Pune is a city of rich history and culture. On one hand it has ultra modern amenities for its residents like international standard malls, multiplexes, water parks, night clubs and pubs; on the other hand it has various historical monuments and numerous religious places. It shows that Pune people in spite of accepting the western culture still attached to their religious values and that is why all the holy shrines are visited by thousands of devotees every day. Temples play a major role in the life of Pune people as most of the people start their days by paying a visit to temples of their favourite god and most people end their days by visiting temples. Let me take you to one such temple in Pune that is said to be one of the biggest temples in the entire city. It is Omkareshwar temple.Omkareshwar temple is a most popular worship place in the city situated at the Shaniwar Peth at the river banks of Mutha. This temple was created approximately 250 years back when Sadashiv Bahu , the Peshwa was in power. The foundation o the temple is so strong that it has survived the destructive floods of Panshet in the year 1962. It is the main holy shrine of lord Shiva and has become a symbol of survival. The architecture and the carvings of the temple remind us the seventeenth century style of construction. The interiors are equally attractive and unique piece of art and culture. The temple has big domes with beautiful carvings. The roof of the temple is made of stone displaying eye catching carvings depicting Hindu mythology. The Nandi bull made of stone and big Shiva Linga decorated with flowers does give you a feeling of devotion. People tell their wishes secretly in the ears of Nandi bull in order to get them fulfilled by God Shiva. It is interesting and still people believe in it. There are big verandas are there having thick columns. This temple is famous for its gem structured style of construction.Apart from the main Lord Shiva temple you will also find temples of Lord Shani, Lord Vishnu, Lord Ganesha, Lord Hanuman and Goddess Durga. This is speciality of Hindu religion that you have so many forms of God that you need not to follow one. You can choose one of them and devote your prayers honestly to him or her and see the miracles. This is the power of worship in India. All the gods in Hindu religion have interesting mythological stories attached to them but the fact is that if you devote your attention to a plane stone it will turn into god and gives you strength to fight against all odds. It is not the god but the faith that works wonders in every devotee’s life and that is the actual beauty of religion. On Mondays the temple is overcrowded because Monday is the day of Lord Shiva. In Shravan month also you will notice good number of devotees paying their prayers to lord Shiva. During this time various cultural activities like Bhajan Sandhyas and Sermons are being organised in the premises.Timings of templeThe Omkareshwar temple opens early in the morning at 5.30 am till 11 pm in the evening but is closed from 2 pm to 4 pm in the afternoon.Ruchi Mahajan