The Kasba Ganpati Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ganesha, located in Kasba Peth, Pune. It is one of the most popular Ganesha temples in Pune, which turns into an even more spectacle during the annual Ganeshotsav festival. It is one of the main 5 respected Ganpatis of Pune, which attracts a lot of devotees. In the festive days, we tell you a little about its history and how you can reach here. Kesari Wada Ganpati or Manache 5 Ganpati Location in Pune: Know History and How To Reach To Offer Prayers to the Famous Ganpati Idol.

Kasba Ganpati History

The temple was commissioned by Jijabai, the mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, after a statue of Ganesha was found near the house of Vinayak Thackeray. The family travelled with seven other families from Karnataka to settle along the banks of modern-day River Mutha, where Shri Kasba Ganpati Mandir stands today. He is a naturally formed idol of the Lord Ganesha. Reportedly, he also had a dream wherein the Elephant-headed god asked him to install the statue duly. This was informed to Shahji's wife, Jijabai, who took it as an auspicious sign and decided to build the temple. After her arrival in Pune in 1636, the present-day sanctum sanctorum was built, and the idol of the Jayate Gajanan (victorious Ganpati) was ceremoniously installed. It is said that the great King Shivaji never went to war without paying his respects to the Ganesha idol. Tulshibaug Ganpati in Pune: Know History, Location and How To Reach 'Manacha Chowtha Ganpati' Mandir.

Later, the idol's status as the premier murti in Pune was decided by Bal Gangadhar Tilak. The Ganpati festival became a common ground for everyone to unite at a time when the British had banned public gatherings. The Kasba Peth Ganpati was accorded the status of manacha Ganpati. This further strengthened its position as Gramdaivat or town deity.

Until 1925, Shri Kasba Ganpati Mandal celebrated the festival within the premises of the temple and since 1926, it has been celebrated in an enclosed mandap. The festive time serves as a platform for local artists to display their talents through various cultural programs.

How to Reach Kasba Peth Ganpati?

By Train: You can take a train to Pune station and then opt for a local rickshaw to the Kasba Ganpati temple. It is just a 2 km ride, so it will be a quicker way to avoid the traffic. 

By Road: If you have a private vehicle, you can easily drive down to Pune via the Expressway and follow the map directions to reach Kasba Peth. Or, you can reach Pune via state transport or private buses and get down at Swargate bus station. From here you can walk it up for 15-20 mins or take a rickshaw further to the temple. 

Every year, the festival of Ganeshotsav is celebrated with great fervour for all 10 days. So expect a lot of crowd of devotees. The lanes are narrow so that you may face parking troubles.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2023 08:57 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).