Exploring Pune Day 3

Ganesha  statue near to Somatne Toll booth on High way

When one goes to Talegaon or Mumbai from Pune through the old highway, the most striking thing is the tall Ganesha statue on the right side of the road near to the toll booth. Every day when I travel to my factory I see Lord Ganesha  and move with a silent prayer. Its sight  has become a luring factor to climb the hill and see the statue from close range. Today the second spot to stop was this place.

I learned from different websites that this is the tallest Ganesha statue around Pune. This  copper plated RCC structure towers 54ft on top on the small hillock resting on a platform which is around 18 ft. tall. The statue is made by Birlas. In contrast to different Birla Mandirs that I had visited(Jaipur, Bhopal, Hyderabad) this does not have a temple like structure . This  massive will dwarf you due to its humongous size when you go near by.

 It’s a beautiful sight in the night when it is illuminated with good lighting system. A  lawn is made around the statue but the gate to that area is kept locked. The security was so strict that they did not allow me to go on the lawn  to take few snaps from there.

It may not have  big value in terms of tourism but being in Pune, its a must visit place.

Exploring Pune Day 3

Today I had a companion. My colleague Sumesh. As he came to Pune very recently, he was very curious to see places. His company has made the short trip more enjoyable. 

Parshwanath temple near Talegaon

I started from my home late today as it was really hot outside. Picked up Sumesh from his house and went to Parshwanath Temple, which is very near to Talegaon. It can be seen from the old Mumbai Pune Highway. It is temple complex of Jain community. The temple is yet to be completed fully.

The most striking elements in the temple are the pillars carved out of sand stone and the ceiling. Each pillar is different in design. The pillars are decorated with figures of different gods and goddesses.

Many of the gods are from Hindu Mythology. But there are lot of variations in compared to the knowledge that we had.

The floor is completed with exquisite marble inlay work.  As a whole it is really looking good but if we look from an angle of an expert in interior construction industry you can find lot of flaws. The center dome is marvelous.

 

Dome 

 I have seen similar decorative domes at Akshardham Temple, Delhi (Strictly speaking this is incomparable with Akshardham).  The roof of all the structures are similar to that in Orissa.

 It has lot of resemblance to the roof of Puri and Konark. The surrounding complex with statues of different deities looks great with its pillars. 

There are lot of work going on in the complex. It will become a must visit place in Pune for all tourists.