Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Pune Ganeshotsav Pandal Recreates Belur’s UNESCO Chennakeshava Temple
A group in Pune has built a temporary festival structure inspired by the Chennakeshava Temple.
The real temple is in Belur, Karnataka.
It is more than 900 years old.
The temple is known for its special Hoysala architecture and sculptures.
People in Pune can see the recreation during Ganeshotsav without travelling to Karnataka.
The replica has a star-shaped base and several levels.
Builders used fibre moulding, plaster and paint to copy the look of soapstone.
The set was made with eco-friendly materials and took one month to finish.
The Chhatrapati Rajaram Mandal has recreated Karnataka’s Chennakeshava Temple as a Ganeshotsav pandal in Pune.
The original temple in Belur is more than 900 years old and reflects Hoysala architecture and religious history.
The replica features the temple’s star-shaped platform and multi-tiered structure.
Specialised fibre moulding, plaster and matte grey-charcoal paint imitate the original soapstone appearance.
Art director Meghraj Nimbalkar said the eco-friendly set took a month to complete.
- Who
- The Chhatrapati Rajaram Mandal, led on the project by art director Meghraj Nimbalkar.
- What
- A recreation of the Chennakeshava Temple has been built as a Ganeshotsav pandal.
- When
- During this year’s Ganeshotsav; the set took one month to complete.
- Where
- In Pune, recreating the Chennakeshava Temple in Belur, Karnataka.
- Why
- To give Pune residents a glimpse of the historic temple without leaving the city.
- Original temple
- Chennakeshava Temple in Belur, Karnataka
- Age
- More than 900 years old
- Architectural tradition
- Hoysala architecture
- Pandal organiser
- Chhatrapati Rajaram Mandal
- Construction time
- One month
- Materials
- Eco-friendly material, specialised fibre moulding, plaster and matte grey-charcoal paint
- Recreated features
- Star-shaped platform and multi-tiered structure