PUNE

The earliest mention of Pune can be found in a copperplate inscription (758-768 CE) commissioned by Rashtrakut king Kannara (Krishna I). According to the inscription, at that time, Pune was known as ‘Punya Vishaya’ or ‘Punaka Vishaya’. In the 9th century, when Pune came under the Yadav Empire, it began to be known as ‘Punewadi’ and ‘Punekawadi’. During the medieval period, Pune was popularly known as ‘Kasba Pune’. In 1703, when Mughal Maharaja Aurangzeb captured Pune, he renamed the area as ‘Muhiyabad’. It was named after his great-grandson Muhi-ul-Milan who breathed his last here. However, the name never stuck and was out of use once the Mughal empire had declined. In 1857, the British named it Poona, an anglicised version of its current name, Pune. Pune was named so in 1978, several years after India’s Independence.

The story of Sinhagad is one of Pune’s most popular stories. Today, Sinhagad is a popular trekking spot for all Punekars and even general tourists.

It was evening, and Jijabai stood on her balcony, her gaze fixed on the green flag waving proudly over Kondhana Gadd. The sight filled her with anger and disappointment, as it symbolized a stronghold held by their enemies. Unable to contain her emotions, she called out to her son, Shivaji Maharaj, expressing her frustration. In response, Shivaji vowed to capture Kondhana, no matter how challenging the task, promising to enhance the glory of Swarajya - the self-rule of the Marathas.

The following morning, Shivaji convened a court assembly to announce his bold plan to capture Kondhana. The court was taken aback; Kondhana was notorious for its formidable defenses and was considered one of the most difficult forts to conquer. Undeterred, Shivaji sought a commander willing to take on this perilous mission. At that moment, Tanhaji Malusare, a brave and loyal warrior, stepped forward. He had traveled from his hometown of Umrad to invite Shivaji to his son Raiba’s wedding. With unwavering determination, Tanhaji declared, “Mi jinkhto ha Gadd!” (I will capture this fort). Shivaji, recognizing the enormity of the task, suggested that Tanhaji could delegate the mission to someone else. This remark ignited Tanhaji’s passion, and he retorted, “Adhi lagin Kondhanya Cha mag Raiba cha!” (First the victory of Kondhana, then my son’s marriage). For Tanhaji, loyalty to his king and the defense of his homeland took precedence over personal matters.

With a heavy heart, Tanhaji bid farewell to his family and gathered his bravest Maratha warriors. They set out for the treacherous ascent to the formidable fortress perched atop steep cliffs. Under the cover of darkness, Tanhaji and his brother Suryaji assembled 500 of their most valiant men and approached the valley below Kondhana Gadd, which was heavily guarded by 5,000 Mughal soldiers led by the fierce Udaybhan Rathore. Kondhana was fortified with massive doors and towering walls, resembling a lion’s mouth, making direct assault nearly impossible. However, Tanhaji was known for his cunning. He had brought along a large monitor lizard named Yashwanti, which he tied to a rope. This unconventional strategy allowed him to scale the seemingly insurmountable walls.

As the Maratha soldiers reached the top of the fort, they launched a surprise attack on the unsuspecting Mughal forces. The ensuing battle was fierce and chaotic, marked by intense hand-to-hand combat. Tanhaji fought with the ferocity of a lion, rallying his men and inspiring them to match his bravery. His leadership was instrumental in boosting the morale of the Maratha warriors. However, in the heat of the battle, Tanhaji was struck by a Mughal arrow, wounding him fatally. As he lay dying, surrounded by his loyal troops, his sacrifice ignited a fierce resolve among his men. Motivated by their commander’s bravery, they fought with renewed vigor, ultimately overpowering the Mughal defenders and capturing the fort.

