One of Pune’s landmark architectural monuments, the Shinde Chhatri is as unique as it is beautiful. The temple-cum-memorial complex stands on the bank of the Bhairoba stream within a huge 15 ft. high wall. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the memorial to Mahadji Shinde, who served as the commander-in-chief of the Maratha army under the Peshwas between 1760 and 1780.
A shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman stands on a pedestal, a few yards from the fortified entrance gate which flaunts the coat of arms of the Shinde dynasty.
We enter its portals and come upon an imposing structure that is a blend of European and Deccan architectural styles, combining austerity with aesthetics. It is immediately evident that the monument is unlike other Peshwa-era edifices.
While the sanctum sanctorum containing the Shivalinga opens out to the cenotaph via the vestibular chamber, the two buildings were constructed in different periods, a couple of centuries apart.
The older of the constructs, the Shiva temple, was built in 1794 by Mahadji Shinde and designed in traditional Hindu style as per vastu shastra. The cenotaph was built in Shinde’s memory by one of his descendants in 1965.
While both structures emerge from an elevated platform, the temple sits on a square base and is made from black sandstone. Its spire, with the vertical beehive-shaped vimana, reflects the Bhumija-Nagara architectural style. Several smaller turrets flank the main spire and the kalasha is mounted on a grooved disc capstone atop the main tower.
A stately statue of Mahadji Shinde faces the Shivalinga inside the sanctum sanctorum which is made entirely from black granite. The interior walls of the sanctum have intricately engraved motifs on them. Immediately outside the sanctum, in the antarala or vestibular chamber, a marble Nandi faces the linga.
Contrast
The rectangular cenotaph or mandapa on the other hand, with stained glass doors and windows, stands in stark contrast to the temple steeple right behind it. Statues of saints sculpted from yellow sandstone bedeck its roof top at regular intervals.
The pillared hall with black-and-white tiled flooring in simple geometric designs and beautiful stucco work in orange and green, reveals tasteful adornment with elegant chandeliers, and vibrant stained-glass window panes reflective of English influence.
On the other hand, the hallway torana are distinctly of Rajput style with ornate pillars which separate the cusp arched aisles, and exquisitely designed lintel and ceiling.
Wall-mounted photographs and portraits of the Shinde lineage complete the hall decor. A viewing gallery in the second level of the hall is closed to visitors.
