Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati is probably the most revered, venerated and visited Ganpati Temple in Pune. Loved by both locals and tourists – this “Manache Ganpati” is known to fulfil the wishes of all devotees. 

There are 5 “Manache Ganpatis” in the old city area but the Dagdusheth Halwai Temple is the one that draws the most devotees. During the Ganeshutsav, the opulent and awe inspiring mandal and decorations are a sight to behold. Opulence aside, the idol itself here has a charismatic pull and innocence that has devotees thronging here for a darshan. 

But have you ever wondered who Dagdusheth Halwai is? Well, Dagdusheth Halwai was a wrestler and a regular devotee! Perhaps a rare distinction that only this temple can boast of is that it’s named after a devotee. For many decades, the temple was called the ‘Bahuli Haudacha Ganpati’ (In Marathi, ‘Haud’ means reservoir) as it was located near the said reservoir in the city area. 

What do we know about Dagduseth Halwai?

Dagdusheth was the son of immigrant parents from Karnataka. His father, Kisansheth Gadve had set up a sweetshop thus acquiring the name – ‘Halwai‘. Kisansheth was a mud wrestling enthusiast. He went on to set up a wrestling training ground – popularly known as a ‘Talim’ or ‘Akhada‘ in his Guru Pahilwan Jagoba Vastad’s name. After he had a son Dagdu, the ‘Halwai’ encouraged his son to train in mud wrestling, which was a popular sport at that time. Dagadu went on to become a mud wrestler of repute and over the course of time took over his father’s sweetshop business. By the late 1800s, he was a big name amongst the traders and businessmen of Pune city. The British honoured Dagadusheth with the title of ‘Nagarsheth’ – someone symbolically heading the trading and money lending industry. The Halwai family stayed in a building in Budhwar Peth which is now the Dutta Mandir. Dagduseth Halwai’s contribution to the cultural fabric of the city has been immense. 

When in 1893 Bal Gangadhar Tilak, called upon people to make Ganesh Chaturthi a public and community celebration, Dagadusheth was among the first few who participated in the public installation of the Ganesh idol. This move promoted great cultural and community bonding. The first idol was made out of paper pulp. It was much later that the iconic mud idol was made.  It is among the richest temple trusts in the state and devotees throng to the temple all through the year.

The Dagduseth Ganpati temple is perpendicular to the famous Laxmi Road in the old city area. While some stories and local legends say that the road was named after Goddess Mahalaxmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Being a business district, the shopkeepers believe that Goddess Mahalaxmi keeps showering the shops of the locality with her blessings. Some stories however credit the illustrious Dagduseth family. Legend has it that the road was named after Laxmibai, wife of Dagdusheth Halwai. Laxmibai was a popular social worker in  the city, and contributed to several social welfare activities such as providing scholarships for poor students and food for orphanages and old age homes. 

Whether credited to Ganpati Bappa or Ma Laxmi, the area is always buzzing with activity and business thrives here. Go see it to believe it! 

Getting There: Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir

Parking for cars is a little tough in this area unless you know the city by-lanes well. Two wheelers can get parking relatively easier. Or the best option would be to leave your vehicle in a parking zone and take an auto rickshaw to the temple. Ubers / Olas are hard to come by on the way back, the humble auto is your best bet to navigate this ride. 

Timings: The temple is open to devotees from 5:00 am to 10:30 pm on all days of the week except Tuesday. On Tuesday, the temple opening hours are extended by an additional 30 minutes from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm. Evening hours tend to be the most crowded so take your pick on the timing most suitable to you. 

Website: Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati Trust

Check out the website for information on Puja timings, donations and even a virtual live Darshan!