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Maharashtra Khunya Murlidhar Mandir
This temple is a very old standing in a dilapidated state today. There is a court stay on this temple now and today this temple seems to have only one of these ways out – either to just collapse or to be brought down by the authorities. But there is a history behind this temple and this was once a very important temple in the minds of the people.
History
The temple of Murlidhar Mandir was constructed in the end of 1700 by Dada Gadre and he had requested Nayaran Bhatt Khare who used to reside in Tryambakeshwar for the maintenance of the temple. Even to this day this temple is being taken care of by Vasant Khare who is the sixth in line to the family of Narayan Bhatt Khare who was given the responsibility of the temple.
Architecture
The temple had a long stretch of pillars and a massive tower or gopuram and the idols of Muralidhar were made in pure white marble. These idols are quiet big and baffling and are almost a foot and close to eleven inches big and that of Radha’s is at a foot and eight inches. The idol also has two cows and calves and a Garuda. The ability of the architect Bhaktaram and his Bhakti towards Muralidhar talk volumes through his sculptures.
How to Reach
By Air
Pune is the nearest airport and there are taxis and auto rickshaws that go to Sadashiv Peth. Sadashiv Peth is a busy commercial center and the temple is right in the heart of the city.
By Rail
Pune is the nearest railway station as well, and the auto fare from Pune railway station to the temple is less than fifty rupees. You could find a lot of autos just outside the station, so, connectivity is never a problem.
Local transport
You could get taxis or auto rickshaws if you are travelling inside Sadashiv Peth and this is really bang on and not difficult to spot at all.
Important Shrines
The temple has the shrine of Muralidhar in white marble. Muralidhar is flanked by Radha whose sculpture is just inches shorter. There are other shrines for Garuda who is considered to be the vaahan or carrier of Lord Vishnu and as per Hindu mythology the darshan of Garuda is mandatory before the darshan of Vishnu himself.
Significance of the Temple
Muralidhar was named Khunya because as the idol was installed in the temple premises there was a bloody fight that ensued for the same. Peshwa Baji Rao had British soldiers on his side to fight the Arab soldiers supporting Sadashiv Gadre who was the founder of the temple. Peshwa Baji Rao was baffled by the beauty of the idol and wanted to gain control over it and when Gadre resisted, a war started off in which almost hundred soldiers lost their lives – since then Muralidhar became Khunya Muralidhar, with khun meaning blood in Hindi.
Attractions
Khunya Muralidhar temple is in Central Pune and the other attractions there include Omkareshwar temple and Parvati temple and hills. The Parvati temple and hills is a good trekking spot so it is one of the main tourist attractions of the place.
Timings and other important information
Though now the temple is in shambles and does not even have support to stand is supported by bamboo poles, in the times of fair weather this temple had regular pujas being performed every morning and evening and people from the nearby regions would flock here to see the aarti and receive the prasad of the God.
Weather and Time to Visit
There are no particular times to visit and pilgrims can plan a trip anytime to this place. Since this is in the heart of the city, there are no major disturbances. At the times of Krishna Jayanthi the temple used to have special prayers being offered, but now considering the condition of the temple, there is not much of pujas being performed.
Accommodation
The advantage of the temple being in the city is very obvious as there are a lot of good hotels for various budgets and the pilgrims can choose these according to their taste and preference.
Tips for Devotees
Today the temple is in a very dilapidated state and there are environmentalists and social workers who are trying to take control to get this to the past glory, so devotees can choose to donate freely for the temple to gain its original state.
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