Ghorpade Ghat

Historically, across Indian cities, ghats were built along riverbanks. Ghats are broad flights of steps that lead down to the riverbank for daily activities and rituals. In the center of Pune, along the banks of the Mutha river, one can see an old, almost fort-like stone structure on the riverbank. This structure is called Ghorpade Ghat.

It is flanked by four bastions, a nagarkhana (a drum chamber), two circular rooms, and a flight of wide steps leading down toward the river. It is said that the ghat was built by Daulatrao Ghorpade in 1831. Historians have mentioned the sighting of a stone inscription here with the date February 10, 1831.

There are foundations of two temples at this site. One of them is said to be a Mahadeva temple, while the other one remains unidentified. According to sources, this area, once upon a time, had two Lord Shiva temples: Vruddheshwar and Trimbakeshwar. Some historical records mention the existence of the Trimbakeshwar temple on this ghat. Experts thus believe that the other unknown temple must have been the Trimbakeshwar temple.

According to sources, the relics of a stunning stone lamp can be found here, while the circular rooms on either side of the steps feel like mysterious hidden chambers. The impressive stone fortification of the ghat reminds the viewer of a bygone royal era and is one of the many historical delights across the city.