Less Explored Jain Temples - Shree Pabal Tirth, Pedi near Pune

After exploring Alandi, we just headed for Pune-Mumbai expressway. We crossed Somatane Toll Plaza (Birla Ganpati Temple Shirgaon) and after few kilometers, luckily we get to see an amazing temple from the highway.
Shree Pabal Tirth (Shree Padmamani Jain Shwetamber Tirth Pedi, M.P. Pabal, District - Pune, Maharashtra)

 

 

 

This is quite unexplored place, even for Jains. The location couldn't easily seen in google maps. But once you reach the place, you will just love this peaceful, serene and calm place. Construction was still on for few of the parts in this Jain temple. From top of the temple, beautiful hills can be seen. We spent good 2-3 hours at this place. After that we headed towards Jain Kalash Temple before moving back to home. 

 

 

List of Jain temples in and near Pune (last edited 26-12-2015): If you are searching for Jain worship places in and around Pune, you are at the right place. I compiled this list after visiting different Shwetamber/Digambar Jain temples (mandir) and internet sites (sources). I was amazed to know that there are so many Jain temples in and near Pune only.

1. Shree Vasupujya Jain Shwetambar Trust, Akurdi, Pune.  
2. Shree Nakoda Parshwanath Jain Temple Trust, Alandi, Pune. 
3. Shree Sambhavnath Jain Mandir, Vitthalwadi, Akurdi, Pune.    
4. Shree Shankheshwar Parshwanath tirth, Devachi Alandi, Pune.    
5. Shree Shewatamber Jain Mandir, Kumar Society, Vishrantwadi, Alandi Road, Pune-411015.    
6. Shree Vimalnath Swami Jain Mandir, Rajkiram Bunglow, Opp. Pawar Hospital, Balaji Nagar    
7. Shree Sheetalnath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Balaji Nagar, Pune - 43.    
8. Shree Shankheshwar Parshwanath Shwetambar Jain Mandir Trust, 1201, Bhawani Peth, Pune - 42    
9. Shree Kesariya Parshwanath Jain Temple Trust, 382/2, Bhawani Peth, Kumar Galaxy, Pune - 42.    
10. Shree Satavisa Jain City Group, 113, Kalpataru Plaza, Bhawani Peth, Pune - 42.    
11. Shree Jain Shwetambar Rajasthani Samaj Trust, 1690, Bhopla Chowk, Camp, Pune - 1    
12. Shree Shantinath Jain Mandir (Ghar Derasar), Alandi Road, Bhosari, Pune.   
13. Shree Lake Town Jain Sangh, Lake Town, Bibwewadi, Pune.    
14. Shree Vimalnath Swami Jain Shwetambar Temple Trust, Opp. Bibwewadi Police Station, Bibwewadi, Pune- 37.    
15. Shree Sambhavnath Jain Mandir, Bopodi, Pune    
16. Shree Sudharma Swami Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Sangh, 508 B, Budhwar Peth, Pune - 2    
17. Shree Chintamani Parshwanath Jain Mandir, 338, Budhwar Peth, Pune - 2.
18. Shree Adeshwar Temple Trust, Chinchwad, Pune    
19. Shree Shantinath Jain Shwetambar Mandir Trust, Dapodi Gaon, Pune.    
20. Shree Vimalnath JainMandir, Dehu gaon, Pune.    
21. Shree Vasupujya Swami Jain Temple Trust, 5/9, Erandwane, Near Nal Stop, Pune - 4.    
22. Shree Munisuvrat Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Plot No. 20, Fatima Nagar, Pune - 13.
23. Shree Jain Swaitamber Sabhabhavan : 541, Ganesh Peth, Pune-2   
24. Shree Shantinath Khandelwal Digamber Jain Mandir, 248 Ganj Peth, Pune-2
25. Shree Mahavir Jain Mandir, Gorpadi Bazaar, Near Bus Stand, Pune.    
26. Shree Sambhavnath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Maniwal Bunglow, Near Golibar Maidan, Camp, Pune - 1.    
27. Shree Godi Parshwanathji Temple Trust, 110 B/111, Guruwar Peth, Pune - 42    
