Shree Balaji Mandir Pune is at Ketkawale, near Narayanpur. It is about 45 kilometres away from Pune. The road passes through green fields, gurgling streams and many small cascading waterfalls as you approach the temple. So, even the route to the temple is a memory worth savouring.

Districts/Region

Pune District, Maharashtra, India.

History

Sri Balaji Mandir Pune is a close replica of the famous Balaji Temple of Tirumala, Tirupati. Therefore, people also call it Prati Balaji Mandir and Mini Balaji Mandir.
It is built amidst a lush green landscape, in a peaceful environment. And it is a treat for those who want to get the blessings of Lord Balaji. All pujas and sevas in this Balaji Mandir at Pune are performed by priests from the Tirupati Balaji Temple. The devotees get laddoo as prasad like one distributed at Balaji Temple at Tirupati.
The Prati Balaji Temple in Narayanpur Pune is built on an expanse of 10 acres of land and is surrounded by the Sahyadri hills. The grand entrance made of stone welcomes devotees and visitors into the shrine. Exquisite images of the Lord are painted on the top surface of the main temple with an extraordinary likeness to the original temple in the Tirumala Hills. Everything is well organized and the temple is reputed for its maintenance and cleanliness. There is also a Hundi where people can drop money for the upkeep of the temple and also appease Lord Venkateswara. Pilgrims need to go barefoot inside the temple premises and photography and videography are strictly prohibited. Vehicle parking is free, and there is a provision to store your luggage or bags inside the temple premises. The dining hall is well maintained and located at the back at a distance of around 200 meters. People can enjoy a hearty south Indian meal and avail of second helpings if needed.
The temple is a masterpiece of construction using stone and wood carvings abounding in great measure. Though it is a replica, it bears an uncanny resemblance to the original structure in Tirumala. Though it is not gold layered, it manages to capture the imagination of devotees and visitors with its impressive architecture.

Geography

Balaji Mandir is near Narayanpur, off the Pune-Bangalore Highway. It is about 45 km away from Pune railway station and the bus stop. From the airport, this Mini Balaji Temple is 55 km away.

Weather/Climate

The region has a hot-semi arid climate year-round with an average temperature ranging from 19-33 degrees Celsius. 
April and May are the hottest months in the region when the temperature reaches up to 42 degrees Celsius.
Winters are extreme, and the temperature can go as low as 10 degrees Celsius at night, but the average daytime temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius.
The annual rainfall in the region is around 763 mm.

Things to do

Prati Balaji Mandir in Pune performs all pujas and sevas, as done in the Tirupati Balaji Temple. Here, you can witness the Suprabhatam ritual and the daily idol worship. Shuddhi and Ekantseva rituals are also held daily.
And on every Friday, the temple carries out Abhishekam and Unjal-Seva.
Balaji Temple also celebrates festivals like Ram Navami, Vijaya Dashami and Deepavali. Vaikunta Ekadasi, Kanu Pongal and Gudi Padva too, are observed here. People also come here to seek blessings on the Tamil New Year. The temple is decorated with flowers and bright colourful lights on that day.
Here, you can buy and offer Annadanam, sweets, and Pongal to the Lord. And you can also enjoy the free meal – maha prasadam, during your visit to the temple.

Nearest tourist places

Bhuleshwar temple (45.6 KM).
Baneshwar Temple (11.1 KM)
Baneshwar waterfalls (12.3 KM)
Ek Mukhi Datta Mandir (35 KM)
Sinhagad Fort (33.7 KM)

Special food speciality and hotel

Maharashtrian cuisine is famous for its spicy cuisine. Wheat, rice, jowar, fruits, and vegetables comprise mainly of their staple diet. 
However, all major restaurants offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines. And if one would love to taste international cuisine, many eateries provide customized options as well.
While Misal Pav, Vada Pav, Poha, and Upma serve as awesome breakfast options, the Thali is a complete meal concerning lunch. Generally, rice, roti, vegetables, pickles, salad, dahi, and dal comprises a Thali. Kokum and Buttermilk are great drinks that people love to have after their meals.

Accommodation facilities nearby & Hotel/ Hospital/Post Office/Police station

Rajgadh police station, Siddhi vinayak Hospital and diagnostic Center at Narsapur  and  Post Office at Khed, Shivapur & Kaldari are in the vicinity of the temple.

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit

The temple is open from 5:00 A.M. to  8:00 P.M.
Balaji Mandir Pune is open on all days of the week from 5:00 A.M to 8:00 P.M . And you don’t require any fee to enter the temple and pray.
The temple rituals begin with Suprabhatam (at 5 AM). Then, morning pooja, afternoon pooja and evening pooja sessions begin at 6.30 A.M, 10:00 A.M. and 6.00 P.M., respectively. From 8:00 P.M. Onwards, Shuddhi and Ekantseva rituals begin.
The maha prasadam coupon is available between 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M.
Balaji Temple also carries out special Abhishekam (from 7.30 A.M. to 8:00 A.M.) and Unjal-Seva (from 5:00 P.M. to 05.45 P.M.) on Fridays.

Language spoken in area 

English, Hindi, Marathi