Navratri is a vibrant and spiritual festival celebrated with great fervor in Pune, and visiting Devi temples during this time can be a profoundly enriching experience. If you're planning to explore some of the oldest and most popular Devi temples in Pune during Navratri, here are five must-visit temples that stand out for their unique appeal and spiritual ambiance:

1. Vaishno Devi Temple, Pimpri

Location: Shastri Nagar, Pimpri Colony, Pimpri-Chinchwad
Highlights: Modeled after the famous Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu, this temple offers a unique experience with a cave pathway leading to the shrine. The temple is known for its morning and evening aartis and is considered jagrut (awake), signifying the potent presence of the deity.

2. Aai Mata Mandir

Location: Indrayani Randive Road, Ramyanagari Housing Society, Kondhwa
Highlights: This temple, perched on a hill and built entirely of white marble, features stunning carvings and marble elephants. The temple is beautifully illuminated during Navratri, enhancing the festive mood, and also houses a Ganesh shrine within its premises.

3. Bhawani Mata Temple

Location: New Nana Peth, Bhawani Peth
Highlights: One of Pune’s oldest temples, built in 1763, Bhawani Mata Temple is revered for its historical significance and powerful deity. The temple, made of black stone, is particularly busy during Tuesdays and Fridays, and is believed to grant wishes during the Maha Pooja of Navratri.

4. Chatushrungi Mata Temple

Location: Senapati Bapat Road, Near Pune University Road, Gokhalenagar
Highlights: Nestled on a hill, this temple requires visitors to climb 170 steps to reach the shrine. It was built during the Maratha reign and is known for its grand architecture and lush surroundings. The temple serves as both a spiritual site and a community gathering place, especially during the Navratri festival, when a large fair is held.

5. Durga Mata Temple

Location: (Typically located in the central parts of Pune)
Highlights: These temples are dedicated to Goddess Durga, revered during Navratri for her victory over evil. They are centers of major festivities, including puja ceremonies and cultural performances, drawing devotees from across the region.

Each of these temples offers a distinct spiritual experience and is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Pune, making them ideal destinations for both devotion and celebration during Navratri.