Wagheshwar Temple Wagholi: A Complete Guide

By Harsh Choudhary
Last Modified : June 2025

Nestled in the serene locales of Wagholi, Pune, the Wagheshwar Temple stands as a testament to India’s rich religious and historical heritage. The Wagheshwar Temple Wagholi is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracting devotees and tourists alike with its tranquil ambiance and architectural splendor.

Location

The Wagheshwar Temple is situated in the Wagholi area of Pune, Maharashtra, India. More precisely, the address is Wageshwar Temple, Nagar Road, Wagholi, Pune, Maharashtra, India- 412105. Its strategic location on the Pune-Ahmednagar Highway makes it easily accessible, serving as a prominent landmark in the region.

Accessibility and Nearby Landmarks

Easily visible from the main road with a prominent sign of Shiv Shambho and a trishul. To reach the temple, one can take a left turn at a signal on the Pune-Ahmadnagar road. Nearby is the Nana-Nani Park, adjacent to a picturesque lake offering boat rides and scenic views of the temple.

Timing

The Wagheshwar Temple is open to devotees from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, allowing ample time for morning and evening prayers. However, the specific timings for Aarti and other rituals should be checked on a notice board inside the temple premises for accurate information.

Best Times to Visit

The temple is open from 5 am to 9 pm and there is no entry fee. Weekdays are generally less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience. The temple is especially vibrant during festivals like Maha Shivaratri, when devotees gather in large numbers to offer prayers.

History

The Wagheshwar Temple boasts an ancient history, with legends suggesting its construction during the time of the Mahabharata. Some believe the Pandavas built it during their exile. Historical accounts also link it to the Yadav dynasty. The temple has evolved over centuries, witnessing the rise and fall of empires and the unwavering faith of its devotees. History says that Pandavas made this temple and this temple is one of the worship place of Maharaj Chatrapati Shivaji.

Legends and Mythology

Local legends indicate that the temple was surrounded by dense forests inhabited by tigers, thus earning the name “Wagheshwar,” meaning “Lord of the Tigers.” The Shivalinga enshrined in the temple is believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu), adding to its sanctity and drawing devotees who believe their wishes are fulfilled through sincere worship.

Subhedar Pilajirao Jadhavrao and the Temple

Subhedar Pilajirao Jadhavrao, a respected military leader in the Maratha Empire during Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s rule, played a significant role in the development of Wagholi. He constructed many temples in the village, including the Ram Mandir and Hanuman temples, with the most notable being the Wagheshwar Temple. His samadhi lies near the Wagheshwar Temple, serving as a reminder of his contributions to the region and the Maratha Empire.

Exploring Wagheshwar Temple

Visiting the Wagheshwar Temple is more than just a religious pilgrimage; it’s an immersive experience that engages the senses and soothes the soul. From the moment you approach the temple, you’re greeted by an atmosphere of serenity and devotion.

The Entry Gate and Dress Code

The grandeur of the main entry gate, adorned with the inscription “Shri Wagheshwar Mandir,” immediately captures your attention. The Wagheshwar Temple trust prominently displays a notice board stating a dress code for entering the temple. Dress code warning was prominently displayed by the Wagheshwar Temple trust. Inside the temple premises, the atmosphere was serene, surrounded by large trees and a small garden. A board nearby displayed information about the temple’s opening hours and the timing of Aarti.

Deities and Shrines

As you step inside, a small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva welcomes you, with a statue of Nandi, the sacred bull, placed outside. Nearby, a large black Deepmala, seemingly recently constructed, which lights up during festivals. Approaching the small entry gate with “Om Namah Shivay” written above, we noticed a large bell hanging that added to the temple’s charm. Inside the temple, on the right, there was an idol of Lord Ganesha, and to the left, an idol of Lord Hanuman.

The Sanctum Sanctorum

The inner sanctum, adorned in beautiful golden-yellow color, houses the Swayambhu Mahadev Shivling. Decorated with golden-colored metal bars inscribed with “Om Namah Shivay.” Inside the door, there was a turtle idol, and beyond that, another gate led to the sanctum where the Shivling was housed. This inner gate was exquisitely carved and silver-coated, with a small silver idol of Lord Ganesha and a depiction of a demon’s face at the bottom.

The Architecture of Wagheshwar Temple

The architecture of Wagheshwar Temple is its biggest specialty. The main sanctum sanctorum of the temple is made of ancient stones and beautiful carvings have been done around it. The temple is built from black basalt, a testament to the craftsmanship of its builders. The towering shikhara, or spire, dominates the temple complex, adding to its visual appeal. The outer walls of the temple were beautifully carved with statues of gods, including the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu like Vamana, Narasimha, Krishna, and Rama.

