Pune: 250-Year-Old Riddhi-Sidhi Ganapati Temple Unearthed in Chinchwad
Pimpri-Chinchwad, 30th September 2025: A centuries-old temple dedicated to Lord Ganapati has been unearthed near the Pawana River in Chinchwad Gaon, revealing another layer of the region’s deep cultural legacy. The small black stone shrine, believed to be nearly 250 years old, came to light during routine cleaning work on Monday.
The shrine, roughly two by three feet in size, houses six beautifully carved idols. Among them are a crowned Ganapati in a seated posture, a damaged idol of Nandi, and a Shiva lingam. Residents gathered in large numbers as the idols were carefully brought out, and many immediately began offering prayers.
“This part of Chinchwad has always been historically rich. Saints like Moraya Gosavi and the Chapekar brothers have left their mark here. The unearthing of such a temple only reinforces that heritage,” said a local resident.
Archaeologists and civic officials were alerted soon after the discovery. Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) officials, along with the police, secured the site. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is expected to carry out a detailed examination to establish the temple’s origins and significance.
Adding to the intrigue, remnants of an old water reservoir were also noticed nearby. Historians say the reservoir once supplied water to temples and villagers in Chinchwad Gaon, suggesting the area was an important spiritual and social hub in earlier times.
Local history researcher Nilesh Gawade explained, “Our study shows this locality dates back around 400 years. The water reservoir itself was once crucial for the settlement. The Ganapati idol discovered now might not be the only one. If the area is cleaned and studied further, more artefacts are likely to come to light. We have even found mentions of this spot in old records.”
The discovery has sparked curiosity among residents, many of whom are now urging the authorities to conduct deeper excavations.
Locals believe the site may hold more relics that can help trace the evolution of Chinchwad’s spiritual and cultural traditions.
