🕉 Shri Omkareshwar Devasthan
Historic Temple of Peshwa Era | Heritage Grade I Monument | Pune, Maharashtra
Temple Activities
Religious Rituals, Cultural Celebrations & Social Welfare Initiatives
🕉 Religious Rituals
The Devasthan performs various religious rituals throughout the year, maintaining centuries-old traditions while serving the spiritual needs of thousands of devotees. The temple is renowned for its authentic Vedic practices and grand celebrations that attract devotees from across Maharashtra and beyond.
महाशिवरात्रि - Mahashivratri
The most significant event of the year, Mahashivratri at Omkareshwar when Maharudra Hom and Abhishek is performed with extraordinary grandeur. In olden days, Ati-Rudra Yajnya & Abhishek used to be performed with 110 priests was over 7 days.
🌟 Unique Feature - Women Priests
A remarkable tradition was started by Late Smt. Anandibai Lonkar, the first trustee of the Devasthan trust. Hom & Abhishek used to be performed by Lady Priests under a Lady Head Priest (Purohit). This progressive practice honors the divine feminine while maintaining Vedic authenticity, making Omkareshwar unique among traditional temples. The tradition was followed for nearly 40 years
📸 Mahashivratri Celebration Photos
Mahashivaratri Puja by Lady Priests
श्रावणी सोमवार - Shravani Somvar (Shravan Month Mondays)
The holy month of Shravan is specially celebrated with elaborate rituals every Monday.
Devotees believe that prayers offered to Lord Shiva during Shravan month are particularly auspicious and bring special blessings.
📸 Shravan Somvar Celebration Photos
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त्रिपुरी पौर्णिमा - Tripuri Poornima (Kartik Poornima)
On Tripuri Poornima, an event of Tripurasur Vadh (on the lines of Ravan Vadh at Ramlila Ground in Delhi) is being organized since year 2012. It incorporates performance of classical dance, Tandav Nrutya (cosmic dance of Shiva) by eminent artists in the temple courtyard.
🎭 The Grand Spectacle
After perfoming Tandav, Bhagvan Shiv proceeds on a chiariot for performing Tripurasur Vadh. Elaborate set of three statues of sons of daemon Tripurasur and their 3 Nagaris (cities) made of Gold, Silver and Iron are made. Bhagvan Shiva then shoots them with one arrow and the entire Nagari explodes into magnificent fireworks.
Thousands gather on the banks of the Mutha River to witness this spectacular event that rivals Delhi's famous Ramlila Ravan Vadh celebration.
📸 Tripuri Poornima Celebration Photos
Tripurasur Statues for Dahan
दैनिक पूजा - Daily Pooja & Abhishek
Throughout the year, devotees perform various poojas and abhisheks (ritual bathing with water) in the temple. All arrangements are made by the Trust office, and official priests conduct these rituals for devotees.
चक्का पूजा - Chakka Pooja
This most unique tradition of chakka pooja was started over 100 years ago. Various murtis of Gods & Godesses are artistically are formed over the Shivling using Chakka (thick yogurt). The Gabhara is beautifully decorated with flowers.
चंदन पूजा - Chandan Pooja
Every summer, during the month of May Chandan Puja is performed. The shivling is decoreated with sandalwood paste depicting various Gods and Godesses. The Gabhara is adorned with flowers, and the prasad is distributed to all devotees.
Evening: Light classical musical concert
Regular Abhisheks
Daily ritual bathing of the Shivling with various sacred substances including milk, honey, ghee, yogurt, and sacred water. Available for devotees throughout the year.
📸 Daily Pooja & Special Ceremonies Photos
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🎭 Cultural Activities
Historically, temples have been the centers of music and dance to propitiate God. The Omkareshwar Devasthan proudly continues this ancient tradition, serving as a vital platform for preserving and promoting classical Indian arts.
Platform for Artiests
The temple presents performances of veteran as well as budding singers, musicians, and dancers by providing a heritage platform for their performances. This commitment helps nurture new talent while keeping classical arts alive for future generations.
🎵 Classical Music Concerts
Regular performances of Hindustani classical music held in the temple courtyard. The temple has associated with Sanskar Bharati to organize high-quality musical programs.
- Vocal classical performances
- Instrumental concerts
- Devotional music programs
- Light classical evenings
💃 Classical Dance Performances
In association with Shastriya Nrutya Samvardhan Sanstha , the apex body of Dance Gurus of Pune, namely Pt.Smt.Shama Bhate, Pt.Smt.Manisha Sathe and Pt.Smt.Sucheta Chapekar, the Devasthan presents beautiful dance performances showcasing various Indian classical dance forms.
- Bharatanatyam
- Kathak
- Odissi
- Other classical forms
🎪 Year-Round Programs
Throughout the year, numerous performances are held in the temple's historic courtyard, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
- Open to devotees and general public
- Free admission
- Traditional temple ambiance
- Support for emerging artists
📸 Cultural Performance Photos
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🤝 Social Activities & Community Service
Conscious of its social responsibility, the Trust undertakes various activities to help people in multiple fields. The temple believes in serving society beyond spiritual guidance, actively working for the welfare of the community.
🏥 COVID-19 Relief Services
During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Omkareshwar Devasthan stepped up to serve the community with compassion and dedication.
📸 COVID Relief Service Photos
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📚 Support for MPSC Aspirants
Understanding the financial challenges faced by students preparing for competitive examinations, the temple provides essential support to outstation MPSC candidates coming to Pune.
📸 Student Support Program Photos
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⛑️ Palkhi Medical Camp
When the famous Palkhi procession (Pandharpur Wari) halts at the temple, comprehensive medical services are provided to the thousands of pilgrims (Varkaris).
Medical Camp Facilities
- Doctors: Approximately 40 medical professionals
- Pharmacy: Fully equipped drug store on-site
- Services: Free medical consultation and medicines
- Additional Support: Bottled water supplied for onward journey
📸 Palkhi Medical Camp Photos
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🎓 Educational Support for Children
The temple provides financial assistance to ensure that economically disadvantaged children from surrounding areas can continue their education.
📸 Education Support Program Photos
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🏅 Peshwe Chimaji Appa Puraskar
A prestigious award established to commemorate the valor and dedication of Chimaji Appa Peshwe, the temple's original patron. This honor recognizes the ultimate sacrifice made by brave soldiers for the nation.
Award Details
- Purpose: Honoring martyred soldiers who laid their life for the nation
- Components: Citation and Rs. 50,000/- cash award
- Presented to: Families of brave soldiers
- Legacy: Continuing Chimaji Appa's tradition of courage and patriotism
📸 Chimaji Appa Puraskar Ceremony Photos
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🙏 Community Impact
Through these diverse social initiatives, Shri Omkareshwar Devasthan demonstrates that a temple's role extends far beyond religious rituals. By serving society through healthcare, education, food security, and honoring national heroes, the temple embodies the true spirit of seva (service) and continues the Peshwa-era tradition of social welfare and community support.
📸 Community Service & Social Activities Compilation
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