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Vashi2Panvel.Com: Navi Mumbai: August 7: The thirty minutes smooth ride from Pune City to Theur gaon relives the memories of green pastures, farm houses, meadows, small hutments…I remember going to a village in my adolescence. That was the first time I had been to any village and the serenity, the quiet chirpings of li’l birds and the shabbily clad farmers attracted me. So, when I was given the proposal to visit this village, I couldn’t say no, though I had been advised a bed rest by my doctor. The small journey had to be covered in a car and the ride isn’t bumpy either, they promised! “But is it a tourist place? What is so special about Theur?” I queried. My aunt with whom I resided in Pune quickly replied, “We are going to God’s place. Theur is known for ‘Shri Chintamani Ganpati’, one amongst the Ashtavinayak.” This put me off…

Well, not that I don’t believe in God but I was at cross with Him for many reasons. And, when I had dreamt of foraying through a lovely village, the thought of a pilgrimage was not so exciting either. Nevertheless, I relented because I wished to ‘get well soon’. The journey started with five of us in a 5-seater car at sharp 3:25pm. The weather was not so pleasant for it wouldn’t stop raining. The exhaustive drizzling made me wonder if God ever gets tired… But, thanks to PMC (Pune Municipal Corporation), the ride would have been smooth even if I carried myself in a rickety bus! Straight road from Pune and one left turn…Theur is here!

The tranquility around the place makes you believe that this really is a divine place. The green farms on both sides of the road, immense grapevine cultivation, lovely farmhouses and narrow lanes… The ride gets a bit bumpy from here, but it’s manageable because the distance is hardly any. Finally, amidst the cacophony of vegetable vendors and pan-dukan-walas we find a 4.5ft mud-spattered entrance to the Chintamani temple. I thought it would be a petite place with a mythological story. But I was so wrong…

The entrance really is something else! The temple boasts of a huge expanse of land with idols of Lord Hanuman, Lord Shiva and Laxmi-Narayan all around. A huge larger-than-life sized bell hangs near the entrance of Lord Chintamani temple. Everything around has a mystic beauty. The entrance to the Lord’s visit is nothing more than 4.5ft! I thought, once again, that there would be a larger expanse of land inside. Once again, I was wrong…

The charm of the entire place attracted me. There was something about this place. There was a beeline of visitors to see Lord Chintamani. When my turn came, barley after a ten minutes wait, I found myself entering into a cave-like structure. The lord’s ‘darshan’ was extremely limited, like it happens in all renowned temples. I thought of taking a snap first before the Pandit shrieked, “Photo nantar gheyacha, pehila darshan kara (Take a snap later, first pray to the Lord)”. But I was done with my work.

I bowed before the Amighty and asked for whatever I could, first requesting for my good health. Then, we sat close to the Lord in an ‘elfin’ arena where hardly six could sit comfortably. Once satisfied that the Lord has blessed us we left, again from a tiny entrance.

How to go:
Enter Pune and take the straight Pune-Solapur road. A board directing a left for Theur will guide.

When to go:
Any season is good for the Almighty’s visit. Weather is pleasant all year round and it doesn’t rain here as much as it does in Pune camp.

What to take along:
If you’re going for a one-day trip, there’s no need to take anything in specific. You get a ‘thali’ of offerings for the Lord near the entrance at quite reasonable rates (Rs. 10 per thali containing hibiscus flower, a coconut, ‘doob’, and a garland of flowers). Modak and pedas are also available at the same rates.

Swati Pandey