Balaji Mandir, Pune — Attraction in Maharashtra

Prati Balaji temple is One of the Venkateshwara (Balaji) temple which is located in suburban area Ketkawale of Pune. We planned our trip in the morning @ 9 am from Pune City and reached to this temple by 11:00 am. We also visited Datta Mandir which is near to this temple and Jejuri temple in the evening. This temple is spread in 10 acres land which took almost 7 years to complete the constriction. Construction started in 1996 and finished in 2003 year. This temple was constructed by the Venkateshwara Charitable trust started by Dr. Banda Vasudev Rao in the year 1971. The temple boasts stunning Dravidian Style carvings and a Gopuram similar to Original Tirumala temple.

Useful Information about Temple: No need to worry about Parking of the vehicle as there is huge parking provision available at temple Premises. All the aspects of the temple are carefully built, taking into consideration of original structure in Tirumala. This temple is replica of the original Tirumala temple including the idol, Sanctorum, wood work. So you feel blessed when you enter inside this temple Like most of the temples, here also Mobiles are not allowed inside the temple. There is free Mobile stand at temple premises. utilize the same. Few of the Devotees not aware that there is Anna Prasadam facility available at other side of the main temple. So please have Anna Prasadam there and Donate what ever you can. Mundan facility is also available in the temple at the entry only, which is again replica of the Tirumala temple. All popular festivals like Sri Rama Navami, Vijaya Dashami, Gudi Padva, Vaikunta Ekadashi and Diwali celebrates here in this temple. Monsoon season is best time to visit this temple as during Monsoon surrounding atmosphere is fully with lush greenery.

Temple Visiting timings: Morning 05:00 to Evening 08:00

Near By Attractions: If you are planning your trip for whole day then follow below mentioned info which will be useful for your trip planning. Narayanpur Temple: Narayanpur is famous for Eka Mukhi Datta Mandir and old Shivalayam. So please add these two temples in your itinerary which are very near to Prati Balaji temple. you can cover all three temple visit before lunch if you start your trip early.

Purandar Fort: If you are interested in trekking then this is the place which you can explore. Purandar Fort is very near to Balaji temple and its moderately easy category trek so any one can plan this trekking if you have sufficient time in your hand.

Jejuri Temple: Jejuri temple is one of the famous temple in Pune and must visit place. After lunch you can visit this temple on the same day.

Bhuleshwar Temple: The thirteenth Century temple which is locate on hill top is one more famous temple near to Prati Balaji temple. This temple is famous for its architecture and Positive vibrations. So please do visit this temple if possible. We couldn't able to visit this temple as we were run out of time on that day.

Baneshwar Mandir: Baneshwar Mandir is famous for its two ponds in which one can see fish and turtles. This temple is also must visit place near Balaji temple. Please do visit if...

Now the devotees of Lord Venkateshwara in Pune don’t need to travel all the way down south to get blessed by this powerful and miraculous deity as they can take the same pleasure of Tirupati temple in a short drive distance. The spectacular clone of the prominent Tirupati Balaji Temple is at Ketkawle village just 40 to 45 kms away from Pune. Not only the outer shell of the temple but the priests, religious activities and even the heavenly laddoo seem to have the essence of the original Lord Venkateshwara temple. As soon as you enter this holy place, you will get struck by the positive energy. The magnificent architecture and the spic and span premises is really commendable. The temple is carved with stone and wood and apart from Lord Balaji, you can spot small shrines of various other god and goddesses. Though the temple is not as lavish as the real Balaji temple or carved with rich gold, but the glow and mysticism is in all sense equivalent to the original shrine in Tirupati. If you have been to Tirupati before, you will definitely recall the same ecstasy and harmony in this replica temple.

The prati Balaji temple was a mega initiative by the Lord Venkateshwara Charitable and Religious Trust, a trust set up by the Venkateshwara Hatcheries corporate group. The temple provides living rooms and kitchen facilities for visiting devotees. The entire project was undertaken under the guidance of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam.

The surrounding environment is excellent. A good thing about the Trust is that they offer Free Meals to all those who visit the temple, in a large Dining Hall, which is maintained neat and clean. You can take Maha-Prasad coupon inside the temple if you are in between 9 am to 3 pm time. The quality of the food as a maha-prasad is also very good, which you get it for free! A army of cleaning staff keeps on cleaning/washing the temple and the premised, keeping it spotless clean.

There are plenty of parking spaces available on the right side. From the parking only you can see the place from where queue starts in a zigzag manner. You have to go bare foot so it is advisable to remove your footwear in the car itself along with your mobiles and camera. These things are strictly prohibited inside the temple. The security is very tight here like in the actual Tirupati Balaji. All pujas and artis are done as it is in the South. Even the Priests and authentic ladoo(Prasad) makers are called from Tirupati Balaji temple. You get Ladoos as Prasad from here which is really delicious. You can click photos once you come out of the temple. In the early hours you may not find any queue but later in the afternoon and on weekends big queues are there. The carvings on the temple top are same as in the actual temple. The standing idol of Balaji is royal and awesome. Surrounding area around main temple has small temples of deities like Krishna, Mahalakshmi, Padmawati etc. We have best taxi cab from 4 seater to 50 seater bus for half day and...

Prati Balaji Mandir in Pune provided me with a divine and spiritually enriching experience. The temple's serene ambiance, well-maintained premises, and efficient management made my visit truly memorable.

First and foremost, the temple exudes a sense of tranquility and peace. The atmosphere is serene, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in prayer and contemplation. The spiritual vibes and positive energy within the temple premises create a calming effect on the mind and soul.

The maintenance of Prati Balaji Mandir is commendable. The premises are clean, well-kept, and aesthetically pleasing. The temple's architecture and intricate detailing reflect the devotion and dedication of the artisans. It is evident that the management takes pride in maintaining the sacredness and beauty of the temple.

The staff and volunteers at Prati Balaji Mandir deserve special appreciation for their efficient and courteous service. They are attentive to the needs of the devotees and ensure a smooth flow of the darshan (viewing of the deity). The volunteers offer guidance and assistance, making the entire experience hassle-free.

The temple's management has also implemented various measures to enhance the visitor experience. The provision of amenities like clean restrooms, drinking water facilities, and well-marked pathways for devotees are thoughtful additions that contribute to the overall comfort of visitors.

Moreover, Prati Balaji Mandir is known for its spiritual and cultural events. These events, including religious festivals and discourses, provide an opportunity for devotees to deepen their spiritual connection. The temple's efforts in organizing such events contribute to the enrichment of the community and foster a sense of unity among devotees.

While my experience at Prati Balaji Mandir was overwhelmingly positive, there is room for improvement in a couple of areas. The temple could consider expanding the parking facilities to accommodate the increasing number of visitors. Additionally, more signage and information boards could be placed to provide historical and cultural insights about the temple, which would enhance the overall experience for devotees.

In conclusion, Prati Balaji Mandir in Pune offers a divine and spiritually uplifting experience. The serene ambiance, meticulous maintenance, courteous staff, and well-organized events make it a place of solace and devotion. With some minor enhancements in parking facilities and information dissemination, Prati Balaji Mandir has the potential to become an even more revered and sought-after destination for spiritual...