Meanwhile, Shivaji paced anxiously on his balcony, waiting for news from the battlefield. Suddenly, he spotted a large fire being lit atop the fort, a signal indicating that the battle had been won. Filled with joy and admiration for Tanhaji and his brave warriors, Shivaji went to bed, relieved that the fort was now in Maratha hands. The next morning, however, Suryaji entered the court with a heavy heart. Not seeing Tanhaji by his side, Shivaji inquired about his whereabouts. Suryaji, overcome with grief, revealed that Tanhaji had died in battle, having bravely taken down the formidable Udaybhan. Shivaji was devastated; he had lost one of his greatest commanders and a dear friend.

In his sorrow, Shivaji exclaimed, “Gadd Aala Pan Sinha Gela” (The fort was won, but we lost our lion). To honor Tanhaji’s legacy and sacrifice, he renamed Kondhana as Sinhagad.

Late at night, Holkar Bridge stands eerily still, shrouded in mist that clings to its stones. This bridge is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of an old woman, a presence that frightens even the bravest souls. With thick kajal around her eyes, a gleaming nose ring, and wild hair, she appears suddenly, her presence both shocking and unsettling. She speaks in an old form of Marathi, her whispers chilling those who hear her.

According to legend, the ghost seeks a ride across the bridge. Those who refuse her request find themselves pursued by her skeletal figure, which moves with unnatural speed. Whether walking, biking, or driving, she matches their pace effortlessly.

Two tragic tales explain her restless spirit. The first story dates back to the 1920s when a young woman eloped with her boyfriend, Mahadev, escaping the strict confines of Pune. Their love story ended in horror when outraged family members tracked them down. Mahadev was brutally attacked and left for dead in the Mula-Mutha river. Grief-stricken, the woman returned to the bridge night after night, searching for her lost love, her anguished screams echoing in the night.

The second tale involves a mother and her young son. One evening, as they crossed the bridge, a speeding car struck the child. The driver fled, leaving the boy to bleed to death in his mother’s arms. Overwhelmed with sorrow, the mother jumped from the bridge, her lifeless body clinging to her son’s. Since that night, her spirit has haunted Holkar Bridge, filled with anger toward careless drivers. Those who speed by may catch a glimpse of her vengeful gaze in their rearview mirrors.

The bridge’s dark reputation is amplified by nearby graves and the many suicides that have occurred there, each death adding to the gloom. As you cross Holkar Bridge at night, the silence feels alive, as if unseen eyes are watching. If you encounter the old woman, remember to deny her request at your own risk. Refusal may lead to a terrifying chase by a spirit unable to find peace.

In the quiet neighborhood of Shaniwar Peth, where everyone knew each other, four engineering students from Pune's College of Engineering were about to shatter the peace. Dilip Sutar, Manya Surve, Shyam Suresh Deshpande, and Rajendra Jakkal seemed like ordinary students, but beneath their calm exteriors lay deep discontent and twisted ambitions.

Their descent into crime began with petty thefts, but soon escalated to serious offenses, targeting wealthy families in Pune. Their first victim was their very own classmate, Prakash Hegde. After Prakash, they targeted the Joshi family. The intruders showed no mercy, brutally killing the parents and silencing the terrified children.

This shocking crime sent ripples of fear throughout Pune. The police were stunned by the brutality, and the community was left wondering who could commit such atrocities. As the investigation unfolded, the gang continued their rampage, seemingly unfazed by the rising death toll.

Their next target was Abhyankar, a wealthy businessman. Following their usual method, they broke in at night, murdered the family, and stole valuables. Mr. Abhyankar, his wife, and their teenage daughter met the same gruesome fate.

Under immense pressure to solve the case, the police finally caught a break when a stolen item led them to Rajendra Jakkal. During intense interrogation, he confessed and implicated his accomplices. The ensuing trial became one of the most sensational in Pune's history. The public was outraged as the horrific details emerged, transforming the once-promising students into figures of unspeakable cruelty. The courtroom was filled with people eager for justice. Ultimately, all four men were convicted of multiple murders and sentenced to death. Despite several appeals, their sentences were upheld, marking a grim end to a chapter that had instilled terror in Pune.

