Ashtavinayaka: Eight Ganesha Shrines in Maharashtra, India
Embarking on a Divine Journey: The Ashtavinayaka Pilgrimage in Maharashtra
Ashtavinayaka “अष्टविनायक”, meaning “Eight Ganeshas” in Sanskrit, Ashata “अष्ट” means “Eight” and Vinayaka “विनायक” is another name for Lord Ganesha, signifies a pilgrimage to the eight temples in Maharashtra, India, housing distinct idols of Lord Ganesha. This revered Ashtavinayaka yatra is a significant pilgrimage, with each temple boasting unique legends and histories. Five temples are located in Pune district, two in Raigad district, and one in Ahmednagar district. Join this auspicious journey to explore the divine significance of Ashtavinayaka in Maharashtra.
1. Shree Mayureshwar Ganapati Temple
Shri Moreshwar Ganpati temple or Shri Mayureshwar Ganpati temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha (Son of Lord Shiva and Parvati). It is located in Morgaon (Village of Peacocks) in Pune District, Maharashtra, India. The temple is the starting and ending point of a pilgrimage of eight revered Ganesha temples called Ashtavinayak Yatra/Tour. Read More…
2. Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
The Shree Siddhivinayak Temple at Siddhatek is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ganesha. The temple is one of the Ashtavinayaka, the eight revered shrines of Ganesha in the Indian state of Maharashtra, and the only Ashtavinayaka shrine in the Ahmednagar district. The Siddhivinayak Temple is the second Lord Ganesha Temple to be visited during the Ashtavinayak Temples Yatra/Pilgrimage/Tour according to Shastras. Read More…
3. Shree Ballaleshwar Ganapati Temple
Shri Ballaleshwar Ashtvinayak Temple is one of the eight temples of Lord Ganesha in the tour of Ashtavinayak. Among Ashtavinayak Ganesha temples, this temple is the only incarnation of Lord Ganesha that is known by his devotee’s name. The pali Ganesha temple is in the Konkan area of Raigad district, Maharashtra. Read More…
4. Shree Varadvinayak Ganapati Temple
Varad Vinayak Ganpati or Mahad Ganpati Temple, also spelled as Varadavinayaka Mahad, is one of the Ashtavinayak temples of the Hindu deity Lord Ganesha. It is located in Mahad small town situated in Khalapur taluka near Karjat and Khopoli of Raigad District, Maharastra, India. Read More…
5. Shree Chintamani Ganapati Temple
Chintamani Temple of Theur (Theyoor) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha (Chintamani Ganpati Theur), Son of Lord Siva and Parvati. This temple is one of the most popular among the Ashtavinayaka temples in the Pune district in Maharashtra. Read More…
6. Shree Girijatmaj Ganapati Temple
Girijatmaj means Girija’s (Parvati’s) Atmaj (son). Girijatmaj Ashtavinayak Temple is the only temple of the Ashtavinayak which is on a mountain and is built in the locale of the Buddhist Cave. Girijatmaj Ashtavinayak – Lenyadri Ganpati temple is the sixth Lord Ganesha Temple to be visited on the Ashtavinayak Mandir Pilgrimage in the Pune district of Maharashtra. Read More…
7. Shree Vighnahar / Vigneshwar Ganapati Temple
Vighnahar Ganpati Temple or also known as Vigneshwar Temple of Ozar (Ojhar/Ojzar) is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord ‘Ganesha’ in Pune district, India. The ‘Ganesha’ form of worship here is called Vigneshwara/Vigneshvar/Vigneshwar – ‘Lord of obstacles’. Read More…
8. Shree Mahaganapati Temple
The Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple or well known as Mahaganpati of Ranjangaon is located in Shirur Taluka, Pune district, Maharashtra, India. This is the eighth temple visited by devotees who set out on the divine Ashtavinayak tour/Darshan. The idol at Ranjangaon is of Mahaganpati, the most powerful representation of Lord Ganesha. During the events or Ganesh Jayati days, lots of small shops here for shopping and the sweet Prashad (Pedha) of Lord Ganesha. Read More…
Conclusion
The Ashtavinayaka pilgrimage takes travelers on a transformative journey, both spiritually and culturally. It is a path of devotion, where devotees seek the benevolence and blessings of Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, for a life filled with harmony, prosperity, and wisdom.
As you embark on this divine expedition to the eight Ganeshas of Maharashtra, may you find not only the blessings of the Lord but also the inner peace that comes from connecting with the divine. Each temple, with its unique legend and significance, offers a glimpse into the boundless love and compassion of Lord Ganesha, guiding you toward a life of fulfillment and spiritual growth.
