I feel immense pleasure in welcoming the Navratri season this year. It was the dream of my revered father, Late Shri Bansilalji, to build a temple dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi. The dream came true in 1972 with the construction of the temple near Sarasbaug. On February 15, 1984, the idols of Shri Mahasaraswati, Shri Mahalaxmi, and Shri Mahakali were ceremoniously installed and spiritually blessed at this temple. The temple was completed after twelve years of dedicated effort by highly skilled craftsmen from Rajasthan. Today, it stands as a prominent tourist and spiritual attraction in Pune, supported by the faith of thousands of devotees.

The temple celebrates the grand Navratri Mahotsav every year, along with other important events such as Brahmotsav, Jhula Utsav, Vivah Utsav, and Dipotsav. These devotional celebrations are carried out with great enthusiasm by countless devotees throughout the year.

The Mahalaxmi Temple continues to preserve the rich social, cultural, and spiritual traditions passed down through generations of Punekars. It has become a center for instilling these values in future generations as well.

Children and students are guided and encouraged to chant the Sri Sukta and the Atharvashirsha. Navratri is celebrated to honor the power and dignity of women. During this occasion, distinguished women who have contributed significantly to women's upliftment and empowerment are recognized and honored.

Awards such as the Adi Shakti Puraskar and Jeevan Gaurav Puraskar are presented. Music competitions are organized at the college level, and municipal sanitation workers and healthcare workers are also appreciated and felicitated. The temple actively conducts such social initiatives to stay connected with the community.

In 2015, we proudly launched a tree plantation drive among 15,000 school children, known as the ‘My Tree’ campaign, aimed at making Pune a greener city. The purpose of this campaign is to instill environmental awareness in young minds who will grow into responsible citizens of the city and the nation.

It gives me immense joy to see Shri Mahalaxmi Mandir flourish as a centre for religious, cultural, social, and community activities—just as it was once envisioned.