Trishunda Ganpati: The Rare Three-Trunk Form of Ganesha – Symbolism, Story & History of Trishund Mayureshwar Ganapati

The Trishunda Mayureshwar Ganpati Temple, located in Somwar Peth, Pune, Maharashtra, is one of the most unique Ganesh temples in India. What makes it extraordinary is the rare depiction of Lord Ganesha with three trunks. Here, Ganesha rides a peacock instead of his usual vehicle, the mouse. Locally, this form is lovingly known as Moreswar.

Symbolism of Trishunda (Three-Trunk) Ganapati

The three trunks of Trishunda Ganapati hold deep spiritual meaning:

• Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh (Shiva) – symbolizing creation, preservation, and destruction.

• Another belief suggests they represent Time – past, present, and future.

In essence, Trishunda Ganapati represents the deity who controls all cycles of existence.

Story of Trishund Mayureshwar Ganapati

The Puranas describe several incarnations of Lord Ganesha, and one of the most powerful among them is Mayureshwar, associated with the slaying of the demon Sindhu.

Birth of the Demon Sindhu

Sindhu, born to Chakrapani—the ruler of Gandaki Nagar—was wicked from childhood. As he grew older, he aspired to conquer all three worlds.

To gain unmatched power, he performed severe penance to please the Sun God. Delighted, the Sun God gifted him a pot of nectar, with the condition that Sindhu would remain immortal as long as the pot hung around his neck.

With this boon, Sindhu defeated the gods, seized heaven, and stopped all rituals and worship, demanding that he alone be worshipped.

The suffering gods prayed to Lord Ganesha for rescue.

Ganesha Takes the Mayureshwar Form

Responding to their plea, Lord Ganesha incarnated as Mayureshwar, mounted on a majestic peacock, holding a conch, discus, and axe.

A fierce battle erupted between Sindhu’s army and the combined forces of the Devas and Rudras. Ganesha defeated Sindhu’s powerful commander, Ugrekshana, twice before confronting Sindhu himself.

The Defeat of Sindhu

During the final battle, riding his peacock, Ganesha struck the pot of nectar with his axe, shattering it instantly. With the pot destroyed, Sindhu’s life came to an end, restoring peace to the worlds.

Historical Background of the Trishunda Ganpati Temple

The Trishund Ganapati Temple was built between 1754 and 1770 under the guidance of the ascetic Bheemjigiri Goswami.

An inscription states that construction began on 26 August 1754 by Bhimjigiri Gosavi of Dhampur (near Indore). The temple took 16 years to complete, suggesting that construction progressed in phases.

Architecture and Features of the Temple

The temple is a stunning blend of multiple architectural styles:

Unique Idol of Ganesha

• Carved from black stone

• Depicts Ganesha with three trunks and six hands

• Seated on a large peacock

Architectural Style

A beautiful mix of:

• Rajasthani

• Malwa

• South Indian influences

Inscriptions & Carvings

• Walls inscribed in Devanagari, Sanskrit, and Persian

• Stone carvings of mythical creatures, reflecting a rare blend of art and history

Lakshmi Sculpture at the Entrance

A finely carved idol of Goddess Lakshmi stands at the sanctum’s entrance, flanked by two elephants—symbols of wealth, auspiciousness, and protection. There is a very rare unique 

Lingodbhavamurti form of Shiva in the back side of the temple. There are numerous mystical animals and one curious factor is the presence of a Rhinoceros among the sculptures. This animal is not native of Pune region, so definitely the sculpture might have been from Assam

Underground Chamber & Samadhi

One of the temple’s most intriguing features is its underground chamber, once used by Tantric ascetics for meditation.

• This chamber usually remains submerged in water.

• It is cleaned and opened for devotees only on Guru Purnima.

• Inside lies the Samadhi of Gosavi, a revered saint of the Ganapatya sect.

Final Thoughts

The Trishunda Mayureshwar Ganapati Temple stands as a remarkable blend of mythology, architecture, and spirituality. Its rare three-trunk form of Ganesha, unique history, and distinctive architectural beauty make it one of Pune’s most fascinating and culturally significant temples.