Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple

Dagadusheth Halwai Ganapati is a Hindu temple in Budhwar Peth in central Pune. The main figure of Ganesha stands about 7.5 feet tall and is decorated with gold ornaments, while the prayer halls extend across multiple floors of polished marble.

Dagduseth Halwai founded the temple in 1893 after his son died during a plague epidemic that affected many families in Pune at the time. The construction was meant to provide solace and at the same time become a place where the community could gather in prayer.

The shrine carries the name of its founder rather than the usual invocation of the worshipped deity, which is rare in Hindu temple tradition. This naming reminds visitors how personal loss and devotion can shape the religious life of an entire city.

The temple is open to visitors daily, with early mornings and late evenings often quieter than the busy afternoon hours. The administration supports charitable work through daily food donations to patients at the nearby hospital, which shows the social commitment of the place.

During the annual Ganesh Festival, the figure of the god is adorned with fresh flower garlands donated by visitors as a gesture of devotion. This practice shows how religious life in the temple is sustained throughout the year by personal contributions from the community.