ARCHITECTURAL

CONSERVATION
~ PARS OF PUNE ~

DR. BN COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE, PUNE

NAME: ANU OM ALREJA
CLASS: FIFTH YEAR B.ARCH (GENERAL)
SUBJECT: ALLIED ELECTIVE II

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 ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION

Architectural conservation describes the process through which the material, historical, and
design integrity of mankind's built heritage are prolonged through carefully planned
interventions. Architectural conservation deals with issues of prolonging the life and integrity
of architectural character and integrity, such as form and style, and/or its constituent
materials, such as stone, brick, glass, metal, and wood. In this sense, the term refers to the
"professional use of a combination of science, art, craft, and technology as a preservation
tool" and is allied with its parent fields, of historic environment conservation and art
conservation. In addition, architectural conservation also refers to issues of identification,
policy, regulation, and advocacy associated with the entirety of the cultural and built
environment. This broader scope recognizes that society has mechanisms to identify and
value historic cultural resources, create laws to protect these resources, and develop
policies and management plans for interpretation, protection, and education. Typically this
process operates as a specialized aspect of a society's planning system, and its
practitioners are termed historic environment conservation professionals.

Historic preservation or heritage conservation is a endeavour that seeks to preserve,

conserve and protect buildings, objects, landscapes or other artefacts of historic
significance. As used by practitioners of the endeavour, "historic preservation" tends to
refer to the preservation of the built environment.

PUNE HERITAGE

Despite the tremendous growth it has

experienced in the past two decades, Pune is
a place where the past meets the present.

A rare insight into its very fabric is seen

through the shifting footprints of the diverse

Shaniwar Wada 2
castes and communities which have converged to give Pune the image that it has - the
cultural capital of Maharashtra as well as a leading industrialized city.

Architectural Heritage of Pune

Architecture is an expression of man's faith in his ability to build and develop his
surroundings. It has its origin with different generic backgrounds and can be categorised
into six fields, namely ecological, religious, civic, need based, saleable and artistic. When
we discuss our city's architecture, we are essentially talking about these categories of
architecture in whose favour the city has been inclined.

Pune is known to have existed as a town since 937 AD.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, the founder of the Maratha Empire,
lived in Pune as a young boy, and later oversaw significant
growth and development of the town during his reign. In 1730,
Pune became an important political center as the seat of the
Peshwa, the prime minister of the Chhatrapati of Satara.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Pune, known as the city of Peshwas where the

typology of wada architecture was predominant, has
cast away much of its historical look. Today it has
evolved into one of the most industrialized cities in the
country. Artists and their patrons have begun to view
its culture from the viewpoint of sponsorships or
aggressive marketing and little is seen of architectural
aesthetics.

Bajirao Peshwa
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 Pune’s pars were built during Peshwa
reign. A par is a public / community
space under a tree. It is culturally
important to Pune. It serves as an
interaction space for the community. It
is usually built at neighbourhood level
and is centrally located. It’s functionally
viable for socio – cultural and religious
purposes. It also serves for commercial
and political propaganda.

PARS OF PUNE

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Par - It is a small sit-out under a large peepal tree, which the Maharashtrians refer to as a
paar. It is adequately and naturally shaded by the tree. Traditionally people of old Pune,
met around the paar. It was a favourite meeting place for residents of that particular area to
sit and chat. Various discussions and debates sometimes over a hot cup of tea kept people
entertained and social. Also the gram panchayat was held at the par. Those passing by on
foot on a sunny day in the scorching heat would steal a few moments to rest in the shade of
the tree before setting off again. Travellers would stop by to sit and eat their tiffin (food).
People used it as a meeting place or as a reference point to meet up before setting off
together. It was also used as a reference point to give directions.

The pars have transformed over a period of

time. From just a small sit-out under a large tree
to an extended sit-out or platform below the
peepal tree housing a small temple. The par
serves as a plinth for the temple. It puts the
temple on a pedestal considering its religious
value and the honour it commands.

As the city developed, roads were built and the open spaces were encroached upon by
roads. The pars therefore, came to be either on the side of the road or in the centre of the
road usually at road junctions. Since peepal is considered a sacred tree and cutting it down
is considered a sin, even though the
trees were in the middle of the road,
they weren’t felled; instead they were
converted to pars. As vehicular traffic
density has majorly increased over a
period of time, these pars function
less as meeting places and are now
just pars in the middle of an
intersection aiding controlled
movement of vehicular traffic
designed to minimize accidents.
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Mostly the pars around the peepal tree have been transformed into small temples as peepal
is considered a sacred tree.

Peepal or the Sacred Fig (Ficus religiosa) or Bo-

Tree (from the Sinhala bo) is a species of banyan
fig native to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan,
Sri Lanka, southwest China and Indochina.
Peepal is a large, fast growing deciduous tree. It
is a large dry season-deciduous or semi-
evergreen tree up to 30 m tall and with a trunk
diameter of up to 3 m. It has heart shaped leaves.
The leaves are cordate in shape with a distinctive
extended tip; they are 10–17 cm long and 8–12 cm broad, with a 6–10 cm petiole. It is a
medium size tree and has a large crown with wonderful wide spreading branches. It sheds
its leaves in the month of March and April. The fruit is a small fig 1-1.5 cm diameter, green
ripening purple. The fruits of the peepal are hidden with the figs. The figs ripen in the month
of May. The figs which contain the flowers grow in pairs just below the leaves and look like
berries. Its bark is light gray and peels in patches. Its fruit is purple in colour. It is one of the
longest living trees. The Bodhi tree and the Sri Maha Bodhi are famous specimens of
Sacred Fig. The known planting date of the latter, 288 BC, gives it the oldest verified age
for any angiosperm plant.

The peepal tree, also known as Bo-Tree, is

of great cultural importance. This plant is
considered sacred by the followers of
Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism, and hence
the name 'Sacred Fig' was given to it.
Siddhartha Gautama is said to have been
sitting underneath a Bo-Tree when he was
enlightened (Bodhi), or "awakened"
(Buddha). Thus, the Bo-Tree is well-known
symbol for happiness, prosperity, longevity
The Bodhi Tree at the Sri Mahabodhi Temple.
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 and good luck. Today in India, Hindu sadhus still
meditate below this tree, and in Theravada Buddhist
Southeast Asia, the tree's massive trunk is often the site
of Buddhist and animist shrines. Peepal tree has great
importance in India especially among the Buddhist who
regard peepal tree as the personification of Buddha. Lord
Buddha attained enlightenment meditating under the
peepal tree. It is regarded as the sacred tree and the
people use its leaves for religious purposes. According to
the Buddha – 'He who worships the peepal tree will
receive the same reward as if he worshiped me in
person'. The peepal tree has its own symbolic meaning
of enlightenment and peace.

Hindus in India hold great spiritual regard for

the peepal tree, they regard it as the tree
beneath which Vishnu was born. Thus, people
worship the tree, considering it to be a means
of offering prayers to Lord Vishnu. There are a
couple of stories, which say that the tree is
home to the trinity of Gods, the root being
Brahma, the trunk is Vishnu and leaves
represent Lord Shiva. Another popular belief is
that Lord Krishna died under the peepal tree.
Cutting a peepal tree is regarded as a big sin,
which is almost equivalent to murdering a
Brahmin. Skanda Puranas say that a person
who cuts the tree surely goes to hell. It is due
to the strong influence of Shani Maharaj that it
is considered safe to touch the peepal tree on Saturdays. People are of the belief that even
Goddess Lakshmi dwells in the tree on Saturdays. Women who are not blessed with a son
tie a red thread around the trunk or on its branches asking the deities to bless her and fulfill
her desire. People tie threads of white, red and yellow silk around it to pray for progeny and
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 rewarding parenthood. The
Hindus do pradakshina
(circumambulation) around the
sacred fig tree as a mark of
worship. Usually seven
pradakshinas are done around
the tree in the morning time
chanting "Vriksha Rajaya
Namah" meaning salutation to
the king of trees.

Peepal tree has been given prime importance and is worshipped even today. The reason is
right from the root to its leaves; the tree contains medicinal values and cures many
diseases. That was the reason our ancient sages recognized the importance of this tree
and declared- ―Peepal tree is the abode of Gods and Goddesses‖. Anything which is
endowed with good qualities is respected. The roots, wood, branches, twigs, green leaves,
dry leaves, every part of the tree is useful and helps to cure one or the other diseases.
Different parts of the peepal tree help in curing jaundice, night blindness, malaria, ear pain
and deafness, cough and asthma, infertility and impotency, irregular menstrual cycle, cold
and headache, wounds, boils and acne, snake bite, inflammations and glandular swelling of
the neck, stomatitis, ulcers, gout, gum diseases, vomiting, foul taste, thirst, heart diseases,
urinary troubles, constipation.

ECOLOGICAL VALUE - During the process of photosynthesis all green plants take in
carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. Primitive plants were responsible for converting the
poisonous atmosphere of early Earth into an oxygen-rich atmosphere that supports animal
life. Trees help to maintain low levels of carbon dioxide, thereby reducing the greenhouse
effect which threatens to make the Earth uncomfortably warm.

Soil benefits from trees, as their far-reaching roots hold the soil in place, preventing erosion.
Trees improve soil quality as their leaf litter makes perfect compost.

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The leaves of trees are eaten by many insects. Even fallen dead leaves are eaten. Many
fruits are eaten by animals, some of which aid seed dispersal.

Trees provide nest sites for birds. The leafy branches make good hiding places and are
difficult for most predators to reach - even non-breeding birds roost in trees at night.
Woodpeckers, barbets and hornbills nest in holes in trees. Very large, old trees frequently
develop a hollow centre, a favourite breeding and roosting place for bats.

Conservation of Pune’s Pars

Architectural Conservation provides us with the most crucial tools and a sustainable and
sensitive approach towards our built heritage. Conservation simplistically means extending
the life of the building or object so that it can be inherited to the future generations. This
discipline is of utmost significance in a country like ours which has a strong culture and
tradition and built environment is arguably the most tangible link in this time travel which
can be preserved or strengthened.

Conservation is often mistaken for restoration or mere preservation. Though these have
been popular methods of conserving buildings; newer and more dynamic methods are now
used which take cognizance of the fluid and kinetic nature of market, development and also
the changing needs of a society. Adaptive reuse, conservative surgeries are some of these
methods.

Pars of Pune are considered to be important for the conservation of the character of the old
city. The old city areas represent a real problem as many have already lost their unique
character and have become wastelands of concrete and glass no different from any other
town in the country. Only a few pockets remain where the congestion is actually less
because of the presence of old lower height plans and these tend to be important and need
to be conserved for their social value.

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When considering the importance of a structure, not only is its architectural and historical
value taken into consideration, but also its contribution towards keeping up the general
character of a road, area or precinct. As a result, the conservation of pars of Pune is
important even though the individual structures may or may not be unique.

Criteria for listing of buildings, objects, landscapes or other

artefacts of historic significance for conservation -

 Value for architectural, historical or cultural reasons

 Value for date, period, design or uniqueness of building

 Relevance to social and economic history

 A building, group of buildings or area of distinct architectural design or style, historic

period or way of life having sociological interest and or community value

 Unique value of a building, architectural feature or artefact that is part of a chain of

architectural development that would be lost if broken

 Its value as a part of a group of buildings

 Representing forms of technological development

 Vistas of natural scenic beauty or interest, waterfront areas, planned lines of sight,
street lines, skylines or topography

 Open spaces sometimes integrally planned with their associated areas often having
a distinctive way of life, having potential or are areas for recreational purposes.

Pars of Pune need to be conserved for their ecological, religious & social value and
for their historical association.
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Some of the pars of Pune are documented below:

Par at Shri Untade Maruti Mandir

Location: 353, Rasta Peth, Near KEM Hospital, Pune – 411011

The par is located near the

Hanuman mandir outside
KEM hospital on Mudaliar
Road.

It is located at a T– junction
of roads. The T-junction is
formed where a secondary
road meets the main
Mudaliar road. The par
alongside the temple is
situated on the main road.

Coordinates: 18°31'10"N 73°52'1"E

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 Description: The par is located on
the south side of the temple. It is
adjacent to the temple’s boundary
wall. The plinth height is not much, it
is 200mm. Material of construction is
concrete and stone. Species of the
tree is Ficus religiosa, commonly
known as peepal tree. The peepal
being a sacred tree is worshipped.
Space around it is provided for
circumambulation or pradakshina. Religious offerings like turmeric, vermillion (kumkum),
lentils are made to the tree. Small oil lamps or diyas are lit and placed at the base of the
tree on the par. The circular built mass around the tree at the base, i.e. the platform is
elevated from the ground level for the religious offerings in keeping with the religious
decorum.

Par is adjacent to the temple’s boundary wall. Plinth around the peepal tree is 200mm high.

Diyas (oil lamps) & religious offerings made to the peepal tree on the par 12
Condition and Evaluation: The current condition of the par is not very good. It is
dilapidated, not properly maintained and needs repair. The par needs to be conserved for
its ecological and religious value. Its association with the Hanuman temple makes it highly
significant from a religious point of view. Its location near the KEM hospital adds to its
religious value as it is frequented by kith and kin of the patients praying for the recovery of
their beloved.

Par at Shukrawar Peth

Location: National Highway

4, Shukrawar Peth, Opposite
Dr. Gupte’s clinic, Pune,
Maharashtra, India

The par is located on a main

road – national highway
(NH4). It lies on the side of the
road.

Coordinates: 18°30'36.7542''N
73°51'28.6726''E

Description: The par on the side

of the road has a peepal tree with
a square shaped plinth upto a
height of 800mm. Material of
construction is stone. Species of
the tree is Ficus religiosa,
commonly known as peepal tree.

A hawker selling local snacks or a

mobile food stall is parked near
the par. The owner of the stall has

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placed a potable water container and dispenser on the par nearby to quench the thirst of his
customers. People, who stop by for a road side snack, sit at the par while they await their
order. So the par serves as an
informal waiting & dining area or
as an informal sit-out for the food
stall. Thus those having a snack
sit in the shade of the tree and
relax while enjoying their snack.

Also a homeless person currently

resides there and has made it his
temporary shelter. He has settled
in with the few belongings that he

Mobile food stall selling local snacks parked at the par possesses and has sought shelter
below a plastic sheet secured in
placed by tying its ends to the tree and a notice board adjacent to the par. There is a private
organization’s notice board adjacent to the par that notifies the people about the activities
and events arranged by the organization.

Notice board adjacent to the par. Also The par serves as a temporary shelter for a
potable water available at the par. homeless man.

Condition and Evaluation: The current condition of the par is not very good. It needs
repair. But it is regularly cleaned by the man residing there or by the food stall owner, which
is evident from the broom placed on the par. The par needs to be conserved for its
ecological and social value. Its association with the food stall makes it significant from a
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social point of view. Also it is located on a main road surrounded with structures on both
sides where there is a lack of vegetation and trees are few and far between making it all the
more important to conserve this one.

Shani Paar

Location: Vedacharya Phatak, Guruji Rasta, Sadashiv Peth, Pune, Maharashtra 411002
The par is in the middle of the road. It is located at an intersection of roads.
Coordinates: 18°30'47"N 73°51'13"E

Google map showing location of Shani Par Shani par in the middle of an intersection of
roads

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 Description: The par has been
converted to a temple dedicated to
the Hindu lords Shani and
Hanuman. Lord Shanidev - the
personification of the planet Saturn
is worshipped with utmost
reverence and devotion by
multitudes of people. The plinth
height is 600mm. Material of
construction of plinth is stone.
Walls of the temple are made of
brick and lined with ceramic tiles to ease washing and cleaning of the walls and to reduce
maintenance problems. Species of the tree is Ficus religiosa, commonly known as peepal
tree. The peepal being a sacred tree is worshipped. Space is provided for circumambulation
or pradakshina. The temple and the tree are enclosed with a metal fence. The roof is a
sloping one made of colour coated GI sheets. The par has many accesses secured by
collapsible doors. Usually only one access is kept open. The other doors are opened on
busy days to aid movement.

