Chaturshungi Temple

Chaturshungi Temple Entrance

          The Chaturshungi Temple is located on the end of Senapati Bapat Road in Pune. The temple derives its name from its location. Chatur means four, the temple is located on a mountain with four peaks, thus the name Chaturshungi. 

          Stories that go back during the reign of Shivaji Maharaj state that there was a merchant named Durlabhseth Pitambardas Mahajan, who was a believer of Goddess Saptashrungi. He has visited all her temples to worship the Goddess. But as he grew older he couldn't travel and that became a barrier for him. One night the goddess appeared in his dreams and told him that if he can't visit her, she'll come to stay near him. She told him to dig at a certain place in North-West Pune. Durlabhseth followed the instructions and when done digging, a statue of the goddess was found there. 

           Durlabhseth then built a temple there and visited the temple regularly to worship the deity. The temple has been renovated now. Apart from Saptashrungi Devi, there are temples of Ganpati, Goddess Durga and Vetal Baba. Steps are constructed for devotees to reach the hilltop where the temples are. One has to climb more than 100 steps to reach the top. The Chaturshungi Temple is 90 feet high and 125 feet wide.

          The temple has a large premises now with canteen and parking facility. Vendors can be seen on the left hand side inside the premises while going to the temple selling flowers and other puja items. There is also an office of the Chaturshungi Trust which now looks after the temple. There is a large area where people are seen spending time.

       Devotees visit the temple every now and then but the temple is most crowded during the Navratri Festival. Thousands of devotees flood the place to worship the deity. The management prepares for the festival well in advance. Ques are seen on the main road outside the temple. This is also a great opportunity for vendors. Balloon, toys, masks, flowers, agarbattis, dhupbattis, prasad, pedhas, ayurvedic medicines, name it and there will be a vendor selling it around the temple during the festival. 

         So it can be said that Maa Saptashrungi is showering her blessings upon everyone.