The hosts, playing their first match after the retirement of veterans Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, kept going strong with Pujara carrying on from where he left yesterday.
The youngster was unbeaten on 151 (282 balls, 18x4, 1x6) at the break.
Dhoni gave fine support at the other end, completing his 25th Test half-century to be not out on 61 from 107 balls (5x4, 1x6).
The start of the match was delayed by 26 minutes because of bad weather this morning.
The duo were engaged in a 111-run undefeated sixth wicket partnership at lunch as India looked to have the match firmly in control.
India returned to the Test format after a break of more than seven months following their eight successive defeats in England and Australia.