🕉 Shri Omkareshwar Devasthan
Historic Temple of Peshwa Era | Heritage Grade I Monument | Pune, Maharashtra
History of Omkareshwar Temple
A Journey Through Time: From Peshwa Era to Modern Day
🕉 Vedmurty Shivrambhat Chitrav - The Visionary Builder
📸 Portrait of Vedmurty Shivrambhat Chitrav
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The Enlightened Guru of Peshwa Era
Vedmurty Shivrambhat Chitrav, the builder of the magnificent Omkareshwar temple, was not just a civil engineer by profession but a great enlightened Guru of the Peshwa era. His spiritual wisdom and philosophical nature attracted the most powerful personalities of his time.
Distinguished Disciples of Shivrambhat
Among those who held him in the status of Guru and regularly sought his darshan were:
- Chimaji Appa Peshwe - Younger brother of Bajirao Peshwa I
- Nanasaheb Peshwe - Prominent Peshwa leader
- Babuji Naik Baramatikar - Notable nobleman
- Raghuji Bhosle of Nagpur - Maratha ruler
- Raja Pant Sachiv of Bhor - State official
Architectural Legacy
Shivrambhat's expertise as a civil engineer manifested in the numerous temples he built and restored across Maharashtra. His architectural genius combined with spiritual devotion created structures that stand as monuments of faith and craftsmanship even today.
Temples Built
- Someshwar Temple, Pashan
- Ganesh Temple, Ganeshkhind
- Rameshwar Temple, Uddhar
- Omkareshwar Temple (Masterpiece)
Temples Restored
- Nageshwar Temple, Pune
- Kedareshwar Temple, Pune
- Ganeshkhind Temple (1730-1734)
Honors Received
- Village Uddhar (3,500 acres) - Gift from Siddi of Janjira
- Jagir of Ramtek - Offered by Raghuji Bhosale (declined)
- 48 acres at Pimpri - Gift from Babuji Naik
The Sanyasi's Philosophy
When Peshwa offered him the treasure of gold mohors found during the excavation of a well near Ganeshkhind temple, Shivrambhat declined, stating: "Wealth is of no use to me as I am a Sanyasi." This act of renunciation and honesty impressed the Peshwa deeply and led to the construction of the Omkareshwar temple.
Final Years
After completing the Omkareshwar temple, Shivrambhat took Sanjeevan Samadhi at the Someshwar Temple in Pashan, Pune on Thursday, 15th April 1751 (Chaitra Vadya 5, Shake 1673). The Someshwar temple, which he had restored, became his final resting place, symbolizing the circle of his spiritual journey.
🏛️ The Genesis of Omkareshwar Temple
Historical Context
Omkareshwar is a historic temple of Mahadev from the Peshwa era, protected by law as "HERITAGE GRADE I" monument. This is the biggest temple of Pune city and is recognized as a "C" Grade Temple of Maharashtra. It is registered with the Charity Commissioner, Pune as a Public Trust.
Older Than Kashi Vishwanath
Omkareshwar Temple: Constructed 1736-1738
Kashi Vishwanath Temple: Constructed 1777-1780 by Rani Ahilyadevi
The Omkareshwar temple predates the present-day Kashi Vishwanath temple by over 40 years, making it one of the earliest grand temples of the Peshwa era.
The Discovery that Changed History
Between 1730 and 1734, Shivrambhat, in search of a quiet place for meditation, reached the dilapidated Ganeshkhind temple at the foot of Chatushrungi hill. He restored and renovated this temple, making it his place for regular meditation.
As devotees began visiting the renovated temple, Shivrambhat excavated an abandoned well to the north to provide drinking water for visitors. To his surprise, he discovered large pots (Hande) filled with gold mohors (coins).
Being an honest Brahmin and knowing that treasure trove is state property, Shivrambhat immediately took the gold to the Peshwa. The Peshwa was immensely pleased with this act of honesty and offered the entire treasure to Shivrambhat as a gift.
