Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temples in Maharashtra

The state of Maharashtra in India is home to the famous Ashtavinayak Ganpati temples. The Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temples are a group of eight temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, one of the most widely worshiped deities in Hinduism. Each of these temples has its own unique significance and is associated with a different legend or story from Hindu mythology.

The temples are located in various parts of Maharashtra, and devotees often embark on a pilgrimage to visit all eight temples in a specific sequence. Each temple is adorned with intricate carvings and architecture that dates back several centuries, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural and historical significance of these sacred sites.

Visiting the Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temples is not only a religious experience but also an opportunity to explore the architectural marvels of Maharashtra. The journey to these temples takes travelers through picturesque landscapes and quaint towns, allowing them to immerse themselves in the beauty and spirituality of the region.

From the iconic Moreshwar Temple to the serene Siddhivinayak Temple, each of the Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temples has its own charm and allure, making the pilgrimage a deeply enriching and unforgettable experience for devotees and travelers alike.

The Significance of Each Temple in the Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temples

1. Moreshwar Temple, Morgaon

The first temple in the Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temples is Moreshwar Temple, located in Morgaon. Moreshwar Temple is believed to be the starting point of the pilgrimage, and devotees begin their journey by seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha at this sacred site. The temple is intricately designed with beautiful carvings and sculptures that reflect the rich craftsmanship of ancient times.

Mayureshwar Ganpati Temple Morgaon – Temple Timings, Bhakta Niwas Booking, Event and History
  • Address of Mayureshwar Ganpati: Shree Mayureshwar Ganapati Temple, Morgaon, Taluka Baramati, Pune District, Maharashtra 412304
  • Mayureshwar Ganapati Temple Bhakta Niwas: Shri Kshetra Morgaon Manager, Shri Mayureshwara Temple, Chinchwad Devasthan Trust Office,P.O. Morgaon, Taluka Baramati, Pune district, Maharashtra, PIN – 412304
  • Phone/Mobile No. 02112279986, 09657254563
  • Locality/village: Morgaon
  • Taluka: Baramati
  • District: Pune
  • State: Maharashtra
  • Country: India
  • Pin Code: 412304
  • Nearest City: Pune
  • Shopping: Available
  • Season To Visit: All (Best Season To Visit: After August Month)
  • Languages: Marathi, Hindi and English
  • Mayureshwar Morgaon Temple Timings: 5:00 AM and Close At 10:00 PM
  • Photography :Not Allowed in the temple and Ganesh Murti
  • Vehicle Parking: Free parking space available

2. Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek

The next temple on the pilgrimage is the Siddhivinayak Temple in Siddhatek, which is known for its tranquil and serene ambiance. The temple is located on a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding natural beauty.

Siddhivinayak Ganpati Temple Siddhatek – Temple Timings, Bhakta Niwas Booking, Event and History
  • Address of Siddhivinayak Ganpati Temple – Siddhatek: Shree Siddhivinayak Mandir, Shree Kshetra siddhatek Siddhatek, Jalalpur, Taluka – Karjat. Dist – Ahmednagar Pin Code – 414403
  • Phone/Mobile No.: +91-09420944734 | 094203 43821
  • Stay at Siddhatek Siddhivinayak Ganesha: Siddhatek Siddhivinayak Temple, Bhakt Niwas Phone No: +91-9420944734
  • Locality/Village: Siddhatek, Jalalpur
  • Taluka: Karjat
  • District: Ahmednagar
  • State: Maharashtra
  • Country: India
  • Siddhatek Pincode: 414403
  • Siddhatek Town River: Bhima
  • Nearest City: Ahmednagar
  • Shopping: Available
  • Season To Visit: All (Best Season To Visit: After August Month to April)
  • Languages: Marathi, Hindi and English
  • Siddhivinayak Siddhatek Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 09:30 PM
  • Photography: Not Allowed in the temple and Ganesh Murti
  • Vehicle Parking: Free parking space available
  • Siddhivinayak Official Website: Official Website Siddhivinayak Ganpati Siddhatek

3. Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali

The Ballaleshwar Temple in Pali is the third temple in the Ashtavinayak circuit. This temple is unique as it is the only one among the Ashtavinayak temples named after Lord Ganesha’s devotee, Ballala.

Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple Pali – Temple Timing, Bhakta Niwas Booking, Information, and History
  • Address: Taluka Sudhagad, District Raigad, Pali, Maharashtra – 410205
  • Contact No.: 02142 242 263
  • Bhakta Niwas: This Trust Provide Staying Options with 24 Rooms and 2 Halls.
  • Locality: Pali
  • Taluka: Sudhagad
  • District: Raigad
  • State: Maharashtra
  • Country: India
  • Pincode: 410205
  • Nearest City: Pune, Khopoli, Mumbai
  • Shopping: Available
  • Season To Visit: All (Best Season To Visit: After August Month)
  • Languages: Marathi, Hindi and English
  • Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Photography: Not Allowed in the temple and Ganesh Murti
  • Vehicle Parking: Free parking space available

4. Varadavinayak Temple, Mahad

Moving on to the fourth temple, devotees visit the Varadavinayak Temple in Mahad. This temple is believed to fulfill the wishes of its visitors, and the idol of Lord Ganesha is seen in a seated position here.

