Culture trip in Pune to Aga Khan Palace, a dargah and temples

Built-in 1892 by Imam Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III, the Palace witnessed some remarkable events that define India’s freedom movement against the British. Gandhiji, his wife Kasturba Gandhi and his secretary Mahadevbhai Desai were imprisoned here during the Quit India movement in 1942. During the guided tour, guests will realize why the Aga Khan Palace is a memorial to Gandhiji and his simple life.

It is beautifully built with white makrana marble with text from the Holy Quran. This dargah is associated with a mystery of a levitating stone. Legend has it that 11 people can place one finger each below the stone, shout the name of Hazarat Kamar Ali Darvesh and lift the stone. Up it goes, flying 10 to 11 feet into the air! More on this during the visit.

This is an ancient temple of Lord Dattatreya. The unique feature of Narayanpur Datta Temple is that usually Lord Datta is depicted with three faces, however, in this Temple, he has a single face. The god is depicted with six arms holding Dhamaru (holy musical instrument), Shakha (conch), Chakra (a holy weapon), Rudraksha Mala, Kamandalu (holy pot), Kaumodaki Gada (mace) and one hand in Abhaya Mudra.

It is a replica of the famous Balaji Temple of Tirupati in South India, which is India’s most popular temple in terms of pilgrim footfalls. The Tirupati temple is also the world’s second richest religious institution after the Vatican. All ceremonies are done as it is in the South. Even the Priests and authentic ladoo makers are called from Tirupati Balaji temple. Tasting the Ladoos is a memorable experience.