When we talk about Maharashtra, we immediately relate to Shivaji Maharaj or the Peshwas and their bravery. Talk about business and finance in Maharashtra and we think Mumbai, but when we talk about the History of Maharashtra, we think of Pune. The old name of Pune was “Punya” because it is situated on the confluence of Mula and Mutha rivers (Confluence or sangam of two rivers is called as punya). In olden days, Pune was also referred to as Punyanagari. Recently on a trip to Pune, I visited a very unique spot right in the heart of Pune – the Parvati Hills. I am sure most of you will read it as ‘Paarvati Hills’ thinking that this place might have a Mata Parvati temple. But people from Pune call it Parvati ie. related to a Parvat or a hill. This is because the peak of the hill itself is a Swayambhu or Shiva and He is worshiped in this form. Of course the Devi too resides here, but the main Deity is Shiva.
The climb to this very scenic spot is about 108 (some say 103) huge steps but worth every climb. From the top of the hill, one can see the view of the whole of Pune.
The temple was built about 400 years ago. The main temple, as it stands today, was built by the third Peshwa, Shrimant Nana Saheb in the year 1749 A.D. The history of the temple is linked with a miracle. It is believed that Kashibai, wife of BajiRao Peshwa, was suffering from a severe ailment in her right foot. One of her advisors informed her about a temple of Goddess to the South of Pune which was famous for its miraculous healing power. Kashibai went to the temple which was located on top of this hill and prayed for her recovery. She vowed that if she was cured of her ailment, she would build a temple there. She soon recovered and her son built a temple on the hill. This was the famous Parvati temple.
Nana Saheb Peshwa, the Peshwa of Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj (grandson of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj) called the Shiva of Parvati hill temple by the name “Devadeveshwara” i.e.”Lord of Lords” – suggesting its supreme position in the divinity. When he became seriously ill, he preferred to remain near his favourite Deity, than to stay at his usual place. His Samadhi Sthal is located here.
The entire temple complex has Vithoba-Rukmai, Kartikeya Swamy and Vishnu temples also. It also houses a small museum with collections from the Peshwa period. It was heartbreaking to see the paintings with gold filigree work broken or fading, because they were not preserved properly. So many beautiful items about four centuries old not being preserved because of a lack of funds or manpower is really a shame. The cloths on the palanquins on display were discoloured and wearing out because of contact with humidity. Pune’s fame is also because of the ‘Peshwai’ – it is sad that such a glorious past is not being preserved. As it is most of the roads and landmarks of Pune are now witness to either only the freedom struggle or our politicians – past and present.
Why are we allowing ourselves to forget the history of our glorious kings? None of the Islamic invaders could sit peacefully as long as the Marathas and the Peshwas ruled. If Maharashtra is still majorly Hindu, it is because of them. And still we allow our children and future generations to forget them? Education in English, lack of reading culture (especially of books written in the local languages) and Government apathy is already hurtling us to a future where citizens of this country will only remember the Islamic invaders, the European invaders and an incomplete view of the freedom struggle. Why are we not able to at least preserve our temples, monuments, forts, books, relics from the past, with pride and the respect they deserve? When all countries struggle to remember their heritage and what they call as local culture, Bharat must be the only country where people are fighting to misrepresent culture, to disown their past. When we are the only surviving ancient civilization, why are people of all religions not proud of it? We must look within and evoke pride in our civilization with whatever tools we can. Irrespective of religion, all citizens must learn about our ancient heroes, our heritage, our culture, our languages.
How can we expect our children to become patriots if they are totally disconnected with our past?
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