Trishunda Mayureshwar Ganpati Temple, Pune : A Photo Feature

Trishunda Mayureshwar Ganpati Mandir is a small but beautifull temple located in the narrow and crowded by lanes of Somwar Peth ( on the banks of Nagazari , near Kamla Nehru Hospital ).

It was built in 1754 by one, Bhimjigiri Gosavi and is considered to be a monument of the Gosavi sect.

It has survived the rigours of time and is still in remarkably good condition.

The entire construction is in black stone. The plan is a square, with a dome (gopuram) shaped roof. The architecture is a blend of north and south and is represented by some very intricate carvings and figurines.

Pic; Gaja laxmi in centre piece (atop the Ganesh patti)

There are two Yaksha dwarpaals (Heavenly Gatekeepers) guarding the main door.There is a small idol of Ganesh painted in saffron, just above the door.Through the door, one enters the Garbhagriha directly.

There is a beautifull idol of Ganesh placed in the centre. Its uniqueness is that, Ganesha in the idol is depicted with three trunks and six arms and seated on a peacock, which is an unusual mode of transport for the Lord (his regular vaahan 'vehicle' being the mouse).This is why the mandir has been named as Trishunda(3 trunk) Mayureshwar (astride a peacock) Ganesha or Ganpati.

Inside the garbhagriha is also a 'shilalekh' (stone inscription) which is surprisingly both in devanagari as well as the Farsi script .Note: there are 3 inscriptions. Two in sanskrit and one in persian. First Sanskrit inscription tells the year of building of the temple i.e 1754 and Rameshwara sthapana, second Sanskrit inscription has shloka of Geeta carved and persian inscription tells this temple is of shri Gurudevdatta.The inscription is published in BISM's Pune nagar samshodhan vrutta Vol III, PP 240 and Maratheshahitil shilalekh by M G Dikshit Pp 42. source: Amol Bankar, Sagar Borkar

Pic:One horned Rhino sculpture carved at Trishund Ganapati Temple Pune. The sculpture js carved probably after 1787 after british took Bengal and Assam. source: Sagar Borkar.

There is a political message in the sculpture.The 3 British soldiers on the left have chained the rhino.The rhino represents Bengal & Assam-means the advancing British rule in that region.(Ref.G.K.Kanhere-The Temples of Maharashtra.1988)source:Sanjeev Nalavade 

Pic: Yaksha supporting a pilaster

Pic:Rakhumaii?

Pic: Krishna with flute in pilaster (alongside, dwarpal- Jai/Vijay?)

There are further motifs and carvings of Gajalaxmi, Yakshas, Gandharvas, Swapnasundaris, Devas, Elephants, Horses etc which adorn the temple further.

Pic: Vishnu

Pic: Nataraja (Shiva)

Pic: Shivlinga in Lingodbhava form where, Vishnu as Varaha and Bramha as Swan trying to find the origin of Shiva [source of info: Sagar Borkar, Manjiri Bhalerao]

Not many are aware of the location of this architectural delight, and it lies trapped and unnoticed amidst a concrete jungle.

Pic: Vishnu as Kurma avtar

Though there is news that the Archaelogical society of India has decided to take a interest in its upkeep.This is definately a step in the right direction , towards preserving this wondefull heritage site of Pune city.

TEXT AND PICTURES  BY ABHIJIT RAJADHYAKSHA