Top places to visit near Ganpatipule and Jambharun As a part of our 3 days trip to Jambharun ( Blog Post :Hidden Gem - Jambharun ) , we had one day planned to visit the nearby places. Among them was Ganpatipule , which is significantly known for the revered Ganpati temple on the beach. I will list out the places to visit near Ganpatipule and Jambhrun in this post. Jambhrun is kind of a center point to all these locations, so you can start from one end and circle back to your homestay in Jambharun . 1. Lakshmi Keshav Mandir,Kolisare Keshav Lakshmi idol This was the highlight of all the locations that we visited. It had the same vibes when we visited Keshavraj temple in Karde(Post: Keshavarja Temple|Karde|Dapoli )
Like I promised in Ramdara Temple post, here comes a detailed description of Pune's most beautiful temple
Shri Swaminarayan Temple
Quote by Shri Swaminarayan:
"Visit the temple of deities as much as possible, to get the divine energy."
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| SwamiNarayan Mandir |
Wrong Turn
It was a impromptu plan, we wanted to go somewhere nearby but outside Pune.
The actual plan was to visit a temple which is located on top of Katraj hill which was Jain temple and we thought it was same Swaminarayan temple.
We had put Swaminarayan temple on map and on reaching the destination we were like, is it same temple we wanted to go.So, we actually ended up reaching different temple but certainly not disappointed.
Things to know about Swaminarayan temple
This is one of the many temples built by the B.A.P.S society among others all over Bharat (List of Swaminarayan Temples).
- They are also inaugurating the world's second largest temple in New Jersey in October which will be spread across 187acres.The largest temple is Angkor Wat Temple which is spread across 400 acres.
The Pune temple was inaugurated in Feb 2017 and is built as per Dravidian architecture with hand carved sculptors and designs. The temple is completely made of pink and red sandstone without using any steel and assembled like a 3D puzzle.
It is spread across approx 33,000 sqft. area surrounded by four garden area. The temple has over 10000 intricately carved sculptors and deities. The multiple Toran around the Abhishek Mandapam are so beautiful, it makes you awestruck with all the minute detailing that has gone into it.
The temple area is well planned with garden area around the temple, sitting area available and ample space for vehicle parking. There are also volunteers monitoring the Darshan queues to enable smooth movement.
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| Toran |
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| Radha Krishna |
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| Surdas ji |
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| Rishi Ashtavakra |
What to see
- Abhishek Mandapam
This is main part of temple where the temple deities are kept and devotees can perform 'Abhishek'. There are idols of various Hindu Gods and Goddesses where devotees offer their prayers.
The beauty of these idols captures the attention of the devotee. The idols are so beautiful no other thoughts can enter one's mind, maybe that is what the purpose of beautifying idols. Its not for them, its for the person offering prayer.
Even though all the idols are absolutely amazing but most noticeable idols were that of Hanuman, Ganpati, Radha Krishna, Narayan Swami and Devi.
Note:
Photos are not allowed inside the Abhishek mandapam and aarti mandap, so you have to personally visit the temple to have a looks of these
- Food Shop
They offer pure veg food with various authentic and traditional taste.
No outside food is allowed.
There is also a stall where items made from ghee are sold.These are must try items.
- Gift Shop
They offer various gift items, books, bhajan and spiritual CD/DVDs.
- Fun Fair
This is organized only on Weekends, so kids can have some fun here. We also had gone on weekend and it was quite crowdy with mostly parents living nearby bringing their kids here.
Few sculpture marvels in the temple
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Ganesha |
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| few more hand carved pillars |
Where is Swaminarayan Mandir and how to reach
The temple is located near Ambegaon, Narhe close to Mumbai-Bengaluru National Highway. Its located close to the Katraj lake and surrounded by lush green hills.
It's best to have a private vehicle to reach the temple or one can take bus till Ambegaon BK Narhe and hire a auto.
Swaminarayan Temple Timings -
Morning - 7:00am - 12:00pm
Evening - 4:00pm - 8.30pm
During aarti timings, they close the inner sanctum doors and no new entries are allowed during that time.
Tips while visiting the temple
- Don't carry outside food items/carry bags inside the temple.
- Photos are not allowed inside the Abhishek mandapam, guards do keep constant watch.
- Visit on weekend if you have kids, so that they can enjoy the fun fair.
- No entry fees and no parking charges as well. Parking space is also quite huge.
Its important we respect our culture and keep visiting our temples, that will keep us in the right path and help in defining our life.
As Shri Swaminarayan says-
" Our life would be wholesome only if we do good activities and walk in the spiritual path "
nice!
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