Birla Ganpati Temple — Attraction in Maharashtra

Birla Ganpati - Somatane near pune Birla Ganpati, a very large Mangal Murti Morya IDOL 72 foot is situated at Shirgaon about 26km from pune. Its route is very well known Pune- Nigdi- Dehu-Somatane. After crossing the Somatane toll plaza, take a first left & again take a left turn to reach Base parking of the Birla Ganapati. One the way there is a Ghoradeshwar. Near by places to visit are Prati Shirdi Shirgaon, Sant. Tukaram Karma bhumi Dehu. You can visit all these places in one day.

This Idol is made by Sarala Birla. Property is register by Jaishree Charity trust. Murtikar are Maturam & Naresh Varma. This Idol has 72 foot height & is places on 18x54x54 foot big Chourag. Is weight is more than 1000 ton.It requires 2 year to complete the work. Number 9 is a Shubh therefore all calculations are around 9 like height72=7+2=9, width=54=5+4=9, Chourang 18=1+8=9. The Ganapati idol is huge and one cannot miss it when you are on the NH4 as you reach the Somatane Toll Plaza.There is a parking place just before the entrance gate. You have to climb around 179 steps to reach the top. Though the number 179 looks a lot, the climb isn’t anything to worry about, as you don’t even feel it OR this number is not just the steps to the base of the idol, have to check on this. This a birla family establishment and the idol was sculpted/created by Maturam Verma and Nareshkumar Verma of Pilani. The idol is 54 feet high, placed on a 18 foot pedestal which is 45 feet wide. As you may noticed (and was written there), all these dimensions were planned in such a way that they add up to the number 9, considered auspicious. The status faces east. We were there in the evening and hence couldn’t get good photos of the front side. But the metallic surface finish of the idol would look great in the early morning light. So, plan a trip in the morning if you are looking for good photos. This place is also well let up (visible from the expressway...

Birla Ganapati Temple in Somatane is a peaceful and beautifully maintained temple located slightly off the old Mumbai-Pune highway. It’s a perfect destination for a short spiritual getaway or a family visit.

Temple Ambiance & Architecture: The temple is well-designed with clean surroundings, lush greenery, and a calm atmosphere. The main idol of Lord Ganesha is large, serene, and carved with fine details, typical of Birla temples across India.

Timings:

Opening Time: 6:00 AM (These timings can vary slightly on festival days or weekends.)

Closing Time: 8:00 PM (These timings can vary slightly on festival days or weekends.)

Parking Facility: There is ample parking available near the temple.

Parking Fee: ₹10 - ₹20 for two-wheelers and ₹30–₹50 for four-wheelers (depending on the vehicle size). (The fee may vary slightly based on the day or any local management changes.)

Accessibility: The temple is located on a small hilltop, and visitors need to climb approximately 80–100 stairs to reach the main sanctum. The steps are broad and well-built, making the climb manageable for most people. However, elderly visitors might need some assistance.

Additional Tips:

Footwear needs to be removed before entering the temple area.

A small shop is available at the base selling water, snacks, and pooja items.

There are no entry charges for the temple itself.

Best time to visit: early mornings or during sunset for beautiful views and less crowd.

Overall Rating: A peaceful and well-maintained place, ideal for a short spiritual retreat. Clean surroundings, good parking, and scenic views make it...

The Birla Ganpati Temple, located in Lonavala, Maharashtra, is a serene and iconic place of worship dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Nestled amidst the lush greenery and hills of Lonavala, the temple is a popular spiritual and tourist destination. Built by the Birla family, known for their philanthropic contributions, the temple is an architectural marvel combining modern and traditional Indian styles.

The temple features a grand white marble idol of Lord Ganesha, seated gracefully in a lotus position. The idol exudes a divine aura, attracting devotees seeking blessings for prosperity and well-being. The structure is built on an elevated platform, offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and landscapes.

The calm and tranquil environment of the temple provides a perfect setting for meditation and prayer. The intricate carvings and the beautiful design of the temple reflect excellent craftsmanship. The temple complex also has well-maintained gardens and pathways, making it a peaceful retreat for visitors.

The Birla Ganpati Temple is particularly vibrant during Ganesh Chaturthi, when it is adorned with flowers and illuminated beautifully. It draws pilgrims and tourists from across the country during this time. Its proximity to other Lonavala attractions, such as the Bhushi Dam and Tiger’s Point, makes it a must-visit for anyone exploring the...