The series of serial murders has left a profound mark on Indian popular culture over the decades, inspiring several notable works. One such piece is Yes, I Am Guilty (1983), an autobiography by Munawar Shah, one of the youngest murderers, written during his imprisonment. The film Maaficha Sakshidar (1986), featuring Nana Patekar and Mohan Gokhale, dramatizes the execution of four students convicted of ten murders, with Patekar in a key early role. Another significant work is Paanch (2003), directed by Anurag Kashyap, which is loosely based on the murders but faced censorship for its violent content and drug-related themes, preventing a theatrical release despite being screened at film festivals. Lastly, November 27 (2020), a play by actor-writer Naren Weiss, was published in the collection Deepak and Raj: Two Indian Plays, which reached the top of Amazon's playwriting list for 2020.

The Satyanarayan Pooja consists of five parts (adhyay), as follows:

Narad Muni visits Earth and observes the sadness and struggles of people. He advises them to perform the Satyanarayan Pooja to seek blessings from Vishnu.

A poor Brahmin feels hopeless due to his poverty. One day, a figure disguised as Vishnu encourages him to perform the pooja for prosperity. The Brahmin organizes the pooja with his family. Afterward, a woodcutter who attends the pooja has a successful day selling wood. He tells the Brahmin about his good fortune, which the Brahmin attributes to the pooja.

One day a sadhu sees a king and queen perform the pooja on the riverside. Realizing its importance he organizes the pooja at his home as he is desperate for a child. His wife Leelavati has the ‘tirth prasad’ and the couple soon has a girl who they name Kalavati. To celebrate the child's birth the sadhu promises to do a satyanarayan pooja soon. His wife tells him to postpone it till her marriage. When Kalavati gets married, her in-laws postpone the pooja even further as her new husband must go out of station for trade. The trade goes well and the husband earns money but Vishnu watches angrily from above.

That night a thief steals from the royal treasury and is about to be caught by the guards but he quickly hides the stolen money in the husband’s godown and escapes. The guards find the money and hold Kalavati’s husband wrongly responsible and imprison him by orders of the king. Leelavati and Kalavati are distressed to hear this news and suffer for a few days trying to make ends meet. One day Kalavati attends a Satyanarayan pooja and tells her mother about it. Leelavati realizing their mistake, promises to do the promised pooja and asks for forgiveness. Vishnu agrees and appears in the king’s dream asking to release the husband else he shall face the bhagwan’s wrath. The husband is released and he sets off on his way home by boat. Kalavati and Leelavati begin arranging the pooja.

On his way home, Kalavati's husband hides his money and grains in a bag. When asked about it, he lies, claiming it contains flowers. The questioner is actually Vishnu in disguise, who transforms the contents into flowers. Realizing his mistake, the husband pleads for forgiveness, and Vishnu returns his earnings. When he reaches the shore, he sends a messenger to call for Kalavati and Leelavati. Later, during the pooja, Kalavati rushes and forgets to drink the tirth prasad. As a result, her husband and their boat vanish. Realizing her error, she completes the pooja properly. Her husband and the boat reappear, and their troubles end.

An atheist (nastika) king goes hunting, finishes the task and is happy with his hunt. In the jungle, the local community organized a pooja and invited the King for darshan and prasad. The haughty kind rejects their offer and insults the pooja. Upon returning, he finds his kingdom destroyed and his sons dead. Regretful, he returns to the community to apologize and participates in the pooja with sincerity. His kingdom and sons are restored.

These stories illustrate the importance of regularly performing the Satyanarayan Pooja. It is traditionally held during significant occasions such as births, marriages, or new beginnings, often in the month of Shravan. The pooja is typically followed by celebrations, including dance, kirtan, and community gatherings. While the traditional jagran aspect has diminished, coming together for darshan and prasad remains an essential part of the celebration.

Legend has it that a group of children brought their cows to graze at the site where the Kasba Ganpati Mandir now stands. During their visit, they discovered a murti of Ganpati. The children painted the murti and began to worship it. It is said that Jijabai, the mother of the great Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj, also visited the Mandir whenever she came to the nearby Lal Mahal. As a result of the murti’s growing popularity, Dadoji Konddeo, a prominent figure in the Maratha court, built a pendol (a roofed structure supported by pillars) in front of the murti. This structure eventually became the Kasba Ganpati Mandir that stands there today.

