Chhatrapati Rajaram Mandal
VerifiedSadashiv Peth · Est. 1892
Sadashiv Peth’s award-winning mandal — keeper of an 1892-era idol and pioneer of the elevated ‘hanging mandap’, famous for breathtaking temple replicas.
Story
Chhatrapati Rajaram Mandal traces its idol to the very founding of sarvajanik Ganeshotsav: in 1892 Bhausaheb Rangari commissioned sculptor Naik to make three Ganpati idols, and one is believed to have come to this mandal. More than a century later, the mandal made festival history again by pioneering the raised ‘hanging mandap’ so traffic could pass beneath — an idea now copied across the city. Its full-scale replicas of India’s great temples (the Golden Temple, Shegaon’s Gajanan Maharaj mandir, Pandharpur’s Vitthal mandir) have won Pune’s best-decoration awards year after year.
During the festival
Consistently awarded for best decoration — the temple replica is the marquee draw.
Visit
South of Laxmi Road in Sadashiv Peth — queues build after dark when the replica is lit. Worth planning the evening around.
The mandal takes special care of its historic idol during installation and darshan.
Near Peru Gate, Sadashiv Peth, Pune 411030
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