Shri Balaji Mandir

Shri Balaji Mandir is a temple dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, situated in the village of Ketkawle near Narayanpur, about 40 km away from Pune.

Popularly known as Prati Balaji, this temple is the replica of the Tirupati Balaji Mandir located in the city of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh. It was built by V.H. Group at a cost of Rs. 27 crores. Inside the temple’s sanctum sanctorum is a beautiful wooden idol of Shri Balaji or Lord Venkateshwara, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The temple also has shrines of many other Hindu deities including Lord Krishna, Goddess Lakshmi, Lord Ganesh, Lord Narasimha and more.

The drive from Pune to Narayanpur is very scenic. The route appears even more beautiful during monsoon with lush greenery and waterfalls, everywhere you look. The temple itself is wonderfully constructed and set amidst majestic mountains. Intricate carvings decorate the temple’s exteriors as well as interiors. One can sit inside the temple for a while, relax, meditate and soak in the spiritual and peaceful atmosphere.

The temple is open to devotees between 5.00 am to 8.00 am on all days. The temple pujaris perform artis and puja at specific times of the day. One can check the arti and puja schedule in advance to partake in the divine rituals. Delicious Boondi laddus are served as Prasad. One can also eat Mahaprasad – a traditional South Indian meal (Sambar-Rice), served free of cost at the temple’s community hall during lunch/dinner hours.

Great care is taken by the temple authorities to keep the spacious premises spotlessly clean. The temple complex has separate washrooms for men and women. There is ample parking space in the temple’s parking lot. Mobiles, cameras, leather waist belts and leather wrist watches are not allowed inside the temple. One can keep them in the car or deposit them at the temple’s lockers. Photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple.

A spiritual retreat set amidst a delightful natural landscape, Shri Balaji Mandir is an ideal destination for a short and refreshing getaway near Pune. While visiting Shree Balaji Mandir, one may also explore other nearby attractions such as the Ekmukhi Datta Mandir, the Baneshwar Shiva Temple and the Purandar Fort.