Location of Prati Balaji Mandir
Prati Balaji mandir at Ketkawale is a temple dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, also known as Balaji. It is located in Ketkawale village near Narayanpur, about 45 km from Pune city in Maharashtra, India One can reach Prati Balaji mandir from Pune either from Dive ghat and Saswad or from Katraj Ghat and Mumbai-Pune-Satara Road, Famous tourist attraction near Pune, Visit during Pune to Jejuri-Pratibalaji Temple one day trip By cab
Opening Timing/ Entry Fees Prati Balaji Mandir
Prati Balaji mandir at Ketkawale is open for visitors from 5:00 am to 8:00 pm every day. There is no entry fee for visiting the temple. However, visitors are expected to pay a nominal donation at the temple for maintenance and cleanliness purposes
Things to Do /Must See Prati Balaji Mandir
Prati Balaji mandir at Ketkawale is a place of religious and cultural importance. Visitors can do the following things at Prati Balaji mandir:
- Have a darshan (viewing) of the idol of Lord Venkateshwara, which is made of panchaloha (five metals) and depicts him with four arms and a crown. The idol is adorned with jewels and flowers. The idol is also flanked by his consorts, Lakshmi and Padmavati, who are also worshipped as goddesses
- Witness the rituals and ceremonies that are performed at the temple, such as Suprabhatam (waking up the deity), Abhishekam (bathing the deity), Naivedyam (offering food to the deity), Aarti (waving of lamps), etc. The temple also hosts various festivals throughout the year, such as Brahmotsavam in March-April, Vaikuntha Ekadashi in December-January, Annakutotsavam in November-December, etc
- Explore the other temples and shrines that are located in the temple complex, such as Hanuman Temple, Ganesh Temple, Padmavati Temple, etc. These temples are dedicated to various forms and aspects of Lord Venkateshwara and his family
- Enjoy the scenic view of the surrounding landscape from the temple. Visitors can see the Purandar fort, the Karha river, the Ekmukhi Datta Temple at Narayanpur, etc. from the temple. The temple also offers a spectacular view of the sunset and sunrise
Significance of Prati Balaji Mandir
Prati Balaji mandir at Ketkawale is considered to be a replica of the famous Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh, which is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in India. Therefore, people also call it Mini Tirupati or Prati Tirupati. It is built under the guidance of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the trust that manages the original temple
Prati Balaji mandir at Ketkawale is a place of devotion and faith for the devotees of Lord Venkateshwara. Lord Venkateshwara is regarded as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who came to earth to save his devotees from troubles and grant their wishes. According to legend, Lord Venkateshwara married Padmavati, a princess of earth, and settled on Tirumala hill as a debt-ridden deity who accepts donations from his devotees to repay his debt to Kubera, the god of wealth
Prati Balaji mandir at Ketkawale is also a place of architectural and artistic beauty. The temple is built in Dravidian style of architecture with stone and lime mortar. The temple walls have carvings similar to the original temple. And the interior is decorated with woodwork and paintings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology and folklore. The main deity of the temple, Lord Venkateshwara, is carved in wood and painted with grey oil paint. It took almost 7 years, from 1996 to 2003, to build this temple
FAQ’s
Q: How to reach Prati Balaji mandir at Ketkawale?
A: Prati Balaji mandir at Ketkawale can be reached by road, rail, or air. The nearest airport is Pune International Airport, which is about 60 km away from Ketkawale. The nearest railway station is Jejuri Railway Station, which is about 2 km away from Ketkawale. From Pune or Mumbai, one can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to reach Ketkawale. Ketkawale is also well connected by road to other cities in Maharashtra and India
Q: When is the best time to visit Prati Balaji mandir at Ketkawale?
A: The best time to visit Prati Balaji mandir at Ketkawale is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. This is also the time when the Brahmotsavam festival takes place, which is the main festival of Lord Venkateshwara and attracts lakhs of devotees and tourists. However, one can visit Prati Balaji mandir at Ketkawale anytime of the year as it has a spiritual and cultural significance throughout the year
Q: What are the rules and regulations for visiting Prati Balaji mandir at Ketkawale?
A: Visitors are expected to follow some rules and regulations while visiting Prati Balaji mandir at Ketkawale. These include:
Dressing modestly and respectfully as Prati Balaji mandir at Ketkawale is a sacred place for Hindus.
Removing shoes and leather items before entering any temple or shrine in the temple complex.
Not consuming alcohol, meat, or eggs in Ketkawale as it is a vegetarian town.
Not littering or polluting the temple or its surroundings.
Not taking photographs or videos of people bathing or performing rituals at the temple without their permission.
Respecting the local culture and customs and not disturbing the peace and harmony of the place
Conclusion
Prati Balaji mandir at Ketkawale is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the devotion and grace of Lord Venkateshwara. The temple offers a serene and scenic view of nature as well as a replica of the Tirumala Tirupati Balaji Temple. The temple also hosts various events and activities that make it a lively and vibrant place. Prati Balaji mandir at Ketkawale is a place where one can find peace, joy, and blessings.
