Pune, 10 December 2025: Historic Kasba Ganpati Temple will remain closed for devotees from Monday, December 15, as the temple trust begins a delicate restoration process of the shendur coating on the main idol of Lord Ganesh. The decision has been taken to prevent any future damage to the ancient self-manifested (swayambhu) idol.
Temple trustee Vinayak Bajirao Thakar said that this is the first time such a restoration is being carried out in the temple’s known history. Over the past few days, parts of the vermilion coating on the idol have started peeling off, raising concerns about the safety of the idol.
The restoration work will be carried out with guidance from idol experts, religious scholars, and the Archaeology Department. The entire process will be done in a traditional and scientific manner, under the supervision of specialists. The work will be focused mainly on the idol that is worshipped daily.
Since the process is highly sensitive, it is expected to take around three weeks, though the duration may change depending on actual working conditions. The temple management has assured devotees that every effort will be made to reopen the temple at the earliest after the work is safely completed.
Kasba Ganpati is one of the oldest and most respected temples in Pune, with historical references dating back to around 1614. It is known as the village deity (Gramadaivat) of Pune and holds deep religious, cultural, and social importance. The temple is also linked with Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who referred to Lord Ganesh as the giver of victory.
Considering the spiritual significance and the safety of the ancient idol, the decision to close the temple for the next few weeks has been taken in the best interest of devotees and heritage conservation.