The Dashabhuja Temple, an ancient Hindu pilgrimage centre, is located in the Pune in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The temple is situated on Karve road. A flyover has been constructed at the juncture to facilitate the traffic departing towards Paud Road. Earlier, the place named as Paud Phata, was devoid of any such flyover. Paud is the name of the village located on the western side on the road while the word Phata means diversion. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Ganesha. It is one of the five temples maintained by the Shri Devdeveshwar Sansthan. The other temples are Parvati and Kothrud, Parvati Temple, Sarasbaug Ganesha Temple, Ramana Temple and Mrutyunjayeshwar Temple.
Architecture of Dashabhuja Temple
Dashabhuja Temple, echoing the divine power of the Lord, is believed to have been owned by Sardar Haripant Phadke, a nobleman in the royal court of the Peshwas. He later donated the estate to the Peshwas. The divine presence of the Lord can be felt upon entering the central arch of the temple. The idol of Ganesha, beautifully crafted on the stone of the main arch, is installed in the sanctum sanctorum or garbhagriha of the temple. The idol, chrome in colour, is an exceptional piece of work with Riddhi sitting on its lap. It possesses tem arms hence, has been termed as `Dashabhuja.`
The Shikhara of the temple has been adorned with magnificent art work that exhibits the talent and proficiency with which the craftsmen executed their work. Regular pujas was offered to the deity by the temple priest.
Outside the Ganesha Temple, a small shrine of Lord Hanuman has been constructed on the left side. Every Saturday devotees offer garlands and oil to the Lord.
Every year Dashabhuja Temple celebrates the Sankashti Chaturthi and Ganesh Jayanti on a grand scale during which the temple is heavily crowded by pilgrims visiting the temple from different destinations. The Dashabhuja Temple is well connected by different modes of transport. It located at a distance of almost 8 kms from the Swargate Station. Frequent buses to Karve Road are also available from Swargate and from the Deccan Bus Stop. The Dashabhuja Temple is just 5 minutes away from the famous Mrutyunjayeshwar Temple, a holy shrine of Lord Shiva.
