdusheth Ganapathi Mandir is the pride and hallmark of Pune city. As per the legend, the idol of Sri Ganesh here is said to be set by Sri Dagdusheth and Srimathi Lakshmi Bai many years back (approximately 130 years). Sri Dagdusheth was a sweets maker and was hailing from Karnataka. When he lost his son to plague during 1800s he had built this temple in memory of his son as advised by his family guru.
When Sri Lokamanya Bala Gagadhar Tilak used Ganesh festivals as part of freedom movement, Vinayak Chathurthi festivals at this temple became more vibrant and popular.
The entire sanctum is glittering with silver plating. Sri Ganapathi Murthy is huge, dazzling and mesmerizing even from a distance. Sri Murthy is adorned with enormous jewels in gold approximately weighing 40 kilogram.
Sri Ganapathy Murthi is in sitting posture with four hands and curved trunk. There are two Deities fanning on either side. The upper hands hold golden lotus and the right lower hand is in abhaya hastham mode (protection) and He holds modak in the left lower hand.
Below the main Deity, there are two Sri Ganesh sporting Trishul in His hand and a Urchava murthy (Procession Deity).
The temple is in festive atmosphere throughout the year. Ganesh Utsav which commensurate with Sri Vinayak Chathurthi is celebrated for ten days. Gudi Padava, the Marathi New Year is celebrated in a grand manner at the temple.
On Akshaya Trithiya Day, Amba Mahotsav is held at the temple whereby lots of mangoes are offered to the Deity. On Vasanth Panchami, Vasantik Utee festival is celebrated whereby Sri Ganeshji is smeared with lots of sandal paste. Ganeshji is also decorated with mogra flowers during the occasion. Apart from these festivals, annual music festival is also held.
On all the Shukla Paksha Chathurthi days and Krishna Paksha Chathurthi (Sankshti Chathurthi) days, special pujas are done to Sri Vinayak Murthy.
The temple trust is also involved in various social welfare activities.
The temple is open from 06.00 a.m to 11 p.m. The Suprabatham Aarti is done at 7.30 in the morning.
The temple can be reached by bus or auto or taxi within Pune City.
