The destroyer of all evil and undoubtedly the most beloved God in the Hindu Mythology is Lord Ganesha. While famous temples with an astounding history behind them are scattered all across the country, there are eight Ganesha temples in Maharashtra known as ‘Ashtavinayak’, which hold a special place in the hearts of devotees.
The Ashtavinayak temples:
1. Mayureshwar Temple
The temple in Morgaon, Mayureshwar Ganesha Mandir, is the foremost centre of worship for the Ganapatya sect, founded by Morya Gosavi. The temple, located on the banks of the Karha river, was under the patronage of the Peshwas.
Traditionally, the Ashtavinayaka pilgrimage is said to remain incomplete without a visit to Morgaon at the end of the circuit.
2. Siddhivinayak Temple
The Siddhivinayak Temple of Siddhatek is located on the northern bank of the river Bhima in Ahmednagar district. The temple’s sanctum was constructed by Ahilyabai Holkar, Queen of Indore.
3. Ballaleshwar Temple
Set in the Raigad district, the temple in Pali is named after a famous believer, Ballaleshwar. The temple possesses a bell placed there by Chimaji Appa following his victory in Vasai against the Portuguese.
4. Varad Vinayak Temple
The Mahad temple is named Varad Vinayak, meaning ‘one who grants all wishes’. Situated among picturesque bamboo trees in the Raigad district, this Ashtavinayak temple is dedicated to Shri Dattatreya, a venerated figure in Hindu mythology.
The temple was erected in 1725 CE by Subhedar Ramji Mahadev Bivalkar.
5. Chintamani Temple
The Chintamani Temple of Theur, surrounded by the Mula river, was constructed by Dharanidhar Dev, the son of Moraya Gosavi. Madhavrao Peshwa built the sabha mandapa nearly 100 years after its founding.
Like all other Ashtavinayak idols, the form of Ganesha is regarded as self-manifested and has no features except the jewel eyes and trunk.
6. Girijatmaj Lenyadri Temple
Mentions of Lenyadri can be observed in the ‘Ganesha Purana’ as Lekhanparvat or Jeernapur. The Buddhist caves made in the hills are located near Junnar.
One of these caves has the idol of ‘Girijatmaj Ganesha’, which has been carved in a cave wall and can only be viewed from the rear.
7. Vighneshwar Ozar Temple
The Ozar Ashtavinayak temple is located on the banks of river Kukadi in Junnar.
In Hindu mythology, it is told that Ganesha had made Ozar his permanent dwelling after he defeated the demon Vighnasur. Hence the Ganesha here is known as Vighneshwar.
8. Mahaganapati Temple
Ranjangaon near Pune is considered to have been built by none other than Lord Shiva. And the temple here is now known by the name of Mahaganapati.
The sanctum of this temple was built by Madhavrao Peshwa and the outer hall by Sardar Kibe of Indore.
