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Maharashtra is home to the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage, a group of eight ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Hindu deity of wisdom and prosperity. So, adding all the Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra to your travel plans is a must the next time you are in the state. Every temple part of the Ashtavinayak circuit holds immense religious significance and every year, thousands of devotees visit each one of these temples to seek blessings from Ganpati Bappa. Visiting each one of these temples also lets you soak in the spiritual beauty of Maharashtra.
8 Ashtavinayak Temples In Maharashtra
Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra represents a unique form and story of Lord Ganesha, making the yatra a deeply spiritual and enriching experience.
1. Shree Mayureshwar Temple
Photo: Saurabh Solanki / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located in the small town of Morgaon, Shree Mayureshwar Temple is one of the most famous Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra. According to legend, Lord Ganesha incarnated here as Mayureshwar, riding a peacock, to vanquish a demon named Sindhu, which is where it gets the name from. Like a lot of the other temples across Maharashtra, even this one sports the traditional Hemadpanthi architecture style. The exquisite entrance gate of this temple is one of the main highlights. Inside the inner sanctum, the idol of Mayureshwar is carved in black stone and is adorned with a cobra on its head.
Location: Morgaon, Maharashtra 412304
Timings: 5 AM – 10:30 PM
2. Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
Photo: 360 Ganesh / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple is located in Siddhatek, along the banks of the Bhima River. It is believed to be the only Ashtavinayak temple where Lord Ganesha’s trunk is turned to the right, a sign of fierceness. According to the mythological explanation, it is in this temple that Lord Vishnu obtained Siddhi to destroy the demons, which is where the temple’s name is derived from. One of the main activities to conduct in the temple is the pradakshina around the temple to fulfil one’s wishes and bring good fortune to their life.
Location: State Maharashtra, Siddhatek, Siddhtek, Maharashtra 414403
Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
3. Shree Ballaleshwar Temple
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A visit to the Shree Ballaleshwar Temple in Pali is a must if you are in Maharashtra. Not only is the temple part of the Ashtavinayak circuit, but the temple also offers uninterrupted views of the surrounding Sarasgad Fort. Being one of the most popular Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra, the temple is believed to be named after a devotee, Ballal, who was an ardent follower of Lord Ganesha. According to mythological accounts, young Ballal was tortured by his father for his deep devotion to Ganesha. Pleased with Ballal’s dedication, Lord Ganesha appeared and blessed him, thus earning the deity the name “Ballaleshwar.”
Location: SH92, Pali, Maharashtra 410205
Timings: 5 AM – 10:30 PM
4. Shree Varadvinayak Temple
Photo: Desktopwallpapers / Wikimedia Commons
Among the best Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra, the Shree Varadvinayak Temple is one that you must visit. The surrounding forests and mountains add to the overall spiritual experience of visiting the temple. The temple is famous for its large idol of Lord Ganesha, which sits on a throne facing the east. Varadvinayak means “the giver of blessings,” and it is believed that Ganesha fulfils all the wishes of his devotees here. There is a pond near the temple complex where the devotees visit to find some peace and solace.
Location: Khopoli Ganpati Mahad Rd, Mahad, Maharashtra 410203
Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
5. Shree Chintamani Temple
Photo: Rajesh Dhungana / Wikimedia Commons
Associated with the renowned Hindu Sage Kapila, Shree Chintamani Temple in Theur is another one of the Maharashtra Ashtavinayak temples worth adding to your travel plans. The story goes that the sage used the powerful gem, Chintamani, to fulfil the wishes of his devotees. However, a greedy king snatched it away, and it was Lord Ganesha who retrieved it, earning the name “Chintamani.” The temple’s stunning architecture and natural surroundings add to the beauty of the place. The idol of Lord Ganesha inside the temple is adorned with jewellery and vibrant attires too.
Location: Theur Rd, Theur, Maharashtra 412110
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
6. Shree Girijatmaj Temple
Photo: Vivek Solanki / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located on top of a hillock, Shree Girijatmaj Temple in Lenyadri is the oldest Ashtavinayak temple in Maharashtra. The temple itself is carved into the rocks of the hills, adding to the adventure. It is thus one of the most architecturally unique Ashtavinayak temples. The temple is dedicated to Girijatmaj, the son of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva. To get to the inner sanctum of the temple, you have to climb 300 steps, which is often tiresome and tests one’s physical endurance. The temple is part of a complex of 30 rock-cut caves that date back to the first century AD.
Location: At Post: Golegaon, Taluka: Junnar, Dist. Pune JUNNR, Golegaon, Maharashtra 410502
Timings: 7 AM – 6:30 PM
7. Shree Vighneshwar Temple
Photo: Sonika Agarwal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Up next is the Shree Vighneshwar Temple, which is located in Ozar. The temple’s historical and mythological stories depict its associations with the legend of Vighnasura, a demon who wreaked havoc on Earth. It is believed that it was Lord Ganesha who vanquished the demon, receiving the title of Vighneshwar. The temple, located along the banks of the Kukadi River and the gold-plate spire inside the temple is one of the main attractions. It is also said that worshipping at this temple removes all obstacles from one’s life, bringing success and prosperity to one’s life.
Location: Ozar, Maharashtra 410504
Timings: 5 AM – 11 PM
8. Shree Mahaganapati Temple
Photo: Sonika Agarwal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Shree Mahaganapati Temple, located in Ranjangaon, is renowned for its large idol of Ganesha, which is said to be one of the most powerful forms of the deity. There is a lot of history associated with this temple as it is believed that Lord Shiva worshipped Ganesha here before his battle with the demon Tripurasura. With the majestic entrance to the temple, the overall architecture of the temple is unique and reminiscent of the Hemadpanthi architecture style. Inside the inner sanctum, the idol of Lord Ganesha is depicted in a sitting posture with ten trunks and twenty arms.
Location: Maharashtra Pune, Ranjangaon, Maharashtra 412209
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
The Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra depict the spiritual power of the Hindu God Lord Ganesha and the blessings he brings into people’s lives. You also get to forge a deeper connection to the divine by visiting these temples. So, as you are booking your next trip to Maharashtra with TripXL, ensure to include all the temples in the Ashtavinayak circuit in your plans.
Cover Photo: VD Photography / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
