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The original meaning of Ashtvinayak can be found in Sanskrit which says “eight Ganeshas”. In Hindus, Ganesha is the first deity to be offered prayers. We can see epitome of Lord Geanesha in the majority of Hindu houses, as he showers prosperity, unity and learning and takes away obstacles from his decipels. During pilgrimage visit to Ashtvinayak, Hindus have to visit each of the four temples in a particular sequence. All these temples are in the state of Maharastra.

The pilgrimage visit to the Ashtvinayak temples is considered complete only when all the eight temples are visited and that too in a particular sequence. All the eight temples have their own unique history and story, the epitome of Lord Ganesha in each of these eight temples is also different. The form of trunk and the overall form of Lord Ganesha is distinct from one another. As you travel across Maharashtra, you can find many eight group of temple of Lord Ganesha but the ones found here near Pune are better known than others. According to the stories circling around here, in order to complete the visit of Ashtvinayak, one has to visit the first temple again after visiting all the eight temples in order to complete his pilgrimage.

Eight Temples

Shree Chintamani

The temple was built by Dharanidhr Maharaj Dev who was from the family of Morya Gosavi. If we estimate the cost of building this temple in present time than it would turn out to be more than Rs 400 million which in that time was equal to Rs. 40,000. It is been 400 years that the construction of this temple was completed but it still stands strong with everything of its original form still intact. The gathering hall which is made of wood is still in its original form.

These places very frequented by the Peshwas, so two of the 5 metal bell bought from Europe are kept in Mahad and other at this place. Another attraction place to see is the beautiful garden made in the memory of Madhwav Rao Peshwa’s wife, who went for sati after her husband’s death.

The epitome of Lord Ganesha is famously known as Chintamani. The only way to come to these places is through public means of road transport such as S.T. buses. The temple lies in the range of district of Pune.

Shree Moreshwar

Situated next to river Kara this temple lies in the District of Pune approximately 56 km from the main district in the village Moregaon. The name of this village is put after the name of a Peacock bird which in Marathi language means Moore. The village received this name due to the fact that in ancient times there were many peacocks living here, and the next fact is the village itself is in the form of a peacock. This beautiful bird is the national bird of India and people like to spend long hours at place. There are lots of stone steps which gives the resemblance of a mosque. The main center of attraction is the idol of Nandi, of mouse with a sweet between his paws and the idol of Lord Ganehsa.

This place is just 64 km from Pune so the best means of transport to come to this place is by road. A frequent method of transport is from S.T. buses. The nearest railway station from this place is either at Nira or at Jejuri, and from there visitors have to take the bus.

If you want to see Peacock in great numbers here then you should only come in rainy season, this place looks more spectacular in this season.

Shree Siddhivinayak

This temple is close to river Bhima. Ahilya Bai Holkar made the idol for this place. The best thing about this place is its absolute silence which is so distinctive, even river Bhima does not make any noise even when it is flooded. The idol of Swayambhu God is places in brass frame. On either sides of Siddhivinayak are brass idols of Jay and Vijay. A small temple of Shivapanchayatan is in the sanctum. The idol of Lord Ganesha is famously known by the name Siddhivinayak. The Chinchwad Temple Trust takes control of this temple.

This place can be reached either through train or by bus, as the temple lies in the District of Nagar. The nearest railways station from this place is either at Boibel or Daund and one has to get on to the bus to come to this temple.

Shree MahaGanapati

According to records in the history this temple was constructed somewhere between 9th and 10th century. The idol of Lord Ganesha was placed at the basement of this temple by Madhavrao Peshwa. This place was later renovated by Sardar Kibe. Above the entrance gate is Nagarkhana. On the first look, one can make out that this temple is from Peshwa’s period. There is a huge and beautiful entrance gate on the east face of this temple. Most of us may not be aware but the idol of Lord Ganesha here is also called ‘Mahotkat’, which according to old people has twenty hands and 10 trunks.

Shree Vighneshwar

After defeating the Portuguese in a war, the younger brother of Peshwa, Chimajiappa, presented a golden top to the temple. This place was renovated in the year 1958 to 1968 and its original glory was brought back. Vighneshwar is the other name given to this temple. There are two halls in the main temple, one has the idol of Dhundiraj and other has the idol of rate made in white marble.

Visitors of this place are happy to proclaim that the God takes away all their problems. The long stone wall of this temple forms the compound here. It is quite delightful to see the idol of running mouse in the temple. The idol of Lord Ganesha looks real as the eyes are made of diamond. Visitors are advised to come to this place during the four day festival of Tripuri Poornima. You can come to this place from any part you are in, be it Nasik, Mumbai, or Pune.

Shree Girijatmajvinayak

This magnificent temple is built on a hill top. The main hall is 60 feet deep and 50 feet wide is made out from a single rock and the best part is there are no pillars between this areas. The most surprising part of this temple is the face of the idol is towards the back side, after numerous failed attempts researchers were not able to make out the front side. Devotees turn up to this place in large numbers as this temple is near to Pune. The relaxing and pollution free atmosphere is quite soothing and visitors like to spend long time here.

It is very convenient to come to this place, sensing the demand of so many tourist there is direct S.T. bus from all corners. Through train you can come only as near as Talegaon, from here you will have to take the bus. There are many mysteries revolving around this place, one such is – it is still not certain as to who built this temple, as it was hidden inside the caves.

Shree Viradvinayak

This temple was built during Peshwa rule and the idol of Lord Ganesha was built in 1725 and is known by the name Varda Vinayayak. From the outside, the temple gives the feeling of just like any other ordinary house. The main attraction point of this is the fact that the idol of Lord Ganesha was hidden behind the temple under the well. Towards the north is a Gomukh from where holy water comes out. The most convenient way to come to this temple is through Konkan railways. Just like all other temples around this place, you can come to this place by bus. This temple can be visited any time of the year and is a very nice place to visit.

Shree Ballaleshwar

This temple is located at Raigad district in Pali. You can come to this place through Pune, Lonavala, Khopoli and Pali. The distance is approximately 100 Kms. Unfortunately, there is no railway service coming to this place, so the only option left is to come by bus to this place. The walls are made of huge stone clusters which are very strong, as soon as the sun rises the first rays from the sun falls directly on the idol.

All these eight temples are the pride of India, every year devotees from every corner of India and across India turn up to these places to offer their prayers. Thousands of devotees are blessed and you will be blessed too if you offer your prayers here.

How to Reach

Ashtvinayak Veda Mandir is 8 in number and all these are located in different parts of the state Maharashtra. These eight temples lie in –

  • Ranjangaon
  • Ozar
  • Lenyadri
  • Theur
  • Mahad
  • Pali
  • Siddhatek
  • Morgaon

Hence the very first target must be to reach Maharashtra. You can reach Maharashtra by –

Air

Maharashtra has one big international airport – Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport which allows both domestic and international flies to operate. Apart from this, there is one domestic airport in the city too.

Rail

Maharashtra is well connected with railway line that links to different metropolitan cities of India. Weekly and regular trains are of great convenience for people who come from far distant places.

Road

The State and National highways are well linked to other cities. There are state cooperation buses and private buses that run to and fro for the commuters who wish to travel by road.

On reaching Maharashtra, you can hire a taxi or cab or can take private buses which help you commute to different 8 places where these temples are located. One can also commute through auto however it shall be time consuming and expensive too.

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