Maharashtra’s Heritage: Explore the Eight Sacred Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temples This Ganesh Festival

Before planning your visit, it’s important to check the specific opening and closing times of each temple with the temple authorities, as they can vary.

1. MAYURESHWAR TEMPLE MORGAON:

Mayureshwar(Moreshwar) Temple Morgaon, one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra, is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is located about 85 km from Pune. Built in the 14th century, it features a self-manifested Ganesha idol and unique Hemadpanthi architecture. The temple is known for its serene surroundings, sacred Moreshwar Pushkarini tank, and the vibrant Ganesha Chaturthi festival, making it a popular pilgrimage site throughout the year.

2.SIDDHIVINAYAK TEMPLE SIDDHATEK:

The Siddhivinayak Temple, or Siddhatek Ganpati Temple, is one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra, dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Located in the village of Siddhatek, about 40 km from Ahmednagar, this temple is the only one where Ganesha is worshipped as “Siddhi Vinayak,” the granter of success. Built in the 18th century by Ahilyabai Holkar, the temple features Hemadpanthi architecture and houses a revered Ganesha idol in its garbhagriha. The temple complex also includes the sacred Siddhivinayak Pushkarini tank, where pilgrims purify themselves before worship. Famous for its Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations, Siddhatek Temple is a peaceful and must-visit site for devotees and those interested in Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.

3.BALLALESHWAR TEMPLE PALI:

The Ballaleshwar Temple in Pali, one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra, is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, worshipped here as “Ballaleshwar,” the controller of strength. Located about 30 km from Khopoli, the temple was built in the 18th century by Ranoji Shinde in Hemadpanthi architecture and houses a self-manifested idol of Ganesha. The temple is famous for its Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations and is surrounded by scenic hills and rivers. It is easily accessible from Mumbai or Pune, making it a popular pilgrimage site year-round.

4.VARADVINAYAK TEMPLE MAHAD:

The Varadvinayak Temple in Mahad, one of Maharashtra’s eight Ashtavinayak temples, is dedicated to Lord Ganesha as “Varadvinayak,” the granter of boons. Located about 110 km from Mumbai, this 18th-century temple, built in Hemadpanthi style by Ranoji Shinde, features a self-manifested Ganesha idol. Renowned for its Ganesha Chaturthi celebrations, the temple is surrounded by scenic hills and rivers. Easily accessible from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, it is a must-visit for those exploring Maharashtra’s spiritual heritage.

5.CHINTAMANI TEMPLE THEUR:

The Chintamani Temple Theur is a revered Hindu temple located in Theur, a village in the Haveli taluka of Pune district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. This 9th-century Ashtavinayak temple is dedicated to Ganesha as Chintamani, the granter of wishes. Built in Hemadpanti style,The idol is highly revered by devotees, and it is believed to have the power to grant wishes and fulfill desires. In front of the sanctum, there is a small pond called Chintamani Teertha, which is considered to be sacred, and devotees often take a dip in the pond before offering prayers at the temple. The temple is renowned for its serene atmosphere, intricate carvings, and cultural programs.Chintamani Temple Theur temple is a popular tourist spot in the Pune district and attracts a large number of visitors from all over the country.

6.GIRIJATMAJ TEMPLE LENYADRI:

Girijatmaj Temple Lenyadri is a Hindu temple located in Lenyadri, a village in the Junnar taluka of Pune district in the Indian state of Maharashtra.The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is worshiped here in the form of Girijatmaj, meaning “the son of Girija”. Lenyadri is one of the Ashtavinayak shrines,The temple is carved out of a single rock hill and is located inside a cave. It is said that the temple was built in the 8th century.Temple’s architecture is an exquisite example of the rock-cut cave architecture, which was quite popular during ancient times.

Main sanctum of the temple houses the idol of Girijatmaj, which is carved out of black stone. The idol is highly revered by devotees, and it is believed to have the power to grant wishes and fulfill desires.The temple is also known for its beautiful and intricate carvings that adorn the walls and pillars of the temple. The carvings depict various scenes from Hindu mythology, such as the wedding of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and the birth of Lord Ganesha.The temple is surrounded by lush green hills and is a popular spot for trekking and picnics. It is also a pilgrimage spot for many Hindu devotees who visit the temple as part of the Ashtavinayak circuit.

7.VIGNESHWAR TEMPLE OZAR:

Vigneshwar Temple Ozar is a Hindu temple located in Ozar, a town in the Nashik district of Maharashtra, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is worshiped here in the form of Vigneshwar, meaning “the Lord of obstacles”. The temple is considered one of the Ashtavinayak temples, which is a group of eight Hindu temples in Maharashtra dedicated to Lord Ganesha and are considered to be among the most sacred shrines in the state. The Vigneshwar temple is considered to be one of the most ancient temples in the region, believed to have been built during the time of the Pandavas. It is said that the Pandavas built this temple as a dedication to Lord Ganesha before embarking on their expedition to conquer the Khandava forest. The temple’s architecture is an exquisite example of the Hemadpanti style of architecture, which is characterized by the use of black stone and plaster in construction, and the intricate carvings that adorn the walls and pillars of the temple.The temple is surrounded by lush green hills and is a popular spot for trekking and picnics and a pilgrimage spot for many Hindu devotees who visit the temple as part of the Ashtavinayak circuit.

8.MAHAGANPATI TEMPLE RAJANGAON:

Ranjangaon Mahaganpati is a revered Ganesha temple located in Ranjangaon village, about 50 km from Pune in Shirur Taluka. Part of the Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra, it is a significant religious site in the state. Built between the 9th and 10th centuries, the temple’s design reflects the Peshwa period. The Ganpati idol was donated by the Khollam family, local goldsmiths. The temple features a grand eastern entrance and is uniquely aligned so that during Dakshinayan, the sun’s rays directly illuminate the idol.The main idol of Lord Ganesha, seated on a lotus, is flanked by his consorts Siddhi and Riddhi. The deity is depicted with a broad forehead, a left-turned trunk, and a cross-legged posture.

According to legend, the demon Tripurasura built three invincible forts and caused immense suffering. Lord Shiva, unable to defeat him alone, sought advice from Narada Muni. Following Narada’s guidance, Shiva invoked Ganesha’s blessings and used a single arrow to destroy the demon’s citadels, thus ending his tyranny.