28. Shree Shantinath Bhagwan Temple Trust, 321, M. Phule Peth, Shanti Nagar Society, Pune - 42.    
29. Shree Adinath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Rushabh Jain Group, Porwal Bhavan, Guruwar Peth, Pune - 2.
30. Shree Chandraprabhu Jain Temple, Opp. Naik Hospital, Guruwar Peth, Pune (Opposite to Nail Hospital. 5 Min Distance from Mandai, Near Laxmi Road, Tulsi Bag.)   
31. Shree Sheetalnath Bhagwan Jain Mandir, Trimurti Colony, Nr. Sadhna Society Gate, Akashwani Kendra, Hadapsar.    
32. Shree Sheetalnath Bhagwan Jain Ghar Mandir, Kothari's Home, Sadhna Society, Hadapsar.    
33. Shree Sheetalnath Bhagwan Jain Mandir, Phursungi Gaon, 1km. away from IBM office, Phursungi.    
34. Shree Digamber Jain Chaityalya, Anil Madhukar Jain, Bhekarai Nagar, Tukai Darshan, Road No 11, Near Dutt Mandir, Fursuingi (Haveli), Hadapsar, Pune
35. Shree Sheetalnath Shwetambar Jain Derasar    
36. Shree Munisuvrat Swami Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Near HSBC, West Ave., Along the river side, Kalyani Nagar, Pune.    
37. Shree Naminath Shwetambar Jain Sangh, Kasarwadi, Pune.    
38. Shree Agamodhaarak Devarshi Jain Agam Mandir Trust, Agam Hill, Katraj, Pune - 46.    
39. Shree Viralayam Shwetambar Jain Derasar    
40. Shree Shatrunjay Temple Trust, S.No. 94, Katraj Kondhwa Road, Pune.    
41. Shree Mahavir Swami Temple Trust, Juna Bazaar, Khadki, Pune - 3.    
42. Shree Munisuvrat Swamiji Maharaj Temple Trust, 24 Juna Bazaar, Khadki, Pune - 3.    
43. Shree Adinath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Isha Emerald Society, Ganga Dham Chowk, Market Yard, Pune.    
44. Shree Vasupujya Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Murad Society, Market Yard, Pune - 37.    
45. Shree Parshwanath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Siddhachal Society, Gul tekdi, Market Yard, Pune - 37.    
46. Shree Ruturaj Jain Sangh, Ruturaj Society, Pune    
47. Shree Hyde Park Parisar Jain Sangh, Hyde Park, Gultekdi, Market Yard, Pune    
48. Shree Suparshwanath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Suparshwanath Society, Market Yard, Pune - 37.    
49. Shree Vasupujya Shwetambar Jain Derasar, 553, Center Street, Sachapir Street, Off. M.G. Road, Pune - 1.
50. Shree Digamber Jain Chaityalya, Rajkumar Ji Doshi, Gajraj Cloth Shop, M.G. Road, Camp Area   
51. Shree Vasupujya swami Mira Anand Jain Sangh, Sheetal Society, Behind Mira Society, Pune - 6.    
52. Shree Mahavir Jain Temple, H.N.D. Jain Boarding, Model Colony, Near Om Super Market, Pune. (This temple is just 2 min. from E-Square)
53. Shree Shantinath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, DSK Chandradeep Society, Mukund Nagar, Pune - 37.    
54. Shree Naminath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Chandanbala Apartment, Mukund Nagar, Pune - 37.
55. Shree Mahavir Jain Temple, Opp. Gometesh Vyayamshala, Near Ayurvedic College, Sec. 25, Nigadi, Pune
56. Shree Chandraprabhu Digamber Jain Mandir, Telco Road, Yamunanagar, Nigadi
57. Shree Adinath Society temple Trust, Pune-Satara Road, Pune-37   
58. Shree Bhagyavardhak Jain Shwetambar Derasar, S.No. 13, Padmavati Nagar, Pune Satara Road, Pune - 43.    
59. Shree Pabal Tirth, Shree Padmamani Jain Shwetamber Tirth Pedi, M.P. Pabal, District - Pune, Maharashtra
60. Shree Suvidhinath Jain Sangh, Paud Road, Pune    
