Pujara's marathon 130no off 328 balls - the first century by an Indian batsman in the series - was the mainstay of a home reply briefly rocked by Virat Kohli's dismissal for six.
Skipper Kohli batted in his usual position at four, laying to rest injury concerns after a long absence from the field on day two with a shoulder injury.
But his stay was short-lived as he was caught on the drive by his opposite number Steve Smith at second slip off fast bowler Pat Cummins, who ended the day with impressive figures of 4-59 off 25 overs.