It is important to note Baji Rao I's contribution to the city of Pune. Baji Rao I wished to settle in Pune, and thus commissioned the building of the Shaniwar Wada palace, which would later become the focal point of the city. Construction of the palace began on a Saturday in January 1730 and was completed exactly two years later on a Saturday, leading to its name. Local legend has it that Baji Rao I stumbled upon the location for the palace after witnessing a small hare chase a hound over a hillock near the Mutha river bank. This location was deemed to be the most auspicious. However, it is also possible that historical factors influenced his decision, as the palace was situated near the site of Shivaji's Lal Mahal. It is said that Baji Rao I even mixed some earth from Lal Mahal with the foundation of his new home, symbolically linking his own nature to the history of the founder of the Maratha kingdom.

Shaniwar Wada was the main residence of the Peshwas, leaders of the Maratha Empire, and was built in 1732. However, beneath its beautiful exterior lies a dark history filled with betrayal, murder, and restless spirits.

Shaniwar Wada is associated with enduring local legends. Chief among these is the story of Peshwa Narayanrao, who was assassinated here in 1773. According to many residents, Shaniwar Wada is believed to be haunted by the spirit of this young Peshwa, who was brutally assassinated as a result of familial treachery. After the death of Peshwa Madhavrao I, the young Narayanrao, only seventeen years old, was named his successor. As he had not yet come of age, the regency passed to his kaka (uncle), Raghunathrao, also known as Raghoba. Over time, tensions grew between them, fuelled by Raghoba and his wife Anandibai’s ambition for power.

Anandibai, Raghoba’s wife, was said to be jealous and desired the throne for her husband; as a result, she sought the help of the Gardis, a community of highly trained guerrilla soldiers. Popular versions of the legend suggest that she forged a letter sent by her husband. The original order, which read “Narayan ravana dharaa”, meaning “seize Narayanrao” intending abduction, was altered to “Narayan ravana maara”, meaning “slay Narayanrao”. Acting on this distorted command, the Gardis entered Shaniwar Wada on the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi to assassinate the young Peshwa. It is said that Narayanrao cried out desperately to Raghoba, “Kaka, malaa vachva!” meaning “Uncle, save me!”, but his pleas went unanswered as the Gardis brutally murdered him, mutilated his body, and dragged it out of the Wada premises.

People say that on certain nights, you can still hear Narayanrao's cries for help echoing through Shaniwar Wada. Many believe his spirit is trapped there, reliving that terrible night. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps, whispers, and Narayanrao's haunting plea.

The tragedy didn't end with Narayanrao's death. The wada has seen many disasters, including several fires. The worst fire occurred in 1828, burning for seven days and destroying much of the palace. Many believe the spirits of those who died in the fire still haunt the ruins, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

There are stories of strange sights, mysterious figures wandering the grounds, and sudden chills that make your skin crawl. A banyan tree in the courtyard is thought to be a gateway to the spirit world, where the souls of the wronged seek justice.

If you visit, walk softly and listen closely, you might hear the ghostly cries of the prince, forever searching for help.

One of the most beloved stories by P. L. Deshpande, or Pu. La. Deshpande, is Antu Barva from his collection Vyakti ani Valli. Antu Barva is a character sketch that depicts an irritated old guy with a sour demeanor, noted for his quick temper and unusual attitude. Despite his stern behavior, he has a soft side, particularly when it comes to his grandchildren.

The story begins with Antu, a well-known figure in his community, recognized for his fiery personality and quirky way of speaking. He often scolds children and argues with neighbors, earning a reputation as a grumpy old man. However, his complaints often lead to funny situations. He lives in a modest home with his family, including his son, daughter-in-law, and beloved grandchildren. Although he appears tough, he deeply loves his grandchildren, who playfully tease him, knowing he is not as fierce as he seems.

