Shrine to Pune’s first true developer - Bajirao Peshwa

Most Punekars are unaware about the shrine of Shrimant Nanasaheb Peshwa, also known as Balaji Baji Rao.

Nanasaheb Peshwa’s shrine is located on the Mutha riverbed, near Poona Hospital, adjacent to the SM Joshi bridge.

Till the year 2010, it was largely neglected, but due to the efforts of the Creative Foundation and other organisations, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has begun to maintain it properly. As a result, many more people have come to know about its existence. 

In fact, the recent Bollywood movie ‘Bajirao Mastani’, featuring the lives of Bajirao Peshwa and his wife Kashibai, has helped popularise the shrine as well. Nanaji Peshwa is Bajirao Peshwa and Kashibai’s son. 

After being appointed as Peshwa by Chattrapati Shahu Maharaj, Nanasaheb contributed heavily to the development of Pune city.

Nanasaheb ruled as Peshwa from 1740 to 1761 and transformed Pune. He established many new areas in the city like Nana peth, Raviwar peth, Shaniwar peth, Somwar peth and Budhwar peth. 

The goddess Parvati is looked upon as Pune’s icon. The Parvati temple on the hill by the same name was built during his tenure. Even the first bridge across the Mutha river, which was called Lakadi Pul (as the bridge was made of wood), was built by Nanasaheb.

He also established a reservoir at Katraj to provide clean drinking water for the city. The drinking water supply route, from Katraj to Shaniwarwada, which is 250-years-old, is still functioning. 

Creative Foundations’ Sandeep Khardekar first raised the issue of restoring Nanasaheb’s shrine. Khardekar followed up with the PMC and Rs 2 lakh was approved for the maintenance of the shrine in the PMC’s annual budget in 2013. 

Who – Nanasaheb or Balaji Bajirao Peshwa is the son of Bajirao Peshwa and Kashibai 

Where- Shrine is located on the Mutha riverbed near Poona Hospital, adjacent to S M Joshi bridge

Open – Any time