Information, History, Routs, Story, Temple Timing, Bhakta Niwas and Location Details of Varadvinayak Ganpati Temple, Mahad
  • Address: Mahad, Taluka Khalapur Khopoli, District, Mahad, Maharashtra – 410202
  • Phone/Mobile No.: 02142 242 263
  • Varadvinayak Ganpati Bhakta Niwas: Bhakta Niwas (Tel: 02192-266912 and Tariff: Rs 200) is the ideal place to stay here. The rooms and loos are clean and well-maintained. Lunch is provided as prasad by the temple (noon-2 pm). Else, villagers (temple officials guide visitors to them) provide good meals for Rs 40 per thali.
  • Locality: Mahad
  • Taluka: Khalapur Khopoli
  • District: Raigad
  • State: Maharashtra
  • Country: India
  • Pin Code: 410205
  • Nearest City: Karjat, Khopoli
  • Shopping: Available
  • Season To Visit: All (Best Season To Visit: After August Month)
  • Languages: Marathi, Hindi and English
  • Varadvinayak Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 09:00 PM
  • Photography: Not Allowed in the temple and Ganesh Murti
  • Vehicle Parking: Free parking space available

5. Chintamani Temple, Theur

The fifth temple in the circuit is the Chintamani Temple in Theur. It is said that Lord Ganesha retrieved the invaluable jewel – Chintamani from a greedy demon and later gifted it to his devotee, Sage Kapila.

Chintamani Ganpati Temple Theur Ashtavinayak – Temple Timings, Bhakta Niwas Booking, Events and History
  • Address: Theur Road, Taluka Haveli, District Pune, Maharashtra, 412110
  • Chintamani Ganpati Bhakta Bhavan: Manager, Shri Chintamani Temple, Chinchwad Deosthan Trust, Taluka Haveli, District Pune, Maharashtra 412110
  • Phone/Mobile No.: 020 26912309
  • Locality/village: Theur
  • Taluka: Haveli
  • District: Pune
  • State: Maharashtra
  • Country: India
  • Pin Code: 412110
  • Nearest City: Pune
  • Shopping: Available
  • Season To Visit: All (Best Season To Visit: After August Month)
  • Languages: Marathi, Hindi and English
  • Chintamani Ganpati Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  • Photography: Not Allowed in the temple and Ganesh Murti
  • Vehicle Parking: 20 to 30 Rs (As per vehicle)

6. Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri

The next stop on the pilgrimage is the Girijatmaj Temple in Lenyadri, which is situated within a cave. This temple holds historical and archaeological significance, with its rock-cut architecture dating back to ancient times.

Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple Lenyadri Ashtavinayak – Temple Timings, Bhakta Niwas Booking, Events and History
  • Address of Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple Lenyadri: Lenyadri Ganpati Road, At Post Golegaon, Taluka Junnar, District Pune, Maharashtra, 410502
  • Bhakta Niwas Phone/Mobile No.: 08600073925/09881058665
  • Girijatmaj Ganpati Bhakta Niwas Address: At Post – Golegaon, Taluka – Junnar, Dist. – Pune. Register No. A. 833 (Pune). Mob. No. 08600073925/09881058665
  • Town: Lenyadri, Taluka: Junnar, District: Pune
  • State: Maharashtra, Country: India
  • Lenyadri Pin Code: 410502
  • Entry Fees: 25 Per Person. (Dec-2019 Dated Cost) For lenyadri Caves
  • Palakhi: Palakhi takes 1000 Rs. Per person. 30 min. to climb. (Dec-2019 Dated Cost)
  • Total Steps: 307-315 steps. 20 to 35 min. to climb.
  • Nearest City: Pune, Narayangaon, Nashik(Nasik)
  • Nearest Places: Shivneri Fort, lenyadri Caves, Ozar Ganesha, Malshej Ghat, Naneghat, Bhimashankar
  • Shopping: Available
  • Season To Visit: All (Best Season To Visit: After August Month)
  • Languages: Marathi, Hindi and English
  • Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple Timings: 7:00 AM to 09:00 PM Every Day
  • Photography: Not Allowed in the temple and Ganesh Murti
  • Vehicle Parking: 20 to 50 Rs (As per vehicle)
  • Lenyadri Ganpati Official WebsiteOfficial Websiteof Girijatmaj Ganpati Lenyadri

7. Vighneshwar Temple, Ozar

The Vighneshwar Temple in Ozar is the seventh temple and is known for its beautiful idol of Lord Ganesha. The temple is surrounded by lush greenery and provides a calming and peaceful atmosphere for devotees.

Vighnahar Ganpati Temple Ozar Ashtavinayak – Temple Timings,Bhakta Niwas Booking, Events and History
  • Ozar Ganesha Temple Address: Narayangaon, Ozar Road, Ozar, Taluka Junnar, District Pune, Maharashtra, 410504
  • Contact No. of Ozar Bhakta Niwas: 09822319495 | 02132-288330 | 02132-288440 | 07038114488
  • Address of Ozar Bhakta Niwas: The Bhakta Niwas/Bhavan (Tel: 02132-288330/ 440) has clean and decent rooms. This is the only Best stay option at Ozar.
  • Ozar Bhakta Niwas Details: There are 4 Bhakta Niwas. Mahaprashad/Prasad(Lunch) only in 25/- Rs with Best quality and testy
  • Ozar Bhakta Niwas BookingOzar Bhakta Niwas/Bhavan Booking Details
  • Locality: Ozar, Taluka: Junnar, District: Pune
  • State: Maharashtra, Country: India, Pin Code: 410504
  • Nearest Cities: Pune, Narayangaon, Nashik (Nasik)
  • Nearest Places: Shivneri Fort, lenyadri Caves, Lenyadri Ganesha, Malshej Ghat, Naneghat, Bhimashankar
  • Languages: Marathi, Hindi and English
  • Vighnahar Ganpati Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:30 PM
  • Photography: Not Allowed in the temple and Ganesh Murti
  • Vehicle Parking: Free parking space available
  • Ozar Official Website: Official Website Vighnahar Ganpati Ozar

8. Mahaganapati Temple, Ranjangaon

The last temple in the Ashtavinayak circuit is the Mahaganapati Temple in Ranjangaon. This temple is known for its imposing architecture and is believed to be one of the eight and half Ganesh Temples resembling the letter “Shree” in its prayer hall.

Mahaganpati Ganpati Temple Ranjangaon Ashtavinayak – Temple Timings, Bhakta Niwas Booking, Events and History
  • Address: Mahaganpati Mandir, Ranjangaon, Wai, Pune, Maharashtra 412209
  • Mahaganpati Ranjangaon Bhakta Niwas: Shree Kshetra Ranjangaon Ganpati Devstan Trust, A/P- Ranjangaon Ganpati Tal- Shirur, Dist-Pune Maharashtra PIN-412209 Tel-02138-243200/01 MO.9209202222
    Mail Id-: contact_mahaganpatiranjangaon@rediffmail.com
  • Phone/Mobile No.: 02138-243200/01 /9209202222/09503857350
  • Locality/village: Ranjangaon
  • Taluka: Junnar
  • District: Pune
  • State: Maharashtra
  • Country: India
  • Pin Code: 412110
  • Nearest City: Pune, Narayangaon, Nashik (Nasik)
  • Shopping: Available
  • Season To Visit: All (Best Season To Visit: After August Month)
  • Languages: Marathi, Hindi and English
  • Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Photography: Not Allowed in the temple and Ganesh Murti
  • Vehicle Parking: Free parking space available
  • Official WebsiteOfficial Website Mahaganpati Ranjangaon

This pilgrimage to the Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temples offers not only spiritual fulfillment but also an opportunity to explore the diverse culture and history of Maharashtra. Each temple has its own unique significance and adds to the rich tapestry of spiritual experiences in the region.

The Legends and Stories Behind the Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temples

Each of the Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temples is steeped in legend and mythology, adding to their allure and significance. The Moreshwar Temple in Morgaon is considered the starting point of the pilgrimage, and it is believed to be the spot where Lord Ganesha was worshipped by Lord Brahma. The temple’s distinct feature is its Mayur Vahan, a vehicle carved entirely out of a single stone.

Moving on to the Siddhivinayak Temple in Siddhatek, it is said to have great mythological importance as it is believed to be the place where Lord Vishnu vanquished the demons Madhu and Kaitab. This temple is located on a hill and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The Ballaleshwar Temple in Pali is named after Lord Ganesha’s devotee Ballal. It is said that Lord Ganesha saved Ballal from perilous situations, and the temple is a symbol of their eternal bond. The temple’s location amidst lush greenery adds to its serene and peaceful ambiance.

The Varadvinayak Temple in Mahad is associated with the legend of Prince Rukmangad, who was blessed by Lord Ganesha and the prince’s kingdom was restored. The temple’s architecture showcases intricate carvings and a black stone idol of Lord Ganesha.

Continuing the pilgrimage, the Chintamani Temple in Theur is tied to the tale of a devoted son, Gritsamada, who received Lord Ganesha’s blessings and was relieved of a curse. The temple’s atmosphere exudes tranquility and spirituality.

The Girijatmaj Temple in Lenyadri is nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding hills. It is believed that Goddess Parvati performed penance at this site, leading to the incarnation of Lord Ganesha as her son. The temple’s unique location adds to its mystique and spiritual significance.

The Vighnahar Temple in Ozar is revered for the tale of Lord Indra seeking Lord Ganesha’s help to overcome an obstacle. This temple stands out due to its imposing entrance gate, intricately designed ceilings, and the temple’s association with the divine Chintamani jewel.

Finally, the Mahaganapati Temple in Ranjangaon is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva worshipped Lord Ganesha, and it is renowned for its striking architecture and elaborate sculptures.

The Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temples are not only places of religious worship but also repositories of timeless stories and legends. Each temple offers a unique spiritual experience and a deeper understanding of the rich mythology of Lord Ganesha.

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