The Serene Surroundings

Beyond the temple’s religious significance, its surroundings offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. A picturesque lake beside the temple adds to its charm, offering boat rides and scenic views. Adjacent to the lake is a small garden known as Nana-Nani Park. Near this park, a mandap-like structure was built for visitors to sit and enjoy the beautiful view of Wagheshwar Temple with the lake in the background.

The Lake and Gardens

Behind the temple, there was an entry point to a lake, where visitors could take boat rides and enjoy a scenic view of Wagheshwar Temple. Inside this mandap, glass boxes housed statues of Saint Dnyaneshwar, Saint Tukaram Maharaj, and Lord Vitthal with Rukmini. Carvings on the walls depicted the stories of the Warkari community of Maharashtra. After relaxing for 10 minutes in these serene surroundings, we set out to explore more around the temple.

Pilajirao Jadhavrao Samadhi

During our exploration, we came across the samadhi of Sardar Pillajirao Jadhav, a renowned warrior whose valor played a vital role in the expansion of the Maratha Empire. Pillajirao Jadhav resided in Wagholi village, and paying our respects at his samadhi was a humbling experience. Next to Sardar Pillajirao Jadhav’s samadhi, we noticed several smaller samadhis, though their identities were unspecified as no names were mentioned. Adjacent to these, we also paid our respects at the samadhi of Sadguru Rameshwar Shashri.

Pilajirao Jadhavrao History

Pillajirao Jadhav, born in 1680 and passing away on July 3, 1751, was a respected military leader in the Maratha Empire during Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj’s rule. He came from a notable Maratha family and played crucial roles in many battles and campaigns that helped the empire grow and defend itself against enemies like the Mughals. He was known for his smart strategies and bravery, especially when rescuing important leaders from captivity. Jadhav also taught martial arts to Bajirao Peshwa and was involved in significant expeditions and campaigns across India for fifty years. His loyalty, courage, and leadership left a lasting mark on Maratha history.

Wagheshwar Temple Wagholi Timings

Planning your visit to the Wagheshwar Temple Wagholi requires knowing the correct timings for entry and rituals. The temple is open every day from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, but it’s essential to check for any specific changes due to festivals or special events.

Specific Timings

The specific timings for Aarti and other rituals should be checked on a notice board inside the temple premises for accurate information. These timings can vary, especially during festivals, so it is always best to confirm upon arrival.

The Wagholi Area

Wagholi, where the Wagheshwar Temple is located, is a rapidly developing suburb of Pune, Maharashtra. Its history is intertwined with the Maratha Empire, and it serves as a blend of modern development and historical significance. The suburb of Wagholi derives its name from the temple place. The Wagheshwar Temple is not only a religious place but also a symbol of history, architecture, and peace.

Nearby Attractions and Restaurants

Wagholi offers a variety of attractions and amenities for visitors. Some popular restaurants include Saffron, Alfresco, and Sangam Hotel. Nearby attractions include Diamond Parks, Phoenix Market City, and Aga Khan Palace, each offering unique experiences for tourists and locals alike.

Lord Shiva and the Significance of Wagheshwar Temple

Lord Shiva, one of the principal deities of Hinduism, is revered as the destroyer and transformer within the Trimurti (the Hindu trinity). Wagheshwar Temple is dedicated to the ‘Wagheshwar’ form of Lord Shiva. The worship of Lord Shiva holds immense importance for devotees seeking spiritual fulfillment, inner peace, and divine blessings.

Rituals and Traditions

Devotees at Wagheshwar Temple engage in various rituals and traditions to express their devotion to Lord Shiva. These include offering prayers, performing Abhishek (ritual bathing of the Shivling), and participating in Aarti (a devotional ritual involving the waving of lamps). The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for devotees of Lord Shiva and attracts visitors from all over India.

Conclusion

A visit to Wagheshwar Temple is truly special. From the grand entry gate to the serene surroundings, every part of the temple radiated a sense of calm and devotion. It was an unforgettable experience due to its peaceful atmosphere, rich history, and beautiful architecture. A spiritual feeling was heightened by the detailed carvings, the sacred Shivling, and various statues. Strengthened as we left.. The Wagheshwar Temple Wagholi is a must-visit for anyone seeking spiritual solace or simply wanting to admire its beauty.

Taking time to explore nearby samadhis and pay respects to revered figures enhanced our understanding of the temple’s significance. Next time you visit Pune, don’t forget to visit Wagheshwar Temple and get the blessings of Lord Shiva.

Social Activities

The Wagheshwar Devasthan is committed to various social activities, aiming to support and uplift the community. These activities are often funded by donations from devotees and well-wishers. If you wish to contribute, donations can be made to support various temple activities and community initiatives.

The temple actively participates in various social activities aimed at community development. These may include providing food to the needy, organizing medical camps, and supporting educational initiatives. For more information, you can check out the Wagheshwar Devasthan official website to learn more about their social activities.

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