Parvati Hill Temple

It is believed that Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao watched the defeat of the British in the Battle of Kirkee from the hills. The temple was built during the Peshwa rule in Pune by Shrimant Nanasaheb. According to a common legend, the temple was built in order to fulfil a vow taken by his mother, Kashibai. Kashibai had heard of a shrine atop Parvati Hill who supposedly had healing powers. Suffering from pain in her right foot, she visited the shrine and vowed to build a glorious temple when she is cured. Eventually, she was cured and Nanasaheb built the temple in 1749.

Nanasaheb had named the temple "Devadeveshwara" which literally means "Lord of Lords" - which suggests the most supreme of the Lords. When Nanasaheb fell seriously ill, he preferred living in the temple, than to stay at his home. The hill also has a memorial of Nanasaheb Peshwa.

The temples atop Parvati hill are the oldest heritage structures in Pune, with the Parvati temple standing for around 270 years. They are the remnants of the Peshwa dynasty. The entrance of the temple is majestic. Representing the door attendants, both the sides of the entrance are adorned with two Bhairavas (demi-gods). The Bhairavas are made of Blackstone installed only in 1981. The entrance door is crafted out of granite stone and is as big as a room. Reminiscent of the Peshwa times, the entrance is embellished with the arches that are stuck in time. The archway is pear-shaped and is structurally designed to fit a square frame.

The entrance leads to the courtyard of the huge temple. This is known as the Sadar- a receiving counter where an idol of Lord Ganesh is kept. This idol has been bought from Jaipur, made of pure white marble. Now, this idol is worshipped before starting off with any work or activity.