61. Shree Kalewadi Jain Mandir, near Pimpri railway station, Pachpir Chowk, Pimpri
62. Shree Munishuvratswami derasar, near Nehru Nagar, Pimpri
63. Shree Sheetalnath Bhagwan jain Trust, Near Vishal Theatre , Pimpri, Pune
64. Shree Shantinath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, 209, Solapur Bazaar, Pulgate, Pune - 1    
65. Shree Adishwar (Indraprasth) Jain Shwetambar Temple Trust, Indraprastha Complex, Rasta Peth, Pune - 11.    
66. Shree Rajrajendrasuri Jain Gyan Mandir, 1137, Ravivar Peth, Govind Halwai Chowk, Pune - 2.
67. Shree Shantinath Digamber Khandelwal Jain Mandir, 520, Near Moti Chock, Ravivar Peth, Pune-411002
68. Shree Shantinath Digamber Saitwal Jain Mandir, 846, Lonar Aali, Near Moti Chock, Ravivar Peth, Pune-411002   
69. Shree Vardhaman Swami Jain Charitable Trust, Gai Ali, Sadashiv Peth, Pune - 30.    
70. Shree Parshwanath Shwetambar Jain Mandir Trust, 411, Mahavir Society, Sahakar Nagar No.1, Pune - 9.    
71. Shree Mahavir swami Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Trupti Apartment, Sahakar Nagar No. 2, Pune - 9.    
72. Shree Sambhavnath Jain Mandir, Salisbury Park, Gultekdi, Pune - 37.    
73. Shree Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Sanghs’ Shree Kunthunath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Dhore Nagar-1, Old Sangavi, Pune - 27.
74. Shree Jain Shwetambar Kunthunath Trust, 372, Shivaji Nagar, Pune - 5.
75. Shree Ajitnath Jain Shwetamber Trust, 372, Shivajinagar, Nr. MSEB Office, Opp. Shivaji Statue, Off Shivaji Road, Pune - 411005   
76. Shree Mahaveer Digamber Jain Temple, In the lane of Trapti Auto Service Center, Behind Brahma Veg Restaurant, Manik Bag, Sinhagad Road, Pune.
77. Shree Adinath Maharaj Mandir (Gotiwala Ghada), 1415, Shukrawar Peth, Pune - 2.    
78. Shree Sheetalnath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Shree Panchdasha Oswal Jain Sangh, Shukrawar Peth, Pune.    
79. Shree Adeshwar VisaPorwal Sirohiya Temple Trust, 995, New Shukrawar Peth, Pune - 2.    
80. Shree Godwad Jain Shwetambar Mutipujak Sangh, Shukrawar Peth, Gadikhana, Pune - 2.    
81. Shree Kunthunath Jain Sangh, Manikbaug, Sinhgadh Road, Pune - 51.    
82. Shree Adinath Bhagwan Jain Derasar, 28, Somwar Peth, Pune - 11    
83. Shree Sukhsagar Parshwa Jain Murtipujak Sangh, S.No. 10/11, Sukh Sagar Nagar, Pune    
84. Shree Shatrunjay Darshan Society, Shankarsheth Road, Pune - 42.    
85. Shree Dadawadi Jain Shwetambar Temple trust, 984/85, Shukrawar Peth, Near Saras Baug, Pune - 2.    
86. Shree Adinath Society Jain Temple Trust, Adinath Society, Pune-Satara Road, Near Swargate, Pune - 37.    
87. Shree Neminath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Kalyan Society, Shankar Sheth Road, Pune - 37.    
88. Shree Shankheshwar Parshwanath Jain Derasar, Ghar Derasar, Himgiri, 322/11/ Shankar Sheth Road, Pune - 37.    
89. Shree Parshwanath Jain Shwetambar Mandir Trust (Manmohan Parshwanath), 267/2, Timber Market, Pune - 42.    
90. Shree Sambhavnath Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Sangh, Vadgaon Sheri, Pune.    
91. Shree Vishrantwadi Jain Sangh, Vishrantwadi, Pune.    
92. Shree Adinath Shwetambar Jain Derasar, Wanawadi gaon, Wanawadi, Pune - 40.    
93. Shree Suvidhinath Maharaj Temple Trust, 31, Yerwada Bazaar, Pune - 6.  
94. Shree Adinath Ghar derasar, Center Street, Pune - 1.      
95. Shree Shantinath Jain Derasar, Bhopla Chowk, Pune - 1.

