Ancient Nivdunga Vithoba, Nanapeth, Pune

The Nivadunga Vithoba Temple is situated in the Nana Peth area of Pune city. This temple was established approximately two hundred years ago by a Gujarati merchant named Kanhaiyaji. The place derived its name from the fact that an ancient idol of Lord Vitthal was discovered amidst a dense thicket of Nivadunga (prickly pear cactus). The Pune Municipal Corporation has designated this structure as a Grade III cultural heritage site. During the Ashadhi Wari, the Palkhi (palanquin) procession of Sant Tukaram Maharaj, traveling from Dehu to Pandharpur, halts at this temple. Due to this association, the site has gained significant importance within the Warkari tradition.

In the year 1929, a Gujarati merchant named Purushottam Sheth undertook a massive renovation of this ancient temple. Until that year, the temple remained under the private ownership of a family. Once the renovation work was completed, the temple was opened to the general public. Thereafter, it became famous as the ‘Pandharpur of Pune’. During the Wari period, this temple holds special significance throughout Pune city.

In the early days, the Palkhi of Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj arriving from Alandi and the Palkhi of Sant Tukaram Maharaj departing from Dehu used to stop here for rest. Before proceeding to Pandharpur, both these Palkhis would stay at this temple. Due to the increase in the number of Warkaris participating in the Wari, it became difficult to accommodate both Palkhis in this small space at the same time. Because of this situation, currently, only the Palkhi of Sant Tukaram Maharaj comes here for the halt.

The temple is located right next to a busy road in Nana Peth. In the courtyard facing the main entrance, there are two lion sculptures on each of the two platforms. On the pillars of the entrance, there are sculptures of gatekeepers (Dwarpal), auspicious symbols, and lamp niches on both sides. These two pillar branches are connected to each other by an arched carving. On that arch, there are sculptures of the Sun and the Moon. There are three arches on the upper floor of this two-story entrance. There is a path to reach there from inside the temple. One enters the main hall (Sabhamandap) of the temple through this entrance. The design of this hall is unique.

This structure is known for its intricate wood carving. The ceiling of the hall and the pillars supporting it are made of teak wood. These wooden pillars are adorned with carvings. In the hall, there is a sculpture of Garuda carved in marble. This sculpture is based on the story of Sant Dnyaneshwar and Sant Changdev Maharaj. Since Garuda is the vehicle of Lord Vishnu, he is given a place of honor in the Vitthal temple. Along with this, there is a silver statue of the exponent (Nirupankar) Shankar Waman, also known as Sonopant Dandekar. Sonopant Dandekar had performed the task of interpreting many texts of the Warkari tradition in simple language. He effectively conveyed the meaning of texts like the Dnyaneshwari to the common people. This statue has been erected in the temple in honor of his work.

The sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha) is designed leaving a circumambulation path (Pradakshina Marg) in the hall. The carved door frames of the sanctum are covered with silver sheets. There is a sculpture of Lord Ganesha on the lintel of the entrance. Inside the sanctum, there are idols of Vithoba and Rakhumai made of black stone on a diamond-shaped pedestal (Vajrapitha). The structure of the temple spire (Shikhara) is tall and rises in stages. There are sculptures of various deities on this spire. This spire was constructed using bricks and lime. At its pinnacle, there is a metal Kalash plated with gold. This style of the spire bears a resemblance to the architecture of temples from the Peshwa era.

During the Ashadhi Wari, thousands of Warkaris gather at this temple. Many devotees from across the state come here to join the Dindis (processions) heading to Pandharpur. During the days of Wari, the entire temple premises resonate with the chanting of the name of Vitthal. A ‘Chakri Bhajan’ program is organized here during the Palkhi halt. Watching this Chakri Bhajan is an important experience for Warkaris and devotees. The Warkaris stand in a large circle and rotate rapidly to the rhythm of the Bhajan. Everyone dances, forgetting themselves to the beat of this Bhajan. For this celebration, the temple premises are decorated and illuminated with lights.

The temple takes on a festive appearance during Ashadhi and Kartiki Ekadashi. Religious programs are also held with great enthusiasm on the day of Gokulashtami. Local citizens and merchants participate in these festivals in large numbers. The Palkhi of Sant Tukaram Maharaj’s Padukas (footprints) also stops here for a halt while returning from the Wari. During the Wari period, free Mahaprasad and accommodation arrangements are made for devotees in the temple premises. The Kakad Aarti of the deity takes place every morning at 6:30. Also, the evening Aarti ritual is performed at 7:30. Devotees can take Darshan here from 7:00 in the morning to 12:00 in the afternoon and from 4:00 in the evening to 8:00 at night.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery