Shinde Chhatri

In the 18th century, there was a military leader named Shri Mahadji Shinde, in his honour there is a memorial dedicated to him Shinde Chhatri, Pune, in Wanwadi. Shri Mahadji Shinde used to serve as commander-in-chief under Peshwas from the 1760s to 1780s.

Flanked by the Bhairoba stream on right, the monument stands as a reminiscent and memoir of the great Maratha period. The memorial as known as 'chhatri' which means an umbrella, is located next to one ancient Shiva temple. It also boasts of the Anglo-Rajasthani carvings and architecture on yellow and black stone. There is a central hall which is the point of Mahadji Shinde's cremation. He was cremated on the 12th of February, in the year 1794 CE.

The main area is enclosed in 15 feet sturdy tall boasts and fortifications of intricate architecture. Till the 1794 CE, there was a complex that only consisted of a Lord Shiva temple which was constructed in the same year Mahadji Shinde passed away and it was Mahadji Shinde himself who constructed it.

In 1965, a samadhi, or a memorial was constructed for the commander-in-chief. All the Vastu rules were kept in mind while building the Chhatri. There is a Shinde Devasthan Trust which manages and takes care of the monument today.

The Chhatri of the hall even has paintings and carvings along with one gallery in it. The Shinde Chhatri, Pune consists of all the photographs and paintings of the Scindia family.

Some Traveller tips for people visiting the Shinde Chhatri

• People who visit the Shinde Chhatri are expected to always keep their umbrellas closed. Even if it rains or it’s too sunny. Opening an umbrella means insulting the Maratha Lord.

• Travellers visiting Pune should know it's a large city and finding a place to stay won’t be a problem. You could find any place to stay as mostly all the hotels in Pune are pretty budget-friendly.

• And if you want there are luxurious hotels too, so you can find almost any hotel according to the amount of budget you have.

• There are great hotels who would provide you with all the basic amenities which one needs for having a comfortable stay. They will provide you with warmth and care.

Types of things to do in Shinde Chhatri, Pune

In the chapters of the great Indian history, Pune in Maharashtra has a prominently significant position of its own. The city is filled with industries, ancient architectures, hotels and colleges. Some of the very famous places that one can visit when in Pune are-

• The Saras Baug-

It is a huge central park, has a beautiful 18th century temple, pretty water features and great lustrous grassy land. Which is ideal for having picnics and sports

• Shaniwar Wada-

It was Bajirao Peshwa who built the Shaniwar Wada in the year 1736. This seven storied building once used to serve as a great seat of some political power during that time.

• Aga Khan Palace-

Aga Khan Palace is also called the Gandhi National Museum and it is also a part of Indian freedom fight.

• Raja Dinkar Kelkar Museum-

This museum is located on the Bajirao road and has beautiful crafts and art collected by the late Shri Dinkar Kelkar. There are 6 galleries in the museum that show 12% of almost everyday art.

• Bushy Dam-

The Bushy Dam can give you some amazing views to all it’s tourists the entire year but mostly during monsoon. And also, you are not allowed to swim in this dam.

• Parvati hill-

The Parvati hill is located in the south end of the city. When you climb the top of the hill you get to see the most amazing view of the entire city.

• Vishrambaug Wada-

The beautiful mansion is one building of three storeys and it is also called a Teen chowki wada. It is Pesha, Bajirao II, who built it as his residence. The mansion is built on the Thorale Bajirao road.

Some other places and things available to do around Shinde Chhatri, Pune are

• Not only just these places, but there are many national parks like the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park, Kamala Nehru park these are some great places too. And especially if you love adventures and nature.

• You can also go and visit hill stations like Khandala and Lonavala. They are some of the nearest places to visit during the weekends.

• Also, Pune sightseeing can never be complete without having a leisure day at the Empress Garden and the Tajhai Hills. It is not always about jumping from one exciting place to another.

• Hopping around the city is not always enjoying a holiday. You also need to rest and rejuvenate in some of the city’s best hotels. Also, the weather is never too adverse in Pune, indulge in some Marathi culture and enjoy the city.

History Of The City

• The Shinde Chhatri is located in Wanwadi, Pune. It’s even locally called Shindyanchi Chhatri. It is dedicated to the great military leader, Mahadji Shinde. Majadji Shinde, himself even built a Lord Shiva temple there. And that was the year of his death too.

• In 1794, February 12th he was cremated. In the year 1965, Mahadji Shinde's memorial was constructed. It was built right outside the temple of Lord Shiva, at the place where he got cremated.

Architecture

• The Shinde Chhatri, Pune has entirely exquisite architecture. It shows the Rajasthani style of architecture. The building's architectural grandeur is appreciable with mind-blowing carvings.

• You should get inside and see the perfect and well preserved split-level hall. Don’t forget to see the patterned marble floor, rows of pillars and the splendid arches. There is a gallery along with painting and carvings in the Chhatri.

Festival of the Shinde Chhatri

The main festival celebrated in the Shinte Chhatri was for Lord Shiva. As they worshipped Lord Shiva, therefore, they even celebrated him.

Popular Culture

The Shinde Chhatri is culturally a blend of the Anglo-Rajasthani style. Therefore, the Anglo-Rajasthani blend in the famous culture of the Shinde Chhatri.

Best Time To Visit The Shinde Chhatri Would Be

The Shinde Chhatri remains open every day. The very best time for visiting the place is during the summers. Either in the early morning or during the evening. You can visit there from 10 am to 8 pm. There is no entry fee required.

How To Reach the Shinde Chhatri

From the main Pune city, the temple is almost 15kms away. From there you need to take a south-east turn and have a 20 minutes drive for reaching the temple. You can also travel in a taxi or autos. You can also reach the memorial from the Pune racecourse, which is there at 2 km distance from Wanowri.

The Interesting Fact About The Shinde Chhatri, Pune

The Shinde Chhatri is known to be one of the most interesting sites of Pune among the visitors. Because of its exquisite architecture. The amazing Shiva temple. The beautifully carved building itself is so interesting.

The entire process of visiting the temple would bring you a sense of calmness and serenity.

You should visit the Shinde Chhatri at least once in your lifetime. So the next time you plan for any trip, try to visit the Shinde Chhatri in Pune.