One day, a significant event reveals a new side of Antu. His son, a clerk, is facing financial difficulties, and the family needs money. Antu, proud and independent, decides to help. Despite his age and poor health, Antu visits an old friend who owes him money. The journey is tough, and his pride prevents him from asking for help. He grumbles to himself but remains determined to support his family.

When he reaches his friend's house, his grumpy nature is evident as he demands his money. Yet, underneath his harsh words lies urgency and desperation. Surprised by Antu's determination, his friend eventually gives him the money. Exhausted but victorious, Antu returns home and hands the money to his son without seeking thanks. His son and daughter-in-law are touched by his generosity, knowing how hard he worked for it. That evening, as Antu sits in his usual spot, complaining about the day, his grandchildren come to him with their usual mischief. This time, he responds with a rare smile, gently scolding them while feeling love and pride for his family.

Nanda Pradhan is known for his insatiable curiosity and chatty nature. He is Pu La's childhood friend, and their interactions create many humorous situations. Nanda's constant need for information and habit of asking endless questions make him a delightful yet sometimes annoying companion.

Pu La Deshpande begins the story by describing Nanda Pradhan, a friend who is always curious about his surroundings. His curiosity has no limits, and his insatiable thirst for knowledge often leads him into funny situations.

Pu La and Nanda decide to visit a small fair that has recently opened in their neighborhood. As they explore the fairgrounds, Nanda's interest is piqued by each stall and attraction. He bombards Pu La with questions about the rides, games, and food stalls, much to Pu La's amusement.

At one point, they come across a fortune-telling tent. Nanda is intrigued and insists on getting his fortune told. Pu La, skeptical but charmed by his friend's enthusiasm, joins him inside. The fortune-teller, a fascinating woman with dramatic flair, begins reading Nanda's palm. Nanda's eyes widen in fascination as the fortune-teller goes into her predictions. He pays close attention to every word and gesture made by the fortune-teller. Pu La observes with interest as Nanda's expression changes from skepticism to belief depending on the fortune being told.

Nanda is filled with questions about fate, destiny, and life's secrets following the fortune-telling session. He engages Pu La in a heated discussion about the credibility of fortune-telling and the philosophical implications of predicting the future. Their conversation continues late into the night as they walk back from the fair. Nanda's enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity are infectious, and Pu La is drawn into lengthy debates about life's ambiguities and the human search for understanding.

Pu La fondly recalls the events of the day as they say their goodbyes for the night. He realizes that Nanda's curiosity and zeal for life have improved their friendship in ways he had not previously recognized. Nanda, with his never-ending questions and enormous enthusiasm, has taught Pu La to see the world through a new lens, one full of wonder and curiosity.

Pune in the 18th century was the heart of Maratha power and culture, led by the famous Peshwas. Peshwa Bajirao I, known for his military skills and political insight, ruled from Shaniwar Wada, where he met Mastani.

Mastani was the daughter of Maharaja Chhatrasal of Bundelkhand and came to Pune to strengthen her father's alliance with the Marathas. From their first meeting, Bajirao was captivated by Mastani's beauty and intelligence, even though he was married to Kashibai, his childhood sweetheart. Their relationship faced challenges; Bajirao's family and courtiers disapproved, viewing Mastani as an outsider because of her Muslim background. Kashibai, Bajirao's loving wife, struggled with her feelings for him and the complications introduced by Mastani, but she handled the situation with grace.

As they navigated court life, Bajirao and Mastani's bond grew stronger. Despite his family's objections, Bajirao fought to stay with Mastani and protected her from political backlash until his death. At first, she lived with him at Shaniwar Wada, but later he moved her to another palace in Kothrud. His family continued to oppose their relationship, and at one point, they confined Mastani while Bajirao was away at war. They also insisted that their son be raised as a Muslim, following Mastani's heritage.

Bajirao died in battle in 1740, and shortly after, Mastani died under mysterious circumstances. Some believe she died of grief, while others think she may have taken her own life. After their deaths, Kashibai raised their son, Shamsher. The story of Bajirao and Mastani is a tale of love and loyalty that continues to resonate with people today.

