Today's was our extempore visit. There was one family function in the afternoon at Pimpale Saudagar (area in Pune). So we decided to visit this Vaishno Devi Temple nearby in Pimpri.
This is said to be replica of the Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu & Kashmir. It is located in the densely populated area in Pimpri near Pune. Visiting the original in J&K comes with its own hardships - it is far away from here, high altitude (5300 feet), need to walk up kilometers to reach there.
The replica at Pune is a very good alternative - one can visit here easily and frequently; very useful for elderly people. However, nothing can beat the original; it still remains the second most visited religious shrine in India, after Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple in Tirupati.
We started off from our house at 9.45 am. This time my wife was driving the car, first time to this distance after she learnt driving. Hence we were cruising at relaxing speeds even though there was no any traffic.
We took the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-4). Just after Nashik Phata (i.e Kasarwadi), remember to take the service road on the left. About 2 kms after Nashik Phata, there is a road on to the left. Signboard for Dairy Farm is shown. There is a chance to miss this turn. This turn just before a well-known company Hindustan Antibiotics. So if you are able to see this company's gate on your left, it means that you have surely missed this turn; so time to take a U-turn ;-)
Some of the landmarks after Nashik Phata and before this turn are: An IO petrol pump, A underground diversion for crossing the highway, Shell Petrol Pump, newly constructed Commercial Complex and Indian Card Clothing Company.
View Larger Map
Once left is taken, a little ahead is the Railway Crossing. The single road turns to left first and then to right. Here some inquiry is required as the road ahead goes from many lanes and by-lanes; however, the temple is famous in this locality. Anybody walking on the roads can direct you.
The temple is in the dense locality with shops, buildings and houses around. Looking from outside it seems to be just another temple; however the secret unveils inside.
A small cave is created at the entry with ankle-deep water and just one bulb glowing. This was something new to be witnessed. I am not sure how it is at the original temple in J&K, but this was surely fascinating.
The Holy Shrine inside is very similar to the actual with three rocks representing Goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi and Kali ( Left to Right).
Opposite the Vaishno Devi Temple, there is another colorful and attractive temple of Lord Ganesh that comes to sight easily. It has a very small but beautiful Ganesh idol, with Ashtavinayakas surrounding the hall. Externals of the temple is with bright colors and large idols of various deities.
All in all, visit to this place can become a small 2-3 hour trip coupled with an experience of visiting the Vaishno Devi Temple.
Odometer readings:
0 kms Narayan Peth
13 Nashik Phata
15 Left Turn
16 Vaishno Devi Temple
Coordinates: 18° 37' 05.60" N 73° 48' 15.31"E
This is said to be replica of the Vaishno Devi Temple in Jammu & Kashmir. It is located in the densely populated area in Pimpri near Pune. Visiting the original in J&K comes with its own hardships - it is far away from here, high altitude (5300 feet), need to walk up kilometers to reach there.
The replica at Pune is a very good alternative - one can visit here easily and frequently; very useful for elderly people. However, nothing can beat the original; it still remains the second most visited religious shrine in India, after Tirumala Venkateshwara Temple in Tirupati.
We started off from our house at 9.45 am. This time my wife was driving the car, first time to this distance after she learnt driving. Hence we were cruising at relaxing speeds even though there was no any traffic.
We took the Old Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH-4). Just after Nashik Phata (i.e Kasarwadi), remember to take the service road on the left. About 2 kms after Nashik Phata, there is a road on to the left. Signboard for Dairy Farm is shown. There is a chance to miss this turn. This turn just before a well-known company Hindustan Antibiotics. So if you are able to see this company's gate on your left, it means that you have surely missed this turn; so time to take a U-turn ;-)
Some of the landmarks after Nashik Phata and before this turn are: An IO petrol pump, A underground diversion for crossing the highway, Shell Petrol Pump, newly constructed Commercial Complex and Indian Card Clothing Company.
View Larger Map
Once left is taken, a little ahead is the Railway Crossing. The single road turns to left first and then to right. Here some inquiry is required as the road ahead goes from many lanes and by-lanes; however, the temple is famous in this locality. Anybody walking on the roads can direct you.
The temple is in the dense locality with shops, buildings and houses around. Looking from outside it seems to be just another temple; however the secret unveils inside.
A small cave is created at the entry with ankle-deep water and just one bulb glowing. This was something new to be witnessed. I am not sure how it is at the original temple in J&K, but this was surely fascinating.
The Holy Shrine inside is very similar to the actual with three rocks representing Goddesses Saraswati, Lakshmi and Kali ( Left to Right).
Opposite the Vaishno Devi Temple, there is another colorful and attractive temple of Lord Ganesh that comes to sight easily. It has a very small but beautiful Ganesh idol, with Ashtavinayakas surrounding the hall. Externals of the temple is with bright colors and large idols of various deities.
All in all, visit to this place can become a small 2-3 hour trip coupled with an experience of visiting the Vaishno Devi Temple.
Odometer readings:
0 kms Narayan Peth
13 Nashik Phata
15 Left Turn
16 Vaishno Devi Temple
Coordinates: 18° 37' 05.60" N 73° 48' 15.31"E
That looks amazing! I'm so glad you had such an amazing trip. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks,
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Hi,
ReplyDeleteCould you let me know the timings of the mandir? we are planning to go there in evening around 6-7 PM.
Hi Pradeep,
DeleteYou can very well visit in the evenings. I had visited there earlier at 6.30 pm.
thanks for your post.I visited mata vaishno devi temple which is located at jammu kashmir.but i would like to visit this temple also which is nearby my city.thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the Opening time of the temple in morning ??
ReplyDeleteHi All
ReplyDeleteA small cave is created at the entry with ankle-deep water and just one bulb glowing. This was something new to be witnessed. i don't know about this place but this is very amazing place this was surely fascinating.
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Nice blog & information!
ReplyDeleteVisit following to know more about -
Vaishno Mata Mandir
http://punyadarshan.com/vaishno-mata-mandir/