In Maharashtra, India, there are many famous temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. During the Ganpati festival, devotees flock to these temples for darshan (sacred viewing).
Ganesh Chaturthi, celebrated on September 19th, marks the beginning of the Ganpati festival.
The grandest celebrations of this festival take place in Maharashtra, where the renowned Siddhivinayak Temple stands tall.
Apart from Siddhivinayak, there are several other notable Ashtavinayak temples, all situated within Maharashtra.
The Ashtavinayak Temples: A Sacred Chain of Eight Temples
The Ashtavinayak temples are not just one temple; they form a series of eight Ganesh temples, each with its unique significance and history, as mentioned in ancient scriptures.
During the Ganesh festival, you can embark on a pilgrimage to these temples in Maharashtra.
Here, we will explore the locations of the Ashtavinayak temples and provide a glimpse through pictures for those unable to visit in person.
Mayureshwar in Morgaon
In the Baramati taluka of Pune district, you’ll find the Mayureshwar Vinayak Temple in Morgaon.
Among the Ashtavinayak temples, Mayureshwar’s idol resembles a peacock, which is why it is also known as the Morgaon temple.
It is believed that in the Treta Yuga, Lord Ganesha took the form of Mayureshwar with six arms and white color to help Lord Vishnu defeat the demon Sindurasura.
This temple is constructed with black stone and, from a distance, appears similar to a mosque due to the minarets built during the Mughal era for temple protection.
Siddhivinayak in Siddhatek
Situated in Siddhatek, Karjat taluka of Ahmednagar district, Siddhivinayak Temple is a part of the Ashtavinayak Yatra.
According to legend, when Lord Vishnu couldn’t defeat the demons Madhu and Kaitabh, he sought Lord Shiva’s help.
Lord Shiva instructed him to first invoke Lord Ganesha. Lord Vishnu established an idol of Lord Ganesha on this site, which is why it is called Siddhivinayak.
Rani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore had the current Siddhatek temple constructed. The temple is located on a hill with its entrance facing north. Within the temple complex, there is a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Shivai.
Ballaleshwar in Pali
In the village of Pali, near the Amba River in Raigad district, Maharashtra, you’ll find the Ballaleshwar Vinayak Temple.
It is believed that Lord Ganesha appeared before a devotee named Ballal in the form of a Brahmin boy and blessed him to reside there forever.
This is why the temple is known as Ballaleshwar Vinayak. The temple’s main structure is made of wood.
A European-style large bell, commemorating a victory against the Portuguese, can be found in the temple courtyard. During sunrise in the southern direction, sunlight falls directly on Lord Ganesha’s idol.
Girijatmajak in Lenyadri
Girijatmajak Vinayak Temple, located in Junnar taluka of Pune district, derives its name from Goddess Parvati (Girija), who is Lord Ganesha’s mother.
To visit this temple, devotees must climb 307 steps to reach the mountaintop. It is said that Goddess Parvati crafted the idol of Lord Ganesha here from clay, and the idol came to life.
This temple houses Lord Ganesha with a south-facing trunk and is situated in the eighth cave of a series of 18 caves.
The nearest railway station to Girijatmajak Vinayak is Revali, 96 km from Pune railway station and 156 km from Mumbai.
These are the unique stories and locations of the Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra, which hold a special place in the hearts of Lord Ganesha’s devotees.