There are many important and famous places of Lord Ganesha all over the world. Among these some places are more powerful & important than the others. There are eight such powerful places, which are called as Ashtavinayaka. These eight places are located around Pune in the state of Maharashtra and are together known as Ashtavinayak. A lot of importance is given to these places in the Hindu religion. The incarnation stories of these Ganesha’s are ancient, the places are also ancient. Some of the temples are built recently. Among these, few were rebuilt in Madhavrao Peshwa’s period. The idols of Ashtavinayaka are self-existent. They were installed in the temples as they were found. Each idol is an incarnation of Lord Ganesha. There are some mythological stories giving the importance of each Ganesha (idol). These stories tell us about why and how these idols of Ganesha got their names and came into existance. The idols are not beautiful like the man made ones but the self-existent appearance of them does please the devotees. The mangalashtaka (poetic lines spoken at the time of marriage or thread ceremony) of Ashtavinayaka is sung on holy occasions. The sequence of Ashtavinayaka pilgrimage according to the stotra (poetic line) mentioned in puran as is as follows:
Moreshwar Temple-Morgaon
How to Reach?
Shri Mayureshwar Mandir or Shri Moreshwar Mandir is a Hindu temple (mandir) dedicated to Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom. It is located in Moragaon (in Pune District, about 80 kilometres (50 mi) away from Pune city in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The temple is the starting and ending point of the Ashtavinayaka pilgrimage. Moragaon is the foremost centre of worship of the Ganapatya sect, which considers Ganesha as the Supreme Being.
Story
Long ago there was a king named Chakrapani living in Gandali Nagari(town) of Mithila Kingdom along with his Queen Ugra. They were unhappy because they were childless. Both of them worshipped God Surya(God Sun) and with the blessing of God Surya , Ugra was able to conceive. The embryo was so bright and powerful, that she could not bear the heat radiating from it, so she abandoned the embryo in the sea. From that embryo a child was born and the sea, disguised as a Brahmin, gave the child to Chakrapani. As the child was born in the sea the king named him 'Sindhu'.
Mayureshwara was born to Shiva and Parvati in the Treta yuga, for the purpose of killing the demon Sindhu. Parvati underwent austerities meditating using the one letter word 'OM' for twelve years at Lenyadri (another Ashtavinayak site, where Ganesha is worshiped as the son of Parvati). Pleased by her penance, Ganesha blessed her by the boon that he would be born as her son. He further said that in Krita Yuga everyone will call me as `Vinayak’, in Tretra yuga everyone will call me as ‘Mayureshwara, in Dwapar yuga I will be called as Gajanana and in Kalyug I will be named as Dhumraketu. In due course, Ganesha was born to Parvati at Lenyadri and named as Gunesha by Shiva. Little Gunesha once knocked an egg from a mango tree, from which emerged a peacock. Gunesha mounted the peacock and assumed the name Mayureshwara. Brahmadeva, the creator of universe gave Lord Ganesha the pash(noose), Ankush(agoad), parashu(hatchet) & kamal(lotus).
When Sindhu grew up, his teacher (guru) Shukracharya told him to worship God Surya and become more powerful. Sindhu did penance continuously for two thousand years and got a boon. God Surya gave him the ever full bowl of amrita(elixir of life). He was warned that he could drink from the bowl as long as it was intact. So to protect the bowl, he swallowed it. After drinking the nectar Sindhu became very powerful and terrorized the three worlds. With his boon of immortality he attacked Heaven and defeated God Indra. Sindhu imprisoned all gods & goddesses at Gandaki Nagari. All the gods asked Gunesha for help. He brought together all the Shiv-gan(attendants of God Shiva) and attacked Gandaki Nagar. Gunesha defeated Sindhu's army, cut his general Kamalasura into three pieces and then cut open Sindhu's body, emptying the amrita bowl and thus killing the demon. Lord Ganesha was riding on the peacock during the battle , so he was named as `Mayureshwara’ or `Moreshwar’. The Panch-devata(God Brahmadeva, God Vishnu, God Shiva, Goddess Shakti and God Surya) requested Lord Ganesha to live in Morgaon forever for his devotees. Lord Ganesha accepted their request. The Panch-devata then prepared an idol of sand, clay and precious stones and installed it at Morgaon on Bhadrapada Shuddha Chaturthi.
About the Temple
The temple of Lord Mayureshwara of Morgaon is located on the bank of river Karha. The temple is at the center of the Morgaon and it is facing towards north. It has eleven steps. There is a 50 feet tall wall of black stone around the temple along with four pillars in each corner. Because of these pillars, the temple looks like a mosque from afar. The temple has four gates, each facing a cardinal direction and with an image of Ganesha, each gate depicting him in the form that he appeared in each of the four ages (yugas). Each of the four Ganesha forms is associated with a Puruṣārtha (aim of life) and accompanied by two attendants. The image of Ballalvinayaka at the eastern gate, accompanied by god Rama (Vishnu's Avatar) and his consort Sita, symbolises Dharma (righteousness, duty, ethnics) and embodies the preserver-god Vishnu. Vignesha at the southern gate, flanked by Ganesha's parents Shiva and Parvati (Uma) symbolises Artha (wealth and fame) and embodies the dissolver – Shiva. Cintamani at the western gate – representing Kama (desire, love and sensual pleasure) – is attended by the love god Kamadeva and his wife Rati and embodies the formless (asat) Brahman. Mahaganapati at the northern gate standing for moksha (salvation), is accompanied by Varaha (Vishnu's boar avatar) and his wife the earth goddess Mahi embodies Sat Brahman. The quadrangular courtyard has two Deepmalas – lamp towers with niches to light lamps. A sculpted 6 foot mouse – the vahana (mount) of Ganesha sits in front of the temple. A Nagara-khana – which stores Nagaras (kettle drums) – is situated nearby. A huge Nandi bull sculpture is positioned facing the Lord, just outside the temple gates. This is considered unusual as a Nandi is normally positioned in front of the sanctum sanctorum in Shiva temples. A legend explains this oddity: the Nandi sculpture being transported from nearby Shiva temple, decided to settle in front of Ganesha and then refused to move. Both the mouse and Nandi are considered guardians of the entrance. At the eight corners, eight idols of Lord Ganesha's incarnation are installed. They are namely Ek-Danta, Mahodar, Gajanan, Lanbodara, Vikat, Vighnahar, Dhumra-Varna & Vakratund. Another 34 idols of Lord Ganesha family are present. A very old tree, called as Kalpa Vriksha (the tree that fulfils every desire) is present near the temple. Shri Moraya Gosavi did penance under this tree and his wish to see Lord Ganesha was fulfilled. So devotees of Lord Ganesha have faith in doing penance under this tree. Shami tree & Mandar tree are also present inside the temple compound on left side. One can see the statue of Yogindracharya on right side after entering the temple. On left side of the temple one can see a small temple of Nagna Bhairav (an attendant of Lord Mayureshwara). One more temple of Nagna Bhairav is towards East of Morgaon about a mile away. Without worshipping the Nagna Bhairava one can not complete Mayureshwar's pilgrimage. Lord Mayureshwara has given this boon to Nagna Bhairava, that one can not come to this holy place without your wish and you are the guardian of the village of Morgaon. Nagna Bhairava protects the devotees of the Lord Ganesha.
Idol
The idol of Lord Mayureshwara is very attractive. The idol is in seating position with trunk going towards left and the idol is facing North. The idol has three eyes and has diamonds in the eyes and on hands. Nagraj(the king of snakes) shelters the head of the idol. The original idol was black and small. The image is actually smaller than it looks as it is smeared with a thick level of saffron-coloured Sindoor (vermillion), which peels off once every century. It last fell off in 1882, and prior to that in 1788. In the Mudgal Puran the description of the idol is as follows: The deity has four hands and three eyes. Pash & Ankush were held in the upper hands. third hand is place on the knee, holding modak(a sweet made up of boiling milk) in the fourth hand. Dharma Raj Yudhishtir, son of the king Pandu, installed the present idol. This story is about five thousand years old. As written earlier Panch-Devata installed the original idol. Ganesha is flanked by idols of his consorts Siddhi and Buddhi, daughters of God Brahmadeva. These idols are made of an alloy of five metals or of brass. Siddhi means the power by which everything can be achieved. Siddhi has control on dharma(religion), arth(money), kama, moksha(emancipation deliverance) & Kaivalya (absorption into the divine essence). The other wife of Lord Ganesha & sister of Siddhi is Buddhi. Fourteen different types of knowledge and sixty-four types of arts are created by Buddhi and are under her control. Any type of knowledge and any thoughts in the mind are controlled by Buddhi. Lord Ganesha is always depicted with Shri Siddhi and Shri Buddhi.
Programs and Festivals
The central icon of Ganesha is worshipped daily: at 7 am, 12 noon, 4pm and at 8 pm. The first bath of the day takes place at 5 o’clock in the morning. After the bath worshippers offer flowers and durva to the idol. After that at 7 o’clock and at 12 noon Shodopachar puja (a worship which embodies sixteen items). This puja is done by priest with Ganesh-Atharvashirsha. An offering of chapati and rice(khichadi) is given in the morning. In the afternoon full lunch is offered and at night milk-rice is offered . At 8 o’clock in the night Panchopachar Puja is done. The temple is open for public from 5 o’clock in the morning to 10 o’clock in the night. The temple is closed after the shej-arati (A prayer done before sleeping time). The morning 5 o’clock puja and afternoon 4 o’clock puja is done by guravs (a caste in Hindu community). On Ganesh Jayanti (Magha Shukla Chaturthi) and Ganesh Chaturthi (Bhadrapada Shukla Chaturthi) festivals on the 4th lunar day in the bright fortnight of the Hindu months Magha and Bhadrapada respectively, devotees flock to the Mayureshwar temple in large numbers. On both occasion, a procession of pilgrims arrives from Mangalmurti temple, Chinchwad (established by Morya Gosavi) with the palkhi (palanquin) of Ganesha.
Siddhivinayak Temple-Siddhatek
How to Reach?
The temple is located on the northern bank of the river Bhima in Siddhatek in the Karjat taluka of Ahmednagar district.[2] The nearest station is Daund (19 km). The temple is accessible from the small village of Shirapur in Pune district, on the southern bank of the river, from where it can be reached by boat or newly constructed bridge. Other routes are (48 km) Daund-Kasti-Padgaon, Shirur-Shrigonda-Siddhatek, Karjat-Rashin-Siddhatek
Story
LThe Mudgala Purana narrates that at the beginning of Creation, the creator-god Brahma emerged from a lotus, that rises from god Vishnu's navel as Vishnu sleeps in his yoganidra. While Brahma started creating the universe, two demons Madhu and Kaitabha were created from the dirt in Lord Vishnu's ear. The demons disturbed Brahma's process of creation, thereby compelling Vishnu to awake. Vishnu battles the demons for 5000 years, but cannot defeat them. He asks God Shiva the reason for this. Lord Shiva informs Lord Vishnu that he cannot succeed as he had forgotten to invoke Ganesha – the god of beginning and obstacle removal – before the fight. Therefore, Vishnu performs penance at Siddhatek, invoking Ganesha with his mantra – "Om Sri Ganeshaya Namah". Pleased, Ganesha bestows his blessings and various siddhis ("powers") on Vishnu. Lord Vishnu returns to his fight and slays the demons. The place where Vishnu acquired siddhis was thereafter known as Siddhatek.
About the Temple
God Vishnu installed the Ganesha idol and built the temple at Siddhatek after defeating the demons Madhu and Kaitabh. This temple was however destroyed over time. Years later a cowherd had a divine vision of God and found the idol. Soon everyone in the vicinity came to know about the temple. The present temple was built in the late 18th century by Ahilyabai Holkar, the Philosopher Queen of Indore, who built and renovated many Hindu temples. The temple is constructed in black stone andfaces north. The temple has sabha-mandapa (assembly hall) of black stone and another sabha-mandapa, which is a later addition. The threshold of the main shrine has a small demonic head sculpture. The temple also has a Nagarkhana.The temple has four big entrances. The garbhagriha (sanctum) is 15 ft high and 10 ft wide. It has the Jaya-Vijaya – the gatekeepers of Vishnu's abode – brass sculptures flanking the central icon of Siddhivinayaka.
Idol
Like all Ashtavinayaka shrines, the central Ganesha image is believed to be svayambhu (self-existent), naturally occurring in the form of an elephant-faced stone. The idol of Lord SiddhiVinayaka has its trunk turned towards the right side. Because of this one has to be very particular about the holiness of the idol. Only a few selected priests after taking bath can enter the sanctum and worship the idol by touching it. No one else is even allowed to enter the main sanctum. The height of the idol is 3 feet and width is 2 feet. Near the temple there are small temples of other gods like God Shiva, Goddess Sitala and God Vishnu.
Programs and Festivals
The temple opens at dawn. At that time priest does prayers and does holy bathing of the idol. After night prayers temple closes and Lord Siddhi Vinayaka sleeps in shej-ghar.The Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated from the first to the fifth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, where Ganesh Chaturthi is the fourth day. A festival is held to commemorate the birthday of Ganesha – Ganesha Jayanti, on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Magha. This festival is celebrated from the first to the fifth day of Magha. The palkhi of Ganesha is taken for three consecutive days in these festivals.
Ballaleshwar Temple-Pali
How to Reach?
Among Ganesha temples, Ballaleshwar is the only incarnation of Ganesha that is known by his devotee's name. It is located in the village of Pali which is at a distance of 58 km from Karjat in the Raigad district. It is situated between fort Sarasgad and the river Amba.
Story
In the village of Pali lived a successful businessman named Kalyan with his wife, Indumati. Their son, Ballal, and the other children in the village used to play puja, using stones in place of murtis. Once, the children, going to the outskirts of the village, saw a very large stone. At the insistence of Ballal, the children worshiped the stone as Ganesha. Led by Ballal, the children became so engrossed in their worship that they forgot about hunger and thirst; day and night. Meanwhile, the parents of the village anxiously waited for their children to come home. When the children did not return on time, they all went to Kalyan's house and complained about his son Ballal. Kalyan, flying into a rage, took a stick and went in search of the children. Eventually, he found the children listening to the Ganesha Purana. In his fury, he destroyed the small temples built by the children, who fled away in terror, leaving Ballal by himself. Ballal, completely submerged in devotion to Ganesha, was grabbed by his father and beaten until blood drenched his clothes. His father proceeded to tie him to a tree and trampled on all the puja materials collected by the children. Lifting the large stone which the children had treated as Ganesha, he threw it to the ground, breaking it into pieces. He taunted Ballal, "Now we shall see which God protects you!" Going home, he left his own son bound to the tree to die. Still bound to the tree, Ballal cursed his father for having insulted Ganesha, "May he become blind, deaf, dumb, and hunchbacked for his disrespect to the son of Parvati!" Though filled with pain, hunger, and thirst, he continued chanting the name of Ganesha until, exhausted, he fainted. On waking, Ballal entreated Ganesha to come to his aid. Lord Ganesha, moved by the child's devotion, appeared in the form of a sadhu before Ballal and untied him from the tree. On seeing Ganesha, Ballal's thirst and hunger vanished; his wounds were healed and he was completely invigorated. He prostrated before the sadhu, recognizing him as Ganesha, and worshipped him. Ganesha told Ballal he would bless him with whatever he asked for as a reward for his devotion. Ballal entreated, "May I be your unshakeable devotee, and may you always stay in this place and remove the miseries of the people who seek refuge in you." Ganesha said, "I shall ever remain here, and will take your name before mine, being worshiped as Ballal's Lord (BallalEshwar)." He embraced Ballal and vanished into the nearby stone. The stone's cracks disappeared and was made whole again. That stone statue is called Ballaleshwar. The stone idol which Kalyan threw to the ground is also known as Dhundi Vinayak. This is a swayambhu murti and is worshiped before Ballaleshwar is worshiped.
About the Temple
TThe original wooden temple was renovated in 1760 to make way for a new stone temple designed by Shri Fadnis. Built in the shape of the letter Shri, it was made by mixing lead with the cement during construction. The east-facing temple was carefully positioned so that, as the sun rises, sun rays fall directly on the murti during worship. The temple contains a bell that was brought back by Chimaji Appa after his defeat of the Portuguese in Vasai and Sasti. The temple complex encircles two lakes and is tiled throughout. There are two sanctums in the temple, an inner and an outer sanctum. The inner canctum is 15 feet (4.6 m) high, while the outer sanctum is only 12 feet (3.7 m) high. The outer sanctum contains a murti in the shape of a rat, holding modak in its hands while facing Ganesha. The main hall of the temple is 40 feet (12 m) long and 20 feet (6.1 m) wide and contains eight pillars resembling cyprus trees.
Idol
The murti of Vinayaka sits on a stone throne, facing east with its trunk turned left and sitting against a background of silver which displays Riddhi and Siddhi waving chamaras. The murti's eyes and navel contain diamonds.
Programs and Festivals
The temple opens at 5 O’clock in the morning and at 5.30 am one can see and worship Lord Ballaleshwar. At 5 a.m. kakad arati(prayer which is done in early morning) & Panchopachari puja(worship with sandalwood, flowers, red lead, pastin stick/dhoop and light deep) done by the priest. Before 12 noon Shodopachari puja (a worship which embodies 16 items). After sunset Panchopachari puja and at night dhoop arti (worshipping with pastin sticks) takes place. The temple closes after last prayers in the night. The Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated from the first to the fifth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, where Ganesh Chaturthi is the fourth day. A festival is held to commemorate the birthday of Ganesha – Ganesha Jayanti, on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Magha. This festival is celebrated from the first to the fifth day of Magha. There is a special story about the offering at night of Maghi Chaturthi to the god. After offering doors of the nave used to close and after some time when doors are open, one can see the marks of God’s fingers on the offering. To see this miracle many devotees come to Pali.
Varadavinayak Temple-Mahad
How to Reach?
Varadvinayak, also spelt as Varadavinayaka, is one of the Ashtavinayak temples of the Hindu deity Ganesha. It is located in Mahad village situated in Khalapur taluka near Karjat and Khopoli of Raigad District, Maharashtra, India. The temple is located three kilometers off the Mumbai-Pune highway near Khopoli (80 km from Pune), and is thus closest to Mumbai city. Karjat Railway Station, Karjat on Mumbai-Pune railway is 24 km from this place and 6 km from Khopoli.
Story
Legend has it that the childless king, Bhima of Koudinyapur and his wife met the sage Vishwamitra while they had come to forest for penance. Vishwamitra gave the king a mantra (incantataion) Ekashar Gajana Mantra to chant and thus his son and heir, prince Rukmaganda was born. Rukmaganda grew up into a beautiful young prince. One day, on a hunting trip Rukmaganda stopped at the hermitage of Rishi Vachaknavi. The Rishi's wife, Mukunda, fell in love at the sight of the handsome prince and asked him to fulfill her desires. The virtuous prince flatly refused and left the ashram. Mukunda became very lovesick. Knowing her plight, King Indra took the form of Rukmaganda and made love to her.Mukunda became pregnant and gave birth to a son Gritsamada. In time, when Gritsamada learned of the circumstances of his birth, he cursed his mother to become the unattactive, thorny berry-bearing "Bhor" plant. Mukunda in turn cursed Gritsamada, that a cruel rakshas (demon) will be born from him. Suddenly they both heard a heavenly voice saying, "Gritsamada is the son of Indra", leaving them both shocked, but too late to alter their respective curses. Mukunda was transformed into the Bhor plant. Gritsamada, ashamed and penitent, retreated to the Pushpak forest where he prayed for a reprieve to Lord Ganesh (Ganapati). Lord Ganesha was pleased by Gritsamada's penance and offered him a boon that he will bear a son who would not be defeated by anybody other than Shankara (Shiva). Gritsamada asks Ganesh to bless the forest, so that any devotees who pray here will be successful, and also urged Ganesha to stay there permanently and asked for knowledge of Brahma. Gritsamada built a temple there and the Ganesha idol installed there is called Varadavinayaka. Today the forest is known as Bhadraka. It is said that if the coconut received as prasad during Maghi Chaturthi is consumed, one will be blessed with a son. Hence the temple is especially full with devotees during Maghi Utsav.
About the Temple
The temple of Lord Varad Vinayak faces towards East. The temple looks like tiled house from outside. In 1725AD the then Kalyan subhedar, Mr. Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar built the Varadavinayak templ ande the village of Mahad.There are 4 elephant idols guarding the 4 sides of the temple. Entering the inner sanctum, one can see the carved stone idols of Shri Riddhi and Shri Siddhi. The dome of the temple has a golden coloured pinnacle and there is an assembly hall next to the sanctum, which is 8 feet by 8 feet.There is an oil lamp in the inner sanctum which said to be burning continuously since 1892.
Idol
The idol of Varad Vinayak is facing towards East with its trunk is turned towards the left side. In addition to Lord Varad Vinayak idol, two other idols of Lord Ganesha are present in the inner sanctum, one is a white marble idol whose trunk is turned towards right side. This temple also has the idol of Mushika, Navagraha Devtas and Shivalinga. In this Ashta Vinayak Temple devotees can enter the Garbagriha and pay their homage and respects to the idol personally.
Programs and Festivals
The Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated from the first to the fifth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, where Ganesh Chaturthi is the fourth day. A festival is held to commemorate the birthday of Ganesha – Ganesha Jayanti, on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Magha. This festival is celebrated from the first to the fifth day of Magha.
Chintamani Temple-Theur
How to Reach?
The temple is located 22 km from Pune, off the Pune-Solapur highway, and is hence the nearest from Pune. The village of Theur sits at the confluence of three major regional rivers—Mula, Mutha & Bhima.
Story
According to the Mudgal Purana: King Abhjit & Queen Gunavati did penance for several years on advice of sage Vaishampayan & got a son named as Gana. Gana was also known as Ganasura or Guna. Gana was a strong but greedy and hotheaded warrior. Gana pleased the god Shiva – Ganesha's father with his worship. Shiva granted Gana the kingship of the three worlds – heaven, earth and underworld and decreed that Gana could not be killed by anything that possessed any of the three gunas. Once during a hunting expedition, he came to Kapila Rishi's Ashram . Sage Kapila welcomed Guna & invited for lunch along with his army. Sage Kapila a jewel called Chintamani. With its help the sage fed the entire army with delicious food. Impressed by the power of the jewel, the greedy Gana asked sage Kapila to give the jewel to him. When sage Kapila refused to give the jewel, Gana took it away by force. Sage Kaplia was disappointed. Goddess Durga advice Kapila to worship Lord Ganesha & in boom asked for the Chintamani. Kapila, a devotee of Ganesha, prays to Ganesha to retrieve the gem. Ganesha with his army appears in Gana's dream; one of his soldiers cuts Gana's head. Gana wakes up and marches towards Kapila's hermitage with his army, intending to slay the sage. Abhijit tries to dissuade his son and advises him to return Chintamani to the sage, but in vain. Gana starts to destroy the hermitage. Ganesha's shakti ("power") – the goddess Siddhi appears and creates a thousand-armed warrior Laksha, who destroys Gana's army while Ganesha himself beheads the arrogant prince. Ganesha returns the jewel to Kapila, however, the sage chooses to have his Lord instead of the jewel itself. So, Ganesha stays on in Theur with Kapila, taking the name of the jewel Chintamani.
According to another legend, the god Brahma meditated here and his restless mind became sthavar due to Ganesha's blessings. Since Ganesha got rid of Brahma's Chintas ("worries"), he became known as Chintamani. According to another tale, the god-king Indra worshipped Ganesha here under the Kadamba tree to get rid of the sage Gautama's curse.The place was thus known as Kadamaba-Nagar, the town of Kadamba treesThe lake in which God Indra had bath, is called as Chintamani sarovar.
Theur's Chintamani was the family deity of Shrimant Madhavrao I Peshwa.[citation needed] He suffered from tuberculosis and died at a very young age (~27 years). He is supposed to have died in this temple. His wife, Ramabai committed Sati with him on 18 November 1772.
About the Temple
The lake behind the temple is called Kadambteertha. The temple entrance is North facing. The outer wooden hall was built by Peshwas. The main temple is supposed to have been built by Dharanidhar Maharaj Dev from the family-lineage of Shri Moraya Gosavi. He must have built this around 100 years before Senior Shrimant Madhavrao Peshwa built the outer wooden hall. The main archway of the temple faces North. Madhavarao Peshava had built a concrete road from main gate up to Mula-Mutha river. Temple hall is made up of wood & there is a small fountain made up of black stone in the hall. There is small temple of God Shiva in the courtyard of the temple. A big bell, donated by Chimmaji Appa can be seen hanging in the courtyard of the temple. The hall also has a black stone water fountain in it. Besides the central shrine dedicated to Ganesha, there are number of smaller shrines in the temple complex: Mahadeva (Shiva) temple, Vishnu-Lakshmi temple, Hanuman temple etc. Behind the temple is the Peshwa Wada – the Peshwa Palace. Once the residence of Madhavrao, today the day-to-day activities of the temple are carried from this place.
Idol
Like other Ashtavinyaka icons, the central icon of Ganesha is considered self-manifested and hardly any features are visible except the elephantine head – studded with jewel eyes – and trunk, which turns to his left. The icon is interpreted to be seated in cross-legged posture. The icon is smeared with sindur like rest of the Ashtavinyaka images.
Programs and Festivals
TThe temple celebrates three main festivals. The Ganesha Prakatostav which corresponds to the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The festival is celebrated from the first to the seventh day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, where Ganesh Chaturthi is the fourth day. A fair is held on this occasion. The Maghotsav festival is held to commemorate the birthday of Ganesha - Ganesha Jayanti, which falls on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Magha. The temple festival is celebrated from the first to the eighth of the month. A fair is also organized. The Rama-Madhav Punyostav on the eighth day of the Kartik month commemorates the death anniversary of the temple's best known patron, Madhavrao and his wife Ramabai, who performed Sati on his funeral pyre and was burnt with him.
Girijatmaj Temple-Lenyadri
How to Reach?
The temple is situated 12 km from Narayangaon, which is about 94 km from Pune on the Pune-Nashik highway. Nearest railway station is Talegaon. From Junnar, Lenyadri is about 5 km. Shivaneri castle is close by (5 to 6 km) where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born.
Story
Once Parvati (Girija) asked her husband Shiva who he was meditating on. He said he was meditating on "the supporter of the entire universe" - Ganesha, and initiated Parvati with the Ganesha Mantra "Gam". Desiring to have a son, Parvati underwent austerities meditating on Ganesha, for twelve years at Lenyadri. Pleased by her penance, Ganesha blessed her with the boon that he will be born as her son. Accordingly, on the fourth lunar day of the bright fortnight of the Hindu month Bhadrapada (Ganesh chaturthi day), Parvati worshipped a clay image of Ganesha, which came alive. Thus, Ganesha was born to Parvati at Lenyadri. Later, he was named Gunesha by Shiva. Shiva gave him a boon that whosoever remembers him before starting a job, will successfully complete that task. For 15 years Gunesha grew up at Lenyadri. Sindhu, who knew that his death would be at the hands of Gunesha, sent demons like Krur, Balasur, Vyomasur, Kshemma, Kushal, and many more, to kill Gunesha, but all of them were instead killed by him. At the age of six, the architect-god Vishwakarma worshipped Gunesha and endowed him with the weapons Pasha (noose), Parashu (axe), Ankusha (hook) and Padma (Lotus). Once, little Gunesha knocked an egg from a mango tree, from which emerged a peacock. Gunesha mounted the peacock and assumed the name Mayuresvara. Mayuresvara later killed Sindhu and his army-generals at Morgaon, the most important Ashtavinayaka temple.
About the Temple
One can go by any vehicle to the base of mountain. Ahis temple stands amidst a cave complex of 18 caves of Buddhist origin. This temple is the 8th cave. These are called Ganesh-leni as well. The temple is carved out of a single stone hill, which has 307 steps. The temple features a wide hall with no supporting pillars. The temple hall is 53feet long, 51feet wide and 7feet in height. It is not supported by any pillar. It is very rare sight. One can see the river and houses of Junner village from here. At the front side just before the huge hall there is a small hall with 6 pillars. Elephants, tigers, lion’s faces are carved on the top of the pillars.
Idol
Like all Ashtavinayaka temples, the central Ganesha image is believed to be svayambhu (self-existent), a naturally occurring stone formation resembling an elephant-face. Though the temple faces the inauspicious south, - according to a local tradition - the deity faces north, with his back to his worshipper and his face visible on the other side of the mountain.
Programs and Festivals
The Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated from the first to the fifth day of the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, where Ganesh Chaturthi is the fourth day. A festival is held to commemorate the birthday of Ganesha – Ganesha Jayanti, on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Magha. This festival is celebrated from the first to the fifth day of Magha.
Vighneshwar Temple-Ozar
How to Reach?
Ozar is located about 85 km from Pune, off the Pune-Nashik highway and about 9 km north to Narayangaon. Along another Ashtavinayak temple of Lenyadri, Ozar is in the Junnar taluka of Pune district. Ozar is situated on the banks of Kukadi River close to the Yedagaon dam built on it.
Story
The Mudgala Purana record: King Abhinandana performed a sacrifice in which he did not give any offering to the god-king Indra. The infuriated Indra ordered Kala (Time/Death) to destroy the sacrifice. Kala takes the form of the demon Vignasura (obstacle-demon) or Vigna (obstacle), who created obstacles in the sacrifice and ruined it. Further, he created havoc in the universe, creating obstacles in the good deeds and sacrifices of sages and other beings. The sages asked god Brahma or Shiva for help, who advised the worship of Ganesha. Hearing the prayer of the ascetics, Ganesha began to battle the demon, who soon realized that it was impossible to win and surrendered to his opponent and agreed not to harass the beings of the world. It was arranged that Vigna (obstacles) would dwell only in places where Ganesha was not invoked or worshipped. In some versions, the remorseful Vigna was made an attendant of Ganesha, who would trouble those who fail to worship his Lord. Vignasura also requested Ganesha to take the name Vigneshwara (The Lord of Vigna/obstacles) to commemorate the event. The relieved sages consecrated an image of Ganesha as Vigneshwara at Ozar to mark the event.
About the Temple
Temple of Shree Vighneshwar is facing towards East. Chimaji Appa, brother and military commander of the Peshwa Baji Rao I, renovated the temple and covered the shikhara (temple spire) with gold after seizing the Vasai Fort from the Portuguese. The temple was also renovated in 1967 by the Ganesha devotee Appa Shastri Joshi. It is enclosed from all sides by big stone walls.Two large stone Deepamalas (lamp towers) stand near the gateway in front of a fine corridor of seven cusped arches. There are owaris (small room for meditation) on both sides of the gateway. The courtyard is tiled. The central temple has three entrances with sculptured side posts and lintels; the east one being the central one. The central one has a lintel with a Ganesha in relief surrounded with monkeys and parrots on trees. The temple has two halls, with first one (20 feet high) having the entrances to the north and south too and has the imagee of Dhundiraj Ganesha. The next one (10 feet high) has a white marble mushika (the mouse, which is the vehicle of Ganesha) seating in attendance. The temple walls is filled with murals and colourful sculptures. At the entrance of main temple Bhaldar Chopdar are carved in the stone (watchmen of the temple). Once entered from the main door one can see two verandas on both sides. Each one is 25 feet long and 8 feet wide. Under one veranda basement is there where chandelier, lampshades, palakhi are kept. Inside the temple, there are two pandals one after another. At the entrance of pandal there is a mouse made up of black stone. After entering through two pandals, there is a third pandal where Lord Vighneshwar's idol is installed.
Idol
Like all Ashtavinayaka shrines, the central Ganesha image is believed to be svayambhu (self-existent), naturally occurring in the form of an elephant-faced stone. The central icon of Ganesha faces east and is flanked with brass images of his consorts Siddhi and Riddhi. The idol has a left-turning trunk and is covered with sindoor (vermillion). His eyes are emeralds and his forehead and navel is also adored with diamonds. On both sides of the idol Shree Siddhi & Shree Buddhi are placed. The wall of the sanctum has some recess where idols of God Brahmadev, God Vishnu, God Shiva, Goddess Shakti and God Surya are place. One can see Mandar, Shami, Parijatak trees inside the temple compound.
Programs and Festivals
The temple celebrates the usual festivals associated with Ganesha: Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganesh Jayanti. In addition, a five-day festival starting on Kartik Poornima is also celebrated when the Deepamalas are lit.
Mahaganapati Temple-Ranjangaon
How to Reach?
While going from the Pune - Nagar highway the route is Pune - Koregaon - then via Shikrapur; Rajangaon is 21 km before Shirur. From Pune it is 50 km.
Story
Long ago in Treta-yuga there lived a great sage called Grutsamad. One day Grutsamad sneezed and a boy of red colour came out from his nose. He accepted him as his son and told him stories about Lord Ganesha. Sage Grutsamad told him to do penance with the mantra `Gananam Twam Ganapati’ (This mantra was composed by Sage Grutsamad). He did penance for five thousand years and Lord Ganesha gave him boon of invincibility. Lord Ganesha also gave him three towns, which had plenty of iron, gold & silver. Lord Ganesha said `you will be called as Tripur because you will own these three towns(Tripur in Marathi means three towns) and only God Shiva will be able to defeat you. You will live happily till God Shiva will destroy everything in one arrow and then he will kill you. Tripur conquered the universe and then he turned his evil eyes on God Shiva and demanded mountain Kailas from him. God Shiva went to a mountain called Mandar. All gods and goddesses were fed up of Tripur. Sage Narad asked them to worship Lord Ganesh because Tripur became powerful with Lord Ganesha’s blessing, so only Lord Ganesha can tell how to kill Tripur. Lord Ganesha was pleased with their worship and asked them for a boon. All gods and goddesses requested Lord Ganesha to kill Tripur. Lord Ganesha told them God Shiva would kill Tripur soon. In disguise of Brahmin Lord Ganesh went to Tripur and told him that I know sixty-four arts and I came to show them. Tripur said to him that if I like your art I will give you what you demand from me even my death. The Brahmin gave him three airplanes and told him that you can go to any place from these airplanes. But if Lord Shiva hits the airplanes with his arrow the same will be destroyed. Lord Shiva performed great penance of Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha told him thousand names of his and told God Shiva that whoever will say these thousand names will become successful in any work and fulfills with all the wishes. The God Shiva started the battle with Tripur. At the end God Shiva destroyed Tripura’s airplanes and killed him. This incident happened on full moon day of the month of Kartik and it is called as Tripuri Poornima. God Shiva performed penance at the place called Manipur. The same place is now known as Ranjangaon.
About the Temple
TThe temple is facing toward East. Inner pandal of the temple build by Sardar Kibe and Madhavrao Peshwa has built the inner sanctum. There are excellent directional approaches in the construction work. It has an imposing main gate which is guarded by two statues of Jay and Vijay. The temple is designed in such away that during Dakshinayan[ the apparent movement of the sun to the south] the rays of the sun fall directly on the deity.
Idol
The idol faces the east, is seated in a cross-legged position with a broad forehead, with its trunk pointing to the left. It is said that the original idol is hidden in the basement, having 10 trunks and 20 hands and is called Mahotkat, however, the temple authorities deny existence of any such idol. Mahaganapati is portrayed, seated on a lotus, flanked by his consorts Siddhi and Ridhi.
Programs and Festivals
In Ranjangaon the villagers do not celebrate Ganesha festival (which comes in the month of Bhadrapada) individually. They celebrate it together in the temple. There is big celebration in Ranjangaon from Bhadrapada Shuddha Pratipada (the first day of the Bhadrapad month) to Shashthi (the sixth day). During these days one can enter the inner sanctum and worship Lord Maha-Ganapati. On fifth day there is `Mahaprasad’(big offering to Lord Maha-Ganapati).