Ganesh Chaturthi, one of the most celebrated festivals of the year, was initiated by Lokmanya Tilak in the interim of the freedom movement, Kesari Wada Ganapati is today considered the 5th of Manache Ganapati and was situated by Lokmanya Tilak himself. Having a deep understanding of the religious story behind the festival, the national or cultural tale is associated with this specific sacred temple. Let us know more about the history and how to reach this respected temple in Pune. Guruji Talim Ganpati in Pune: Know History and How To Reach the Famous Manacha Tisra Ganpati.

Kesari Wada Ganpati History

Lokmanya Tilak was the first to install Lord Ganesh's large clay idol in a public place and started the 10-day-long affair towards the end of the 18th century. It slowly started seeing community participation and involvement. Kesari Wada Ganapati, 5th of the Manache Ganapati of Pune City, was installed by Tilak himself in his own house, also known as Tilak House or Kesari Wada by the locals in 1893. Then, in 1905, it was shifted to Gaikwad Wada, presently known as Kesari Wada. Tambdi Jogeshwari Ganpati in Pune Temple Timings: History and How To Reach Graamdevta Shree Tambdi Jogeshwari Mandir.

Every year, this temple features two idols: one is the permanent Ganesh idol, and the other is specifically brought in for the festivities and immersed in water on the 10th day. Since that year, the temple has drawn a large crowd of devotees and tourists, especially during the 10-day celebration of Ganeshotsav. One lesser-known fact about this temple is that every Ganesh Mandal participating in mirvunk (immersion procession) is legally required to wait until after the idol of Lord Ganesha at Manache Ganapati has been immersed before they can proceed with their own idol immersion.

How to reach Kesari Wada Ganpati?

By Train: Traveling by train, the Pune Junction railway station is located approximately 0.60 kilometres away from Kesari Wada. You can reach the temple by taking a local rickshaw ride, which usually takes 7-8 minutes.

By Road: If you arrive by bus, you can use the Mati Ganpati Narayan Peth and Patrya Maruti bus stops, with the closest one being just a 4-minute walk away from Kesari Wada. 

For local commuters, the nearest metro station to Kesari Wada in Pune is Deccan Gymkhana, which is a 20-minute walk from the temple.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 23, 2023 09:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).