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Chintamani Temple in Theur is a well-known pilgrimage site and one of the revered Ashtavinayak temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. If you are a devotee of Lord Ganesha, visiting one of the Ashtavinayak circuit temples is a rewarding experience. Let go of your worries, embrace a life filled with peace and tranquillity and immerse yourself in utmost peace when visiting the temple. You also get to immerse yourself in the cultural significance of the temple, which is frequented by millions every year. So, on your next trip to Maharashtra, planning your trip to Theur to visit the Chintamani Temple is a must.
Quick Details
Chintamani Temple Address: Theur Rd, Theur, Maharashtra 412110
Chintamani Temple Timings: 05 AM – 10 PM
Famous For: One of the Ashtavinayak Temples, Lord Ganesha’s blessings
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: October to March
Nearby Airport: Pune International Airport
Nearest Railway Station: Pune Junction
Average Visit Duration: 2 – 3 hours
About Chintamani Temple
Photo: Vishal Panchal / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Chintamani Temple is one of the eight sacred shrines known as Ashtavinayak temples, each devoted to a different form of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that this temple, located in the peaceful village of Theur, is where Lord Ganesha is worshipped as Chintamani, the remover of worries and stress. Chinta is a Sanskrit word that means “worry” in English. Visiting this temple reportedly rids people of their worries and the shortcomings they are experiencing in their lives.
According to legend, Sage Kapila once performed deep penance here, and as a result of his austerities, he was gifted a powerful gem known as the Chintamani Ratna. The temple is said to have been established on the site where this gem was returned to Sage Kapila by Lord Ganesha, following a divine incident involving King Guna and a moral lesson.
How To Reach Chintamani Temple
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Getting to the Chintamani Temple in Theur is easy, as it is well connected by road and rail, with Pune serving as the nearest city.
By Air: Since Pune is the major city that is closest to the temple, you’d need to book your flight to Pune International Airport, roughly 25 km from Theur. Once you step outside the airport, there are taxis and buses available to take you to the temple.
By Rail: If you are travelling via trains, you’d need to get down at Pune Junction. From the station, Theur is around 22 km away. So, you can hire a taxi for a comfortable journey to the temple. Local transportation like autos and buses are available too.
By Road: Theur is well connected by road to Pune and the surrounding areas. The best way to reach the temple is by taking a taxi or driving your vehicle. You can also take a state transport bus from Pune’s Swargate Bus Stand, which regularly operates services to Theur.
Things To Do At Chintamani Temple
Chintamani Temple offers a series of unique experiences for the devotees to indulge in. From aartis to darshan, you can explore a lot of activities inside.
1. Attend the Daily Aartis
Photo: Sonika Agarwal / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Since worshipping Lord Ganesha is the main motive behind your visit to the Chintamani Temple, that’s the main attraction. The temple holds five aartis throughout the day, with the most prominent being the morning and evening aartis. The priests conduct the aartis at regular intervals inside the temple, so you have to be a part of the experience. The evening aarti is particularly popular, drawing a large number of devotees who come to witness the ceremonial lighting of lamps and the offering of prayers to Lord Ganesha. Getting to witness the aarti is truly a divine experience.
2. Explore The Temple Architecture
Photo: Reenasharma ww / Wikimedia Commons
Like a lot of the other temples in the Ashtavinayak circuit, even the Chintamani temple is built according to the Maratha style architecture. The temple features a large, stone-constructed dome, intricate carvings, and an inner sanctum where the idol of Lord Ganesha is placed. There aren’t any complicated structures or carvings inside the temple, keeping things simple and minimal. Pay attention to the beautiful wooden pillars and the finely crafted stone walls that give this temple its distinct identity. Also, beyond the main shrine, you will find numerous other smaller shrines when you explore the temple complex.
3. Visit The Sacred Vinayak Pushkarini Pond
Photo: Dey.sandip / Wikimedia Commons
The Vinayak Pushkarini Pond, located within the temple premises, holds significant religious importance. It is said that taking a dip in this pond purifies one’s soul and brings peace of mind. So, you will find numerous devotees taking a dip in the pond before stepping ahead to offer their prayers to Lord Ganesha. Even for individuals who don’t want to get wet entirely, washing their hands and face is often considered to be enough. The serenity of the pond also explains why many find it peaceful to spend their time sitting along the banks.
4. Experience Festivals Like Ganesh Chaturthi
Photo: Vivek Solanki / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
The Chintamani Temple is particularly famous for its grand celebrations during Ganesh Chaturthi, a major festival dedicated to Lord Ganesha. During this time, the temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights, and special rituals are performed. Since the temple is part of the Ashtavinayak circuit, it is visited by thousands of devotees, explaining why things get crowded quite easily. Other festivals such as Sankashti Chaturthi and Diwali are also celebrated with enthusiasm in the temple.
Places To Visit Around Chintamani Temple
Not just the spiritual significance, Chintamani Temple is also surrounded by numerous tourist attractions that you can check out.
1. Aga Khan Palace
Photo: Rangan Datta Wiki / Wikimedia Commons
Aga Khan Palace, which is a historical palace dating back to 1892, was constructed by Sultan Aga Khan III. Not just that, the palace has a direct association with India’s freedom struggle since figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Kasturba Gandhi, and other leaders during the Quit India Movement were held captive inside the palace. Inside the palace, you will find details about its history and a well-manicured garden and lawn.
Distance From Aga Khan Palace: 20.9 Km
Timings: 9 AM – 5:30 PM
2. Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
Photo: Pooja Jadhav / Wikimedia Commons
If you are on a mission to explore all the Ganesh temples in Maharashtra, a visit to the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple is a must. It is one of the most famous Ganesha temples in Pune. Inside the inner sanctum, the idol of the deity is decorated with gold and diamonds, making it one of the most visited places during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival. The architecture of the temple isn’t too complicated, which adds to the charm.
Distance From Aga Khan Palace: 26.8 Km
Timings: 05 AM – 11 PM
3. Ramdara Temple
Photo: DesiBoy101 / Wikimedia Commons
Another religious and peaceful retreat near the Chintamani Temple is the Ramdara Temple. This hidden gem is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is lesser known among tourists, which makes it perfect for a quiet and serene visit. The temple is situated beside a lake, adding to the charm of the visit. Ramdara Temple is especially beautiful during the monsoon season when the surrounding landscapes become bright green.
Distance From Aga Khan Palace: 13.1 Km
Timings: 07 AM – 05 PM
Where To Stay
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Since the temple is part of the Ashtavinayak circuit and one of the most important pilgrimage sites, there are several hotels and resorts available around including Homely Stays Resort, Hotel Majestique, Raavee Exotica and Casa Felicita Inn.
Where To Eat
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There are a handful of restaurants and local eateries around Chintamani Temple, which you can add to your travel plans. A few of the most popular food joints near the temple are Green9 Restaurant & Bar, Sanskruti and Indian Spice.
Other Factors To Consider
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To have a great trip exploring the Chintamani Temple and the nearby sightseeing spots, keep the following in mind:
- If you don’t want to miss out on the grand celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi, pre-book your tickets.
- IRemove shoes before entering the temple premises.
- IMake sure to wear traditional or modest attire while visiting religious places.
- ICarry water bottles, especially during summer.
- IFor a great darshan experience without the crowd, visit early morning.
Chintamani Temple in Theur Maharashtra is one of the most unique yet significant Ganesha temples in the state. It is said that visiting the temple and seeking blessings from the deity gets rid of all the challenges and obstacles that you are likely experiencing in life. So, book your trip to Theur with TripXL to start your Ashtavinayak circuit tour.
Cover Photo: Rajesh Dhungana / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
