Gajanan Deshpande

It is a must visit for every Punekar to get to know their culture and I think it is a hidden gem of Pune. The temple is a symbol of intermixing of various architectural styles and the best part are the beautiful intricate carvings. This temple is a treat for the history buffs as well as an important religious centre.

In the bylanes of Somwar Peth lies this 1000-year old temple dedicated to Bhagwan Shankar. The temple is a confluence of three different periods, three different architectural styles. The temple is in Hemadpanti style but its shikhar is built in the form of a dome, influenced by Islamic architecture, complete with minars. It can be said that the architects did this to save this temple from destruction while it also shows the influence and amalgamation of the Hindu and Muslim way of life. The wooden sabhamandap was built by the Peshwas in the Maratha style of architecture.
You can learn more about this temple and other historic places of Pune on YouTube in the series 'Gosht Punyachi' by Lokmat