Jai Jinendra...

Note: If you have any information to be corrected, or any Jain temple/mandir to be added to the list, feel free to comment.

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Alandi - A Holy and Historic place within the city of Pune

We heard of this place (Alandi near Pune) since long, so visited on a casual unplanned short visit next to Pimpri-Chinchwad. This is the place where Saint Dnyaneshwar (Jnaneshwar) did his penance and attained samadhi. He also attained the holy blessing by Sri Panduranga and created one of the extraordinary work called Jnaneshwari (translating the Bhagavad Gita in Marathi). 

There is a most famous beautiful temple named 'Shri Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Sanjeevan Samadhi Mandir', but not well maintained. Just like any other famous temple, this is also a crowded one, where you hardly get to see St. Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Samadhi for few seconds even after being lined up in a long queue. There are a large number of vendors outside the main temple complex that offer materials for worshiping at the samadhi such as garlands, turmeric etc. We put off our shoes/chappals from the same place where we took some sweets etc later. If we consider temple, then certainly it is a good place - such an old heritage temple.

This reside at the banks of Indrayani River. The Indrayani river is a Perennial River and bathing in the river has special significance for pilgrims to Alandi. It is considered to be holy and clean, but sorry to say that it doesn't give the feeling at all. The river is heavily polluted because of sewage discharge by different towns along its course. The different needs of the pilgrims are performed by different groups of Brahmins near the ghat, like - after birth events, hair cuts, cremation, weddings or at the religious services to the bereaved respectively. 

There are many other temples and places to visit in and near Alandi. Those are mainly for the interest to pilgrims.
    Dnyaneshwari Mandir
    Laxmi Narayan Mandir
    Sant Jalaram Temple: We stayed in this temple for about an hour, This was quite better and ambiance was really good. This temple was built in 1960s with the same architectural design as the one in Virpur Gujarat. There is a temple for Santoshi Mata in the same temple complex.
    Vitthala-Rakhumai Temple

People in the village are nice though. They make you feel that you have come to an holy place. The town also has dozens of dharmshalas and bhavans catering for different community. We had our lunch at nearby veg restaurant with quite cheaper rates. It is known that during Asadhi Ekadasi, there happens 'Palkhi' procession with the feet of Sant Dnyaneshwar on a 'Palkhi' from the temple to Pandharpur. The procession is joined by tens of thousands of devotees for the 150 km journey on foot. Pilgrims also perform circumambulation around the whole Alandi town during their visit. Pilgrims from all over India (majorly Maharashtra) come to Alandi throughout the year.

Just 17Kms from Alandi, another village called Dehu (Dehu gaon) is situated where you can find St. Tukaram Maharaj Mandir, Gatha Mandir and Vaikunth Mandir. Hope to visit this in our next trip.

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Alleppey Lighthouse and Beach at Alappuzha, Kerala

After visiting Kochi (Cochin Sightseeing), 2 days experience at Vivanta by Taj - Kottayam, Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Vembanad Lake visit in Kettuvallom (country boat), and overnight stay at Alleppey houseboat, I can certainly say that Kerala justifies the magical sayings - "God's own country". I would like to add that if you are visiting India, Kerala should be in the topmost list of the 'Best places to visit in India'. Let's go to our next and final stop - Alleppey beach and lighthouse, before we move to airport.

 

Alappuzha (or Alleppey) is referred to as the "Venice of the East" by travellers from across the world. After enjoying the fantastic Alleppey houseboat trip at Vembanad Lake, we planned the quick trip to Alleppey beach and nearby lighthouse. It is quite near to Alleppey houseboat jetty meeting point. Alleppey town is considered to be the oldest planned town in this region and the lighthouse built on the coast of the town is the first of its kind along the Arabian coast. We also purchased few snacks, sweets, banana chips, halwa and Kerala spices on our way.

 

Alleppey Beach is frequently referred to as Alappuzha Beach. I was amazed to know and see that there is an old character-filled pier located here that is over 137 years old. Remains of Alappuzha Sea Bridge, which is in ruins now. Alleppey Beach is one of the most popular beaches of the state of Kerala. One thing that draws people to this beach is the facilities at Vijaya Beach Park.

 

It was also good to see many dustbins all around beach to make the beach more cleaner. It seems like 'Swatcha Bharat Abhiyan' aka 'Clean India Campaign' is being educated and followed. With the beautiful sand contrasts beautifully with the color of the water, to make for a truly picturesque location and relaxing atmosphere. Picnicking at the beach is one of the best ways to spend the day here.

Alleppey lighthouse is just 5 minutes walk from the beach side. The lighthouse building has been open for public visits since 2007. Opening timings for lighthouse to reach at the top is usually 10 am to 5 pm daily (as per last ticket we visited). Entry fee is 10 INR per person, and 20 INR was charged extra for camera. We were on time and stepped up till the top.

 

It was an over amazing feeling, like got something awarding, and the view looking to Alleppey beach is just amazing. We feel top of the world. We had few titanic poses as well. From the top, The picture perfect beach views with the Arabian Sea to the west as well as a large network of lakes, lagoons and several freshwater rivers nearby. We get to know that the lighthouse, which was painted plain white, was repainted in red and white bands in 2000. Sunset would be really amazing from this place. Marari beach is another nice beach nearby to explore.

 

Alappuzha is also the access point for the annual Nehru Trophy Boat Race. It is held on the Punnamada Lake, near Alappuzha, held on the second Saturday of August every year. It is the most competitive and popular of the boat races in India. The mullackal chirap is also one of the attractions of Allapuzha which is the festive season held ten colorful days every year in the month of December.

Hope to plan and visit Munnar, Trivendrum, and other places in Kerala soon.

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A trip to Alleppey Backwater Houseboat at Lake Vembanad, Allapuzha Kerala

"The houseboat trip at the Vembanad lake at Alleppey is like a perfect gift for your loved ones for lifetime." - Quote about Houseboat trip to Alleppey in "God's own country - Kerala" - By Sachin Kumar Gupta.

Alappuzha also known as Alleppey, is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala state of southern India. Alleppey is situated 62 KM to the south of Kochi and 155 KM north of Trivandrum. Backwaters of Alleppey are world famous and is the most popular tourist attraction in Kerala.  A town with picturesque canals, backwaters, beaches, and lagoons, it was described as the one of the places known as "Venice of the East" by Lord Curzon.

 

The backwaters in Alleppey of Kerala is just another reason why thousands of people (both natives, and tourists) flock to this beautiful destination the whole year round. Kettuvalloms or Houseboats (Riceboats) are country boats that were used in the early days for the transport of goods from the isolated interior villages to the towns. Now these kettuvalloms are back again as a major tourist attraction.

 

A ride on a Kettuvallom is a fabulous way to explore the fascinating beauty of the backwaters. If you are planning for the wedding gift or on your honeymoon, This could be one of best places in India. You have to book a houseboat in advance since they are always in high demand. There are single-bedroom and even four to five-bedroom houseboats available, with living rooms, bathrooms, an equipped kitchenette and air-conditioning too. A well trained crew of a cook and a bearer along with two oarsmen will be at your service all through.

 

We had booked for overnight stay on Gokul houseboat in the Allepey backwaters. We booked for 2 bedroom Deluxe houseboat, which was upgraded to 4 bedroom houseboat by UdayaKumar (Gokul Cruise contact person). Two rooms were locked though, but bigger houseboat with sundeck terrace was simply cool. The houseboat was quite luxurious and equipped with all of the modern amenities we need.

 

The full packages includes with approx. below timings:
Cruise time 12:00 PM - 5:30 PM (45 - 60 minutes break during lunch)
All meals inclusive (welcome drink, lunch, evening snacks, dinner, next morning breakfast)
Kerala traditional dishes including pre-booked veg food & Fruit Basket
4:30 PM - 5:00 PM tea and snacks
5:30 PM - 8:00 AM houseboat halting at riverside with overnight stay
AC Switch on in bedrooms only during 9:00 PM - 6:00 AM (If full time AC require, inform in advance with additional cost.)
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM cruise back to checkout point
Note: Non-veg can also have fresh meal direct from the Vembanad Lake on prior booking. Flower Decoration, Candle light dinner, Wedding Cake on board are also available on prior demand.

 

Feeling from the top of the terrace was just soothing. The gentle breeze from the Vembanad Lake has made us refreshing. We experience the serenity and calm of this alluring lake, famous for its backwater tourism. With coconut trees lining the pellucid lake waters for kilometers at a stretch.

 

The backwaters of Alleppey offer one of the most enchanting sights to tourists. There were paddy fields, few churches also along the backwaters route. After 5:30 PM you can also enjoy Shikkara cruise or small boat trip including lake side village walk. The most exciting feature of a shikkara is that it can go even into very small canals and inner areas of village, where houseboat and motorboat cannot travel. Though we opted for closer village walk and buy fresh coconut water and snacks.

 

We saw the rural life of the water borne villages of Kerala including men fishing in canoes. After that we relaxed at houseboat, had music, fun and food during night. Early in the morning it started drizzling, It was very nice to enjoy rain from the houseboat window.

 

We can say that if you are really looking for the perfect gift for your loved ones, gift your loved ones House boating experience, it's the most memorable experience one can receive. For a wonderful wedding or an anniversary gift to share together, charming backwaters combined with backwater ripples, really makes for an unforgettable experience. After breakfast, next morning, we moved to Alleppey beach and lighthouse trip.

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