About Chintamani Temple
The Chintamani Temple stands in the village of Theur in Haveli taluka of Pune district, near the meeting point of the Mula-Mutha and Bhima rivers, about 25 km from Pune city. It is the fifth stop of the traditional Ashtavinayak yatra, which starts at Morgaon and moves on to Siddhatek, Pali, Mahad, Theur, Lenyadri, Ozar and Ranjangaon before returning to Morgaon. Being so close to Pune, it is one of the most visited shrines of the circuit.
According to the Ganesha Purana, a prince named Gana took away the wish-fulfilling jewel, Chintamani, from the sage Kapila. Ganesha recovered the jewel for the sage, who then placed it around the deity's neck, and so Ganesha came to be called Chintamani, the one who removes worries (chinta). Another tradition says that Indra worshipped Ganesha here. In history, the temple is closely linked with the Peshwas. Madhavrao I, the fourth Peshwa, was a devoted worshipper and built the large wooden hall; he died at Theur in 1772, and a memorial to him and his wife Ramabai stands near the temple.
The temple faces north and is entered through a large gateway. The wooden sabha mandapa from the Peshwa period is one of its finest features, with carved pillars and a calm atmosphere. The murti is seated cross-legged with his trunk turned to the left, and his eyes are set with precious stones. The temple complex also has a bell said to date from Peshwa times, and a lake lies behind it. Because of its closeness to Pune, many families visit Theur on its own as a short morning trip.
Chintamani Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Around 7:00 AM (approx.) |
| Midday aarti | Around noon (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around 8:00 PM (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Chintamani Temple
By air
Pune International Airport is about 22 km away.
By train
Pune Junction is about 25 km away; Loni Kalbhor station is closer but has few trains.
By road
Theur is a short drive from Pune off the Pune-Solapur highway. City buses, taxis and autos are available.
Festivals at Chintamani Temple
- Ganesh ChaturthiAug/Sep
- Magha Shuddha ChaturthiJan/Feb
- Madhavrao Peshwa Punyatithi (memorial day)Nov/Dec
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
- Entry
- Free darshan.
- Theur is easy to combine with Ranjangaon on a half-day trip from Pune.
- Look at the carved wooden hall from the Peshwa period after darshan.
- Pune traffic can be heavy, so leave early in the morning.
- Footwear must be left outside the main gate.
Places to visit near Chintamani Temple
- Pune cityShrines such as Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati, about 25 km away
- TulapurHistoric confluence of the Bhima and Indrayani rivers, about 20 km away
- Mahaganapati Temple, RanjangaonEighth Ashtavinayak shrine, about 40 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Theur Ganesha called Chintamani?
According to the Ganesha Purana, Ganesha recovered the Chintamani jewel for the sage Kapila here, and the deity took the name of the jewel, which also means the remover of worries.
How far is Theur from Pune?
Theur is about 25 km from Pune city, roughly a 45-minute to one-hour drive depending on traffic.
What are the Theur temple timings?
The temple is usually open from about 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Timings may change on festival days.
What is the link between Theur and the Peshwas?
Peshwa Madhavrao I was a devotee of Chintamani, added to the temple, and died at Theur in 1772.
What is the aarti time at Chintamani Temple?
Morning aarti: Around 7:00 AM (approx.); Midday aarti: Around noon (approx.); Evening aarti: Around 8:00 PM (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Chintamani Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
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