Historic Jungle Maharaj Temple, Shivajinagar, Pune

The Sadguru Jangli Maharaj Temple is situated on a hill on Jangli Maharaj Road in Shivajinagar, a central area of Pune city. In the sixteenth century, this was a small village on the banks of the Mula River, known as Bhamburde. Due to its natural wealth and dense foliage, the area enjoyed natural protection. Since the Siddhayogi Jangli Maharaj took Samadhi here in 1890, this place has become a site of faith for millions of devotees. A unique feature of this temple is the ‘Nanda Deep’ (eternal lamp) that has been burning continuously since 1890.

The temple premises were formerly referred to as ‘Bhamburde Jungle’. Upon his arrival here in 1868, Shri Sadguru Jangli Maharaj made this area his ‘Karmabhumi’ (field of action). Born in the village of Honmurgi near Solapur, Maharaj had mastered many languages from a young age. While residing at the Rokdoba Temple in Bhamburde, Maharaj put an end to many undesirable practices prevalent in the area. Through his love, he stopped the animal sacrifices being performed at the temple and showed society the path of non-violence and pure devotion. By stopping the ‘Tamasha’ (folk theatre) performances in the temple premises, he encouraged the youth to engage in physical exercise and wrestling. Having created a blissful atmosphere of Bhajans and Kirtans in the temple, Maharaj convinced everyone of the importance of physical strength. Consequently, this place became a major center for social reform.

Deciding to take Samadhi in 1890, Jangli Maharaj left his mortal body on the hill at Bhamburde on April 4, 1890. After his Nirvana, a Samadhi temple was built at this site. Maharaj’s supreme disciple, Rakhmabai Aisaheb, managed the temple with utmost devotion, carrying this spiritual heritage and Maharaj’s teachings to the people. Following her passing in 1902, her Samadhi was also built within the same premises. Due to rapid development in modern times, the name of the Bhamburde area was changed to Shivajinagar. Today, this temple is considered the most peaceful and sacred place in the heart of Pune. Every year, millions of devotees visit for Darshan.

The stone entrance of the temple features carved wooden doors. An idol of Lord Ganesha is carved on the lintel of the entrance, flanked by lamp niches on both sides. Lamps are lit here at night. Even today, the auspicious sounds of the ‘Chaughada’ (traditional drums) resonate from the traditional ‘Nagarkhana’ above the entrance during festivals. Inside the entrance, there are about twenty steps built of carved stone. The pathway of steps, protected by sturdy railings, is shaded by dense Banyan trees. Inside the entrance, there are separate rooms for guards on both sides. Beautiful glass chandeliers that illuminate at night are hung here.

The temple courtyard is spacious and beautiful. Along with old and large trees, a magnificent 75-foot-tall flagstaff stands on the left side of the courtyard. The pole is topped with an attractive gold-plated pinnacle, and the saffron flag always flutters majestically. The flagstaff has a five-foot-high hexagonal pedestal, upon which there is a lotus-shaped replica. In this area, there are stone platforms with seating around the old Banyan trees.

The design of the ‘Sabhamandap’ (assembly hall) is semi-open and airy. The tin roof of the assembly hall is supported by wooden beams, which rest on stone pillars. The beauty of the hall is enhanced by ancient glass chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. On the left side of the assembly hall, an old ‘Nagara’ (drum) is kept, which is played during the Aarti. On the right, in a separate room, is the Samadhi of Maharaj’s Guru.

To the left of the assembly hall, a ‘Meghdambari’ (canopy) with a domed roof and an elegant spire has been erected. It is believed that this is the spot where Maharaj used to bathe, and where his ‘Padukas’ (footprints) have been installed. This place has attained the sanctity of a holy pilgrimage site. The cleanliness and maintenance of this area are exceptionally well-kept. The carvings on the pillars of the Meghdambari are distinctive. This small temple adds further beauty to the main temple.

Beyond the assembly hall are the ‘Antaral’ (vestibule) and the ‘Garbhagriha’ (sanctum sanctorum). The Garbhagriha houses the Samadhi of Maharaj. It is situated at a slightly higher level than the main assembly hall and is accessed by climbing three steps. Inside the Garbhagriha, behind the Samadhi, is a magnificent ten-foot-tall oil painting of Jangli Maharaj on the wall. The eternal Nanda Deep has been kept burning here since 1890. Above the Garbhagriha is an elegant spire built of stone.

Daily rituals are performed in the temple in a disciplined manner. After the auspicious morning bath and worship of Maharaj’s Samadhi, the morning and evening Aartis are conducted. At 9:00 PM, the ‘Panchpadi’ program takes place. There is a large crowd of devotees for Darshan on Mondays and Thursdays. The biggest festival of the year is the Maharaj’s Punyatithi (death anniversary) ceremony. This festival lasts for fifteen days in the month of Chaitra with great enthusiasm. During this time, discourses, Kirtans, and classical music programs are held. On the main day of the festival, Chaitra Shuddha Chaturdashi, a grand palanquin procession of Maharaj’s Padukas is taken out. The Hanuman Jayanti festival is also celebrated here with joy. Along with this, devotees attend in large numbers on Guru Purnima and Mahashivratri. On Tripurari Purnima, hundreds of lamps are lit in and around the temple. Devotees can have Darshan of the Samadhi daily from 5:30 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. On Mondays and Thursdays, the timing is continuous from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM.

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