Kasba Ganpati
Ganesha (Kasba Ganpati) temple · Pune, Maharashtra, India
Photo: Gayathri menon · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Kasba Ganpati is a temple of Lord Ganesha in Kasba Peth, Pune, Maharashtra, close to the Lal Mahal. The Pune district administration describes it as the gramdaivat, or presiding village deity, of Pune, and the Ganpati given first honour in the city.
The temple is closely linked to Jijabai, mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who is credited with installing the deity. During Pune's public Ganeshotsav, Kasba Ganpati is first among the city's five 'manache' (honoured) Ganpatis.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Kasba Ganpati
As Pune's gramdaivat, Kasba Ganpati has a special place in the city's religious life. Kasba itself is described by Sakal as Pune's original settlement, the core from which the city grew.
Its standing is most visible during Ganeshotsav. The district administration notes that the temple holds first priority in the festival procession, and Dainik Prabhat reports that Pune's immersion procession begins with Kasba Ganpati.
Heritage
History of Kasba Ganpati
Accounts in the Marathi press connect the temple to the period after Shahaji Raje Bhosale built the Lal Mahal in Pune in 1636. The Pune district administration records that Jijabai commissioned the installation of the deity, with Dadoji Kondadev overseeing the work. Dainik Prabhat reports that Jijabai had a stone sanctum built around the idol, and that a hall was added later.
Traditions vary on the temple's origins. Sakal reports a tradition that Jijabai established the deity after Ganesha appeared to her in a dream. It also reports that the Thakar family, who came from Karnataka, established Kasba Ganpati. These accounts sit side by side in local tradition.
According to tradition, the original image was tiny, about the size of a grain of rice. Dainik Prabhat reports that layers of vermilion over time have made it roughly 3.5 feet tall. It also records the belief that Shivaji Maharaj sought the deity's blessings before setting out on campaigns. The same paper dates the start of Pune's public Ganeshotsav to 1893.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
The temple is busiest during Ganeshotsav and on the day of the immersion procession, which begins here. Confirm current darshan arrangements and festival traffic restrictions with the temple management and Pune city authorities before visiting.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 5 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Kasba Ganpati
Ganeshotsav
Kasba Ganpati is first in honour among Pune's manache Ganpatis and leads the city's festival procession.
Ganeshotsav immersion procession
Pune's immersion procession begins with Kasba Ganpati, as reported by Dainik Prabhat.
Location
How to Reach Kasba Ganpati
Kasba Ganpati is in Kasba Peth in the old core of Pune, near the Lal Mahal. The Pune district administration lists Pune Airport (Lohegaon) as the city's international airport, about 15 km from the city centre, and Pune Junction as the main railway station.
Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
Nearest airport: Pune Airport (Lohegaon)
Nearest railway station: Pune Junction
More in Hindu temples in Maharashtra · Ganesha (Kasba Ganpati) temples · Temples in Pune City Taluka · Temples in Pune District
Questions
Kasba Ganpati: Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kasba Ganpati important in Pune?
The Pune district administration describes it as the gramdaivat (presiding village deity) of Pune and the Ganpati given first honour in the city.
Who installed Kasba Ganpati?
The district administration credits Jijabai, mother of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, with commissioning the installation, with Dadoji Kondadev overseeing it. Sakal also records a tradition linking the temple's founding to the Thakar family from Karnataka.
What are Pune's manache Ganpati?
They are the five Ganpatis given ceremonial precedence in Pune's public Ganeshotsav. Kasba Ganpati holds the first position.
Where is Kasba Ganpati located?
It is in Kasba Peth, the original settlement of Pune, near the Lal Mahal.
Is the Kasba Ganpati idol self-manifested?
According to tradition, the image was originally tiny, about the size of a grain of rice. Layers of vermilion have since made it about 3.5 feet tall, as reported by Dainik Prabhat.
How do I reach Kasba Ganpati?
Pune Airport (Lohegaon) is about 15 km from the city centre according to the district administration, and Pune Junction is the main railway station. The temple is in the old city at Kasba Peth.
Sources and attribution
- © OpenStreetMap contributors — location data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)
- Wikidata Q6374068 — structured data (CC0)
- Wikipedia — Kasba Ganapati — text facts from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
- District Administration, Pune (Government of Maharashtra) — Religious Places — Kasba Ganpati
- District Administration, Pune (Government of Maharashtra) — How to Reach
- Sakal (eSakal), 2 September 2021 — History of Kasba Ganpati, Pune (Marathi)
- Dainik Prabhat — History of Pune's Manache Ganpati (Marathi)
Further reading: Kasba Ganpati on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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