Ashtavinayaka Temples

Ashtavinayaka Temples

The Sanskrit word ashta means eight and Vinayak is another name for Lord Ganesha. Ashtavinayaka means eight Ganeshas. Ganesha personifies unity, success and learning as well as removal of hurdles. Ashtavinayak Temples refers to the eight temples of Ganesha located at eight places in the Indian state of Maharashtra.

The Ashtavinayaka Yatra covers the eight primeval holy temples of Ganesha located around Pune district. Each of them has its own legend and historical importance. All the idols vary from each other in terms of bodily features. The form of each idol of Ganesha and his trunk stand different from the others. The devotees of Lord Ganesha, especially local residents of the states, believe that one must visit all the eight temples once in a year as blessings of Ashtavinayak fulfills all the spiritual and material wishes of worshippers.

Temple	Location
Moreshwar Temple	Morgaon of Pune
Siddhivinayak Temple	Siddhatek of Ahmednagar
Ballaleshwar Temple	Pali of Raigadh district
Varadavinayak Temple	Mahad of Raigad district near Khopoli
Chintamani Temple	Theur of Pune
Girijatmaj Temple	Lenyadri of Pune
Vighnahar Temple	Ozar of Pune
Mahaganpati Temple	Ranjangaon of Pune

1. Moreshwar Temple, Morgaon (Pune)

Location

Morgaon, Pune district, Maharashtra.

Significance

Moreshwar Temple is considered the first and most important temple in the Ashtavinayaka circuit. It is believed that the Ashtavinayaka Yatra should ideally begin and end at this temple.

Legend

The temple is associated with the story of Lord Ganesha defeating the demon Sindhu. According to legend, Lord Ganesha arrived riding a peacock (Mayur), which is why he is called Moreshwar (Mora = peacock).

Unique Features

• The idol has its trunk turned towards the left.
• The temple is surrounded by a huge stone wall with four gates, resembling a fort.
• Nandi (Shiva's bull), which is rarely found in Ganesha temples, is present here.

2. Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek (Ahmednagar)

Location

Siddhatek, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra.

Significance

This is the only Ashtavinayak temple where devotees can touch the idol.

Legend

It is believed that Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Ganesha here before killing the demons Madhu and Kaitabh. Due to Ganesha's blessings, Vishnu achieved victory.

Unique Features

• The idol faces north with the trunk curved to the right, which is considered especially powerful.
• Located on the banks of the Bhima River.
• It is believed that Sage Vyas performed penance here.

3. Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali (Raigad)

Location

Pali, Raigad district, Maharashtra.

Significance

This is the only Ganesha temple named after a devotee, Ballal, a young boy known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Ganesha.

Legend

The temple commemorates Ballal’s story. When Ballal’s father tried to stop his son from worshipping Ganesha, the deity appeared to protect Ballal, granting him darshan and blessing him with a temple in his name.

Unique Features

• The idol has diamond-studded eyes.
• Sun rays fall directly on the deity during Dakshinayan (winter solstice).
• The temple is east-facing, symbolizing auspiciousness.

4. Varadavinayak Temple, Mahad (Raigad)

Location

Mahad, near Khopoli in Raigad district, Maharashtra.

Significance

This temple is believed to grant boons and wishes to devotees, hence the name Varadavinayak, meaning 'the giver of blessings'.

Legend

The temple is linked to the tale of Prince Rukmaganda, who was cursed to become a leper. After praying to Ganesha at this spot, his curse was lifted.

Unique Features

• Devotees are allowed to go inside the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha) and directly touch the idol.
• The temple has a self-manifested (Swayambhu) idol.

5. Chintamani Temple, Theur (Pune)

Location

Theur, Pune district, Maharashtra.

Significance

This temple is known for relieving worries and granting peace, hence the name Chintamani, where 'Chinta' means worry and 'Mani' means gem.

Legend

Lord Ganesha retrieved the Chintamani gem from the greedy King Guna for Sage Kapila. However, Sage Kapila gifted the gem to Lord Ganesha, who stayed at Theur to bless his devotees.

Unique Features

• The idol’s trunk is turned left, signifying calmness.
• The temple is associated with Peshwa rulers, who were ardent devotees.
• The temple’s location near the confluence of Mula, Mutha, and Bhima rivers adds to its spiritual importance.

6. Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri (Pune)

Location

Lenyadri, Pune district, Maharashtra.

Significance

This is the only Ashtavinayak temple located on a mountain inside a cave.

Legend

Goddess Parvati performed penance here to be blessed with Ganesha as her son. As a result, Ganesha took birth at Lenyadri and came to be known as Girijatmaj (Son of Girija, another name for Parvati).

Unique Features

• The idol is carved on a rock face and cannot be moved.
• The temple is located inside one of the Buddhist caves.
• Devotees must climb 307 steps to reach the temple.

7. Vighnahar Temple, Ozar (Pune)

Location

Ozar, Pune district, Maharashtra.

Significance

This temple highlights Ganesha as the remover of obstacles, known as Vighnahar.

Legend

Lord Ganesha defeated the demon Vighnasura, who created obstacles in religious rituals. After his defeat, the demon requested Ganesha to take his name, and thus Ganesha became Vighnahar.

Unique Features

• The temple features fort-like walls.
• The idol has a diamond-studded forehead.
• The temple is located near the Kukadi River, adding natural beauty to the spiritual site.

8. Mahaganpati Temple, Ranjangaon (Pune)

Location

Ranjangaon, Pune district, Maharashtra.

Significance

This temple depicts Ganesha in his powerful form, Mahaganpati, capable of defeating all negative forces.

Legend

Lord Shiva invoked Ganesha's powerful form at this site before battling the demon Tripurasura.

Unique Features

• The idol has ten trunks and twenty arms, symbolizing immense power (as per the legend, though the actual idol in the temple has a more modest form).
• It is believed that the original idol is hidden in a basement and only shown on special occasions.
• The temple is east-facing, symbolizing sunrise and new beginnings.