The par has been converted to A devotee worshipping the idol and making religious
a Shanidev temple. offerings inside the temple

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 Shani is one of the Navagraha which are the nine
primary celestial beings. Shani is embodied in the
planet Saturn. Shani is the Lord of Saturday; the word
Shani also denotes the seventh day or Saturday in
most Indian languages.

Shani is a Deva and son of Surya (the Hindu Sun

God) and his wife Chhaya (Shadow goddess) and
hence also known as Chayyaputra. He is the elder
brother of Yama, the Hindu God of death, who in
some scriptures corresponds to the deliverance of
Shanidev justice. Interestingly, Surya's two sons Shani and
Yama judge. Shani gives us the results of one's deeds through one's life through
appropriate punishments and rewards; Yama grants the results of one's deeds after death.

It is said that when Shani opened his eyes as a baby for the very first time, the sun went
into an eclipse, which clearly denotes the impact of Shani on astrological charts. He is
known as the greatest teacher. Shani dev is said to be very harmful to those who follow the
path of betrayal, backstabbing and unjust revenge. He is known in Hindu scriptures as the
greatest trouble giver as well as the greatest well wisher. He is depicted dark in colour,
clothed in black; holding a sword, arrows and two daggers and variously mounted on a
black crow.

Shaniswara and Hanuman - The worship

of Lord Hanuman is a panacea for the
harsh effects of the 'unfavourable' presence
of Lord Shani. In the Ramayana, Lord
Hanuman is said to have rescued Shani
from the clutches of Ravana and in
gratitude, Shani promised Hanuman that
Shanidev and Hanumanji
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anyone who prayed to Him (Hanuman), especially on Saturdays, would be rescued from
the "malefic" effects of Saturn, or at the very least, the effects would be softened.

Another version of the encounter between Lord Hanuman and Shani Bhagavan is that once
Shani climbed on to Hanuman's shoulder, implying that Shani's influence was beginning on
Lord Hanuman. At this, Hanuman assumed a large size, and Shani was caught painfully
between Hanuman's shoulders and the ceiling of the room they were in. As the pain was
unbearable, Lord Shani requested Lord Hanuman to release him, promising in return, that if
a person prayed to Lord Hanuman, he (Shani) would moderate or eliminate the malefic
effects of his influence on that person; following this, Lord Hanuman released Shani.

Condition and Evaluation: The

current condition of the par is good.
It is regularly cleaned and properly
maintained by the temple’s
caretakers. The par needs to be
conserved for its ecological and
religious value. Its association with
the Shani - Hanuman temple
makes it highly significant from a
religious point of view. Shanipar is
famous locally and is thronged by
many worshippers especially on Saturdays. Also it is located at an intersection of roads
surrounded with structures on all sides where there is a lack of vegetation and trees are few
and far between making it all the more important to conserve this one for its ecological
value. Also peepal is considered to be sacred and cutting it is considered to be a sin.

Nagnath Par

Location: 959 Sadashiv Peth, Pune – 411030

Coordinates: 18°30'44.7109''N 73°51'1.0854''E
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Nagnath par is located adjacent to an intersection of roads. It is located on the Vedacharya
Phatak Guruji Road. The par is situated in the middle of the road.

Description: The par houses a

temple dedicated to the Hindu lord
Hanuman. The par has an apsidal
plinth. The plinth height is 600mm
and at the entrance it is cladded
with marble. Material of
construction of plinth is concrete.
Walls of the temple are made of
brick and its surface is finished with
oil paint to ease washing and
cleaning of the walls. The temple
has a collapsible metal door. The par has rough Shahabad flooring. The entrance steps and
the area around the temple are carpeted while the circumambulatory path around the tree
on the apsidal end is non-carpeted. Species of the tree is Ficus religiosa, commonly known
as peepal tree. The peepal being a sacred tree is worshipped. Space is provided around it

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for circumambulation or pradakshina. The temple and the tree are enclosed with a metal
fence. The roof is a made of painted corrugated GI sheets. The par has one access
secured by double panel metal grill doors. There are benches at the apsidal end of the par
made of granite slabs supported by metal framework.

The par is enclosed with a metal fence with an entrance on one side secured by a metal grill
double door. Entrance steps are carpeted. The par houses a Hanuman temple.

The circumambulatory path around the The Hanuman temple near the peepal tree
peepal tree behind the Hanuman temple. which is square in plan with a shikhara on top

Benches & unused earthen water pots at the The peepal tree of the Nagnath par. 20
apsidal end of the par
 Hanuman is a Hindu deity. Hanuman, the mighty
ape that aided Lord Rama in his expedition against
evil forces, is one of the most popular idols in the
Hindu pantheon. Pavana, the god of wind, was
reborn as Hanuman, the wisest, swiftest and
strongest of all apes. Believed to be an avatar of
Lord Shiva, Hanuman is worshiped as a symbol of
physical strength, perseverance and devotion.
Hanuman's tale in the epic Ramayana - where he is
assigned the responsibility to locate Rama's wife
Sita abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka
— is known for its astounding ability to inspire and
equip a reader with all the ingredients needed to
face ordeals and conquer obstructions in the way of
the world.

On Tuesdays and in some cases, Saturdays, many people keep fast in honour of Hanuman
and give special offerings to him. In times of trouble, it is a common faith among Hindus to
chant the name of Hanuman or sing his hymn ("Hanuman Chalisa"). Once every year — on
the full-moon day of the Hindu month of Chaitra (April) at sunrise — Hanuman Jayanti is
celebrated to commemorate the birth of Hanuman. Hanuman temples are among the most
common public shrines found in India.

The character of Hanuman teaches us of the unlimited power that lies unused within each
one of us. Hanuman directed all his energies towards the worship of Lord Rama, and his
undying devotion made him such that he became free from all physical fatigue. And
Hanuman's only desire was to go on serving Rama. Hanuman perfectly exemplifies
'Dasyabhava' devotion — one of the nine types of devotion — that bonds the master and
the servant. His greatness lies in his complete merger with his Lord, which also formed the
base of his genial qualities.

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Condition and Evaluation: The current condition of the par is good except for a few minor
repairs required. It is regularly cleaned and properly maintained by the temple’s caretakers.
The par needs to be conserved for its ecological and religious value. Its association with the
Hanuman temple and the peepal tree makes it highly significant from a religious point of
view. Nagnath par is well known locally and is visited by many worshippers especially on
Tuesdays and Saturdays to worship Lord Hanuman and to make religious offerings at the
peepal tree and at the temple. Many people’s religious sentiments are attached to the par.

Par at Narayan Peth

Location: N.C. Kelkar Road,

Narayan Peth, Pune-411030,
Maharashtra, India

The par in Narayan peth is located in

the middle of a Y – junction of roads.
It is located at the Y – junction where
the Rashtrabhasha Bhavan road
(secondary road) meets the main
Narsinha Chintaman Kelkar road
(primary road).
Coordinates: 18°30'55.1034''N 73°50'45.771''E

Description: The par houses a temple

dedicated to the Hindu lord Hanuman.
The par has a circular plinth. The
plinth height is 96cm. There are steps
to access the temple on the par.
Material of construction of plinth is
stone. The temple is very small, it is
134cm x 95cm with a height of 135cm.
Temple is made of brick and its

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surface is finished with oil paint while its interior
surface is partly lined with ceramic tiles to ease
washing and cleaning of the walls and to reduce
maintenance problems. The temple is designed
to have a vault roof. Species of the tree is Ficus
religiosa, commonly known as peepal tree. The
peepal being a sacred tree is worshipped.
Space is provided around the tree and temple
for circumambulation or pradakshina. The
circumambulatory path on the par is secured by
a railing upto a height of 92cm to avoid any
mishaps as the par is in the middle of the road.
The par is part of a small complex consisting of
the par, a flower stall and a waiting area
comprising of two concrete benches. The par
complex is triangular in plan with the par in one corner, the benches in the other corner and
the entrance (an opening) in the third corner. The par complex is enclosed by railing on two
sides and a brick wall on one side. Height of the railing is 90cm and that of the wall is
100cm. The flower stall is adjoining the par and facing the NC Kelkar road and beside it is
an opening for the entrance on NC Kelkar road. The flooring of the par complex is finished
with outdoor chequered flooring tiles.

The Hanuman temple at the Narayan peth par

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View of par from Rashtrabhasha Bhavan View of par from NC Kelkar road – flower
road – concrete benches at the par stall near the entrance

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Condition and Evaluation: The current condition of the par is very good. It is regularly
cleaned and properly maintained by the temple’s caretakers. The par needs to be
conserved for its ecological, social and religious value. Its association with the Hanuman
temple and the peepal tree makes it highly significant from a religious point of view. The par
is well known locally and is visited by many worshippers especially on Tuesdays and
Saturdays to worship Lord Hanuman and to make religious offerings at the peepal tree and
at the temple. Many people’s religious sentiments are attached to the par. The presence of
a flower stall indicates that it is frequented by many worshippers and even the flower
vendor is always in business. There are two concrete benches where people can wait on a
busy day or even otherwise for their kith or kin while they perform their religious rituals. Also
people sit and socialise there especially the elderly who come to pray either in the mornings
or evenings and stay back to catch up with their friends. Also its location helps to aid
smooth movement of vehicular traffic and helps to prevent accidents.

Shinde Par at Shaniwar Peth

Location: 329, Shaniwar Peth, Shindepar Chowk, Pune - 411030, Maharashtra, India

Shinde par in Shaniwar peth is located in the middle of an intersection of roads. It is located
at the intersection where the Namdeo Raut Path (secondary road) intersects a major road
(primary road). The intersection is known as Shindepar chowk.

Coordinates: 18°31'5.1384''N 73°51'0.2938''E

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 Description: The par houses a Shani Maruti
Mandir (Temple dedicated to the Hindu lords
Shani and Hanuman). Circular built mass (ht =
75cm) around the tree has a rectangular
projection (ht = 86cm) on which the temple is
built. So the par has a plinth shaped like a
shivling. The stone plinth is painted black and the
mortar joints are painted white. There are steps,
recessed in the plinth, to access the temple and
the peepal tree on the par. Small niche is created
in the plinth to store things required for either the
religious rituals or to clean the temple. Excess Oil
deposited in the temple by the worshippers is
collected in a can outside the plinth of the par by
means of an outlet pipe which starts from the temple and runs through the plinth to the
outside projecting out and hanging over the container. Species of the tree is Ficus religiosa,
commonly known as peepal tree. The peepal being a sacred tree is worshipped. Space is
provided around it for circumambulation or pradakshina. The temple is small; it is square in
plan with a Shikhara on top. Temple is made of brick and its external surface is finished
with blue oil paint while its internal surface is cladded with ceramic tiles to ease washing
and cleaning of the walls and to reduce maintenance problems. The shikhara is painted
with yellow and orange oil paints. On the south face of the temple is a blackboard for
notification of events. The temple’s
entrance is on the east side which is
secured by a small grill door. There is
a small donation box attached to the
inside face of the grill door. There is
an electric pole and a street lamp
adjacent to the par. Also there is a flag
pole with a bell attached to it at the
entrance. There is a tubelight inside
the temple. The temple houses idols
of Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman and
Shanidev.
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Circumambulatory path around the peepal Shri Shani Maruti Mandir at Shindepar

South face of the par Entrance to the temple on the east

Storage niche in the par Recessed steps Oil drain pipe draining excess oil
from the temple

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Condition and Evaluation: The par is in very good condition. It is regularly cleaned and
properly maintained by the temple’s caretakers. The par needs to be conserved for its
ecological and religious value. Its association with the Shani Maruti temple and the peepal
tree makes it highly significant from a religious point of view. The par is well known locally
and is visited by many worshippers especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays to worship the
lord and to make religious offerings. Many people’s religious sentiments are attached to the
par. Also its location at the intersection of roads helps to aid smooth movement of vehicular
traffic and helps to prevent accidents.

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