Ashtavinayak: Maharashtra's Eight Ganeshas Temples

Ashtavinayak (अष्टविनायक) is a Marathi word which means eight Ganeshas in Sanskrit.Ganesha is the Hinduism/Hindu deity of obstacles, unity, prosperity and learning. The term refers to eight Ganeshas. Ashtavinayaka yatra trip refers to a pilgrimage to the eight Hindu temples in Maharashtra state of India that house eight distinct idols of Ganesha, in a pre-ascertained sequence. The Ashtavinayaka yatra or pilgrimage covers the eight ancient holy temples of Ganesha which are situated around Pune. Each of these temples has its own individual legend and history, as distinct from each other as the murtis in each temple. The form of each murti of Ganesha and His trunk are distinct from one another. However, there are other temples of eight Ganesha in various other parts of Maharashtra; the ones around Puna are better known than the former. It is believed to be for completion of Ashtavinayak Yatra visit the first ganpati after visiting all the eight ganpati's again, to complete the yatra.

The eight temples/idols of the Ashtavinayak in their religious sequence are:

#	Temple	Location
1	Moreshwar Temple	Morgaon, Pune district
2	Siddhivinayak Temple	Siddhatek, Ahmednagar district
3	Ballaleshwar Temple	Pali, Raigad district
4	Varadavinayak Temple	Mahad, near Khopoli, Raigad district
5	Chintamani Temple	Theur, Pune district
6	Girijatmaj Temple	Lenyadri, Pune district
7	Vighnahar Temple	Ozar, Pune district
8	Mahaganapati Temple	Ranjangaon, Pune district

1. Mayureshwar Mandir: 

Also known as Moreshwar temple, it is situated 65 km from Pune on the banks of Karha River in the village Morgaon. The deity is three-eyed, seated with his trunk turned towards the left (direction of success). The deity is flanked by idols of Siddhi and Buddhi, consorts of the Lord. 

2. Siddhivinayak Temple: 

Shree Siddhivinayak’s Temple is situated in the village of Siddhatek, 100 km from Pune. The sanctum was built by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore. The Ganesh idol of Shree Siddhivinayak is placed in brass frame. In the sanctum, you can find a Shiva-panchayatana and a shrine to Goddess Shivai. 

3. Ballaleshwar Temple: 

Situated in Pali village in Raigad district about 120 km from Pune, the temple is also famous by the name Ballal. It is believed that Ganesh appeared in front of his devotee named Ballal in the form of a Brahman. Shri Ballaleshwar is the only incarnation of Lord Ganesha which is known by a devotee’s name. 

4. Varadvinayak Temple: 

It is situated in Mahad village in Raigad, 146 km from Pune. The idol faces east and has his trunk turned to the left. The idol was found in the lake adjoining the temple and hence; displays a weathered look. It is believed that wishes come true if prayers are offered at the village. An oil lamp, called Nandadeep, is believed to have been burning since 1892. 

5. Chintamani Temple: 

Known to be one of the larger and more famous of the eight revered shrines, the temple is situated in the village of Theur, 25 km from Pune. The hall has a black stone water fountain in it. Beside the central shrine dedicated to Ganesha, there are three smaller shrines in the temple complex dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu-Lakshmi and Hanuman. Lord Ganesha is worshipped by the name ‘Chintamani’ in this temple as it is believed he provides deliverance from worries. 

6. Girijatmaj Temple: 

The temple is situated within the Buddhist caves on a mountain, which are also called – Ganesh Caves. Situated 97 km from Pune, you have to climb 307 steps to reach the temple. The entire temple is carved out of single stone and faces south. The idol here is not a separate idol but has been carved on a stone wall of the cave, from which only one eye of the idol can be seen. ‘Girijatmaj’ literally means Ganesha the son of Girija (Goddess Parvati).

7. Vighnahar Temple:

It is situated on the banks of Kukadi River, 95 km away from Pune just off the Pune-Nashik Highway, in the town of Ozhar. The temple is enclosed on all sides by high stone walls, and its pinnacle is made of gold. The idol faces the east and has its trunk towards the left. Riddhi and Siddhi flank the idol of Ganesha.

8. Mahaganpati Temple: 

Situated in the village of Ranjhan, a short distance from Pune, the Maha Ganpati at Ranjhan is the most powerful representation of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that after invoking this form of Ganpati, Shiva vanquished the demon Tripurasur. The idol has ten trunks and twenty hands.

Ashtavinayak Route Map

Ashtavinayak Tour from Pune

Tour Plan: 

If you take our advise then plan as below for Ashtavinayak tour:

1st Day:

Departure from pune to Ashtvinayak -Theur Moregaon-
Siddhateck-Ranjangaon Night halt at lenyadri

2nd Day:

Leyadri-Ozer-Mahad-Pali and back to Pune tour end.

Happy Ganesh Chaturthi & Ashtavinayak Journey!


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