Holkar Chatri, Pune

The Holkar Chatri, Kirkee,Pune is a mausoleum dedicated to Sardar Vithoji Holkar who was killed in Pune at the orders Peshwa Bajirao II as the former had opposed the ascension of Bajirao II to the Peshwa throne. (Tukojirao Holkar , the father of Vithoji had also died in Kirkee).

In retaliation, Vithojis brother Sardar Yeshwantrao Holkar had sacked Pune in 1802, forcing Bajirao II to flee to the confines of Fort Sinhagad. Later Bajirao II sought the help of the Scindias and the English to drive away the Holkar and the rest is history.

The Holkar Chatri is not as prominent as the Shinde Chatri and is built as a nondescript temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The property belongs to the Holkar family and is managed by a trust.

Timings for visiting the temple are 6-9am and 5-7pm.

Across the Holkar Chatri is the more famous Holkar Bridge which is more than 150 years old. It is said that Sardar Malharrao Holkar used to camp in its premises.The Holkar bridge is built over the Mula Mutha river.

 In proximity is also a old ghat used mainly for Ganesh visarjan and perhaps obsequies.

Text and Photographs : Abhijit Rajadhyaksha