Temples In India

Maharashtra Shri Balaji Temple Prati Tirupati Ketkavla

The Balaji temple in Ketkavla is modeled on the Balaji temple of Andhra Pradesh and they follow the same procedures that are followed there.  This is a beautiful and simple temple off the Pune Bangalore highway and this is like a Tirupati temple minus the crowd, which makes it all the more alluring.

History

Though this temple is one of the newer or modern temples constructed in 2006, there are no compromises on the constructions or the maintenance of this temple.  The best thing about this temple is the cleanliness and each and every nook and corner of this temple is maintained absolutely clean thanks to the efforts of the temple authorities.

Architecture

The temple, again very similar to the one at Tirupati has an entrance with the arch work and this kind of welcomes the pilgrims to the temple.  There are white towers at the entrance of the temple and the sanctum sanctorum where Lord Balaji resides is gold plated.  The temple is really vast and covers a big area and the temple has places to store the luggage, there is a place to safely put away cell phones and other electronic gadgets as well.  There is a big Annadana mandapam, which is the hall where the free meals are distributed.

How to Reach

By Air

Pune is the nearest airport and this temple is about an hour’s drive from Pune.  You can easily get taxis from the airport to reach the temple.

By Rail

Pune railway station is where you need to get off if you are going to reach the Balaji Temple in Ketkavla.  Again you can get taxis to get to this temple from the railway station.  There are buses that go to the temple from the Pune railway station.

Local Transport

There are buses that go on the Pune Bangalore highway and if you get on to these buses then you can get off at the Satara road and take an auto to Ketkavla.

Important Shrines

The Balaji temple is full of important shrines – one is Mahalakshmi, the consort of Balaji, Garuda, the vaahana of Balaji, Hayagreevar – who is the god responsible for education, Hanuman – the biggest devotee of Lord Rama and chakrathaazvar and Andal.  All of these make these a complete Vishnu temple and so pilgrims who cannot go all the way to the Tirupati temple in Andhra Pradesh come here to offer their prayers.

Significance of the Temple

The temple is significant in more ways than one.  First of all it is complete with a whole host of sub shrines within the temple itself.  Then, it is completely an adaptation of the Tirupati temple and right from the Laddu prasad for the devotees to the free meals scheme everything about the temple is just completely nice. As a relief, this temple is not very crowded like the one at Tirupati and on weekdays pilgrims can have darshan in about 25 minutes from the time they reach here.

Attractions

The temple itself is a major attraction.  Then the temple provides solace for people who cannot travel all the way down to the world famous Tirupati temple and so it is loved by one and all.  The temple being maintained very neat and clean is also another major reason for pilgrims to love coming to this temple.

Timings and other Important Information

The temple is open from morning till about eight pm in the evening.  All festivals that are celebrated in Tirupati and all sevas that is performed there are done here in this temple as well.  Weekends tend to get crowded because people visit this temple in larger numbers.

Weather and time to Visit

The temple can be visited all around the year since this is just an hour’s drive from Pune, it can either be visited as a get away from Pune for a weekend or even as a day’s trip.

Accommodation

It is better to look for accommodation in Pune itself.  Pune will have better options and choices to suit your need and budgets.  From Pune, pilgrims can hire a taxi and get to the temple, finish their visit and then head back on the same day.

Tips for Devotees

Pilgrims are requested to wait patiently during weekends because there is a possibility of crowd coming in.  This is more so the case in the time of school vacation or the auspicious month of September 15th – October 15th.

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