The Sacred Request
When Shivrambhat declined the wealth saying he was a Sanyasi with no use for riches, the Peshwa deposited the gold in the state treasury and asked what purpose he wished it to be used for.
At that time, Pune had no Mahadev temple worthy of note. Two historic temples of Mahadev - PUNYESHWAR and NARAYNESHWAR - had been desecrated and converted into mosques about 500 years prior by foreign invaders.
Shivrambhat expressed his desire to build a magnificent Shiva temple. When asked to suggest a location, Shivrambhat wisely stated: "Shiva resides in the cemetery" and suggested a spot near the Mutha River.
🏗️ Construction of the Temple
📸 Historical Photo/Painting of Temple Construction Era
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Patronage and Support
The Peshwa granted Shivrambhat the entire right bank of the Mutha River at its bend for temple construction. An entry in the Peshwe records reads: "On the slope from where Cows go to river, Shivrambhat was told to construct Shivalay."
📅 Construction Timeline
📊 Temple Construction Facts
Chimaji Appa Peshwe - The Devoted Patron
The temple was built during the reign of Thorle Bajirao Peshwa. Since Bajirao Peshwa was constantly on war expeditions, his younger brother Chimaji Appa was in charge of Pune. Chimaji Appa Peshwe was a great devotee of Omkareshwar and became the primary patron of the temple's construction.
His devotion to the temple was so profound that his Samadhi (memorial) stands in front of the Omkareshwar temple, where his wife Annapurnabai performed Sati with him in the year 1740. This Samadhi remains a significant historical monument within the temple complex.
📸 Chimaji Appa's Samadhi
📜 Peshwa Era Significance
📸 Paintings/Images of Peshwas
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The Omkareshwar temple stands as a testament to the religious, cultural, and architectural achievements of the Peshwa era. During this golden period of Maratha history, the Peshwas not only expanded their political influence but also became great patrons of art, architecture, and religion.
The Peshwa Dynasty
The Peshwas were the prime ministers of the Maratha Empire and became the de facto rulers during the 18th century. Under their leadership, Pune transformed from a small town into a major political and cultural center of Maharashtra.
Key Peshwa Rulers Associated with the Temple
- Bajirao Peshwa I (1720-1740): Under whose reign the temple was commissioned
- Chimaji Appa Peshwe: Direct patron of temple construction and devoted Omkareshwar bhakt
- Nanasaheb Peshwe: Disciple of Shivrambhat, continued temple support
Architectural Marvel
Of all Shivrambhat's temple creations, Omkareshwar stands as his most memorable and grandest creation. The massive temple showcases the architectural brilliance of the Peshwa period, featuring:
- Expansive courtyard with meditation chambers (Ovaries)
- Grand main entrance (completed by Krishna Bhat in 1758)
- Nagarkhana (drum house) for ceremonial music
- Strategic location on the banks of Mutha River
- Impressive stone architecture characteristic of Peshwa era temples
Cultural and Religious Hub
From its inception, the temple became a center of religious learning, philosophical discourse, and cultural activities. The tradition of hosting musical concerts and dance performances in the temple courtyard has continued for nearly three centuries, making it an important cultural landmark of Pune.
🏛️ Heritage Status and Modern Recognition
Heritage Grade I
Protected by law as Heritage Grade I monument, ensuring preservation of its historical and architectural significance
C Grade Temple
Recognized as C Grade Temple by Maharashtra Government, acknowledging its religious importance
Public Trust
Registered with Charity Commissioner, Pune, ensuring transparent governance and public accountability
Largest in Pune
Holds the distinction of being the biggest temple in Pune city
Today, nearly 285 years after its construction, the Omkareshwar temple continues to serve as a living monument to the vision of Shivrambhat Chitrav, the patronage of the Peshwas, and the rich cultural heritage of Maharashtra. It remains a vibrant center of spiritual devotion, drawing thousands of devotees daily while maintaining its historical grandeur and religious traditions.