Pune: The iconic Shri Chatuhshrungi Devi Temple in Pune will be closed to devotees from August 16 to September 16 for extensive renovation work, according to an official statement from the temple trust and administration.

The closure, which falls during the auspicious Shravan month, has led the temple authorities to request the public's cooperation and understanding.

To ensure that devotees can still offer their prayers during this period, the temple has made alternative arrangements. The festival idol of the goddess will be temporarily relocated to the Ganpati Temple at the base of the hill, where devotees can seek darshan.

The temple is a focal point during the Navratri festival, drawing lakhs of devotees from across Maharashtra. With the upcoming renovations, preparations are underway to ensure the temple is ready for the annual celebrations.

Devotees are assured that the goddess's blessings will continue to be available, albeit from a different location, during the renovation period. In addition to the renovation announcement, the temple authorities shared historical insights about the temple's origins.

Historical Background:

In the 18th century, Pune was under the rule of the Peshwas. Durlabhsheth Mahajan, a moneylender for the Peshwas, was a devout follower of the Saptashrungi Devi of Vani.

Due to old age, he was unable to visit Vani and was deeply saddened by this. During this time, the goddess appeared to him in a dream, instructing him that she was present in the northwest part of Pune.

Upon excavating the indicated spot, a self-manifested idol of the goddess was found. The idol was coated with vermillion and eyes were placed on it. Since then, the Navratri festival has been celebrated at the temple, and today, lakhs of devotees come for darshan during the festival, as explained by temple trustee Hemant Angal.