There are several famous Ganesh temples in Maharashtra. These temples are not only places of worship but also beautiful landmarks that attract visitors from around the world.
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Must Visit Popular Ganpati temples in Maharashtra
Let’s explore some popular Ganesh temples in Maharashtra and learn about their significance and stories.
Must-Visit Ganesh Temples in Maharashtra
Sri Moreshwar Temple