Dr. Hema Sane lives in the old Budhwar Peth area of Pune, where she has spent over 60 years without electricity. Growing up in a small house without modern conveniences, she learned to appreciate a simple life connected to nature. Her parents, both botany enthusiasts, inspired her love for plants and the environment. This passion led her to become a respected botanist, dedicated to studying and preserving nature.

Dr. Sane continues to live in her electricity-free home, using solar lamps and candles. She spends her days tending to her garden, studying, and writing. Her home is a peaceful refuge filled with flowers and the sounds of birds. Despite the challenges of her lifestyle, Dr. Sane finds joy in simplicity and does not feel pressured by modern society. Her commitment to sustainable living has inspired many to seek a more eco-friendly way of life. At 83, Dr. Hema Sane’s story shows that happiness can be found in the simplest of things.

According to locals, the Bahiri Caves were once home to a powerful saint named Bahiri, known for his extraordinary abilities. He was celebrated for his wisdom and his ability to communicate with devatas. People from nearby villages would journey through dense forests to seek his blessings and guidance, believing he could heal the sick, predict the future, and bestow wealth upon those who asked for his help.

Legend has it that the caves hold a hidden treasure, protected by Bahiri's aatma. This treasure is thought to be a gift from the Devtas, entrusted to Bahiri for safekeeping. Over the years, many have tried to find this treasure, but none have succeeded. Locals believe that Bahiri's aatma watches over the caves, ensuring that only those with pure intentions can discover the riches.

Every year during the Shivratri festival, communities gather to honor Bahiri. This celebration is significant in Pune, as people travel from different parts of the country. The journey to the Bahiri Caves is considered a yatra, and believers trek through challenging terrain and thick forests to reach the caves. This journey is seen as a test of faith, and those who complete it believe they receive blessings from Bahiri Baba. Upon reaching the caves, people light diyas and offer prayers at the entrances, chanting slokas and sharing stories of Bahiri's miracles.

According to a folk tale about Morya Gosavi, two Ganesh bhakts named Vaman Narayan and Bhat Shaligram, who were natives of Bidar village in Karnataka state, visited Morgaon, a yatra center in Maharashtra, in 1330 with their wives. While in Morgaon, on the bank of a river, Bhat Shaligram went to take the darshan of a tree dedicated to Bhagwan Ganesh and was blessed with a son within a year, whom he named Morya. When Morya became critically ill, his worried parents prayed to Ganesh for his recovery. A pujari treated Morya and saved his life. The pujari, called Swami Narayan Bharati, became a mentor to Morya. He stayed in Chinchwad, where he subsequently took Samadhi. The Bhat family, including Morya, came to be known as Gosavi.

Morya Gosavi dedicated his life to the devotion of Ganesh. He worshipped Ganesh (Moreshwar) at Morgaon, however, due to hindrances in his worship, he left Morgaon and started worshipping Ganesh in a jungle near Tathwade, close to Chinchwad. Every fourth day after the full moon, he would visit Theur. At the request of Ganesh bhakts from Chinchwad, Morya Gosavi began worshipping at the bank of the Pavana River. In 1470, he married a girl named Uma from Tathwade village in Chinchwad. He frequently traveled to Theur, Ranjangaon, and Chinchwad to worship Ganesh. In 1481, he was blessed with a son whom he named Chintamani. Later, Chintamani became famous as a great bhakt of Ganesh and Sant, the elder Chintamani Maharaj.

Morya Gosavi continued his devotion throughout his life. His wife Umabai died in 1556, and his Guru Shree Nayan Bharati undertook Samadhi. Morya Gosavi felt that he had completed his life's work and decided to take Samadhi in 1556. During his lifetime, Morya Gosavi's popularity and devotion became known to Maharaja Humayun, the Mughal ruler in Delhi during his exile in Gujarat. The Maharaja requested Morya Gosavi's assistance and arranged for safe passage to Kabul. As a token of gratitude, the Maharaja sent gifts to Morya Gosavi. This incident has been noted in a history book written by Parasnis and Martin called "Sanads and Letters of Humayun."