"Kaka Mala Vachva "  Exploring Punes  Heart:From Peshwa Forts To Divine Blessings

Shaniwar Wada

Location: Shaniwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 

I visited some famous historical and heritage places in Pune, Maharashtra. In that one was shaniwar Wada there I got to know more about this place. This fort was built in 1732 by Peshwa Baji Rao I, is a historical 13-story fortification in Pune, Maharashtra, serving as the former seat of the Maratha Empire. Located in the heart of the city, this iconic landmark features massive gates like the Delhi Darwaja, the Hazari Karanje (fountain), and surviving stone foundations, though much was destroyed by a fire in 1828.this fort was made up of 7 floor  with woods and stones rooms, due to fire all wooden rooms fired up and part of stones remained

The structure, known as "The Saturday Estate," showcases a mix of Maratha and Mughal architectural influences. It is easily accessible within Pune, and visitors can explore the remnants of the palace, including the fountain and the gates. If you have watched the recent movie Bajirao Mastani which is based on the life of Peshwa Bajirao I; the palace shown in the movie is based on the actual palace which was inside Shaniwar Wada - the palace-fort which was built by Peshwa Bajirao I. The river shown in the movie which Peshwa Bajirao sails in a boat in a famous scene, is the Mula-Mutha river in Kasba Peth which is very near to the fort. Shaniwar Wada a seven storied residential palace to the Peshwas.The palace now might have been brought to ruins, but the amount of prestige and recognition it carries and deserves is unmatched. This historical fortification carries with it a legend of an unfortunate political feud. Peshwa Nayaranrao, a young leader, recently brought to the position of a Peshwa was ruthlessly assassinated by his uncle Raghunathrao and aunt Anandibai.

The story suggests that the couple was always jealous of Nayaranrao and wished to succeed to the position themselves. Following their urge, Raghunathrao issued an order saying ‘Narayanravanna Dhara’ (Catch Narayanrao) in Marathi and sent it to the sepoy, The order on its way was changed to ‘Narayanravanna Mara’ (Kill Narayanrao) by Anandibai. This resulted in the sepoy killing Narayanrao. The unfortunate victim kept begging for mercy by screaming ‘Kaka Mala Vachva!’ (Uncle Save Me) which till date is rumored to be heard by the people around the fort during nights.A splendid statue of Peshwa Bajirao I is installed outside the main gate called ‘Dilli Darwaja’ of the Shaniwar Wada.

Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir

Location:Ganpati Bhavan, 250, Budhvar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 

Then I visited divine place Dagduseth Ganapati Temple of Pune. A serene calm settled over me, as if the air itself was blessed.The Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple in Pune,was established in 1893 by a local sweet seller, is a legendary, heavily adorned temple famous for its "Icchapurti" (wish-fulfilling) Ganesh idol. Located in Budhwar Peth, it is a premier destination for Ganesh Chaturthi, offering 24-hour darshan, a serene atmosphere, and strict security, drawing millions annually.

 

Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati is the late 1800s, a wealthy sweet seller (halwai) and wrestler, lived in Pune.Following the death of their son from the plague in 1892, a spiritual guru advised the couple to install a Ganesh idol and care for it like their own child.

The idol was installed in 1893, and the daily worship soon turned the home shrine into a community center of faith Impressed by the devotion, Lokmanya Tilak was inspired to start the public Ganeshotsav festival in Pune.

Today, this temple is one of the most prominent in India, known for its opulent, heavily jeweled, and "Icchapurti" (wish-fulfilling) Ganesh idol.While open year-round, the temple is spectacular during the 10-day Ganesh Chaturthi festival.

Conclusion

Shaniwar Wada and Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati represent the duality of Pune’s heritage, combining the Maratha Empire's administrative, architectural, and military history with the city's profound spiritual, cultural, and community identity.

AEC

ISA2

Name:Komal Kiran Naik

Class:FYBSc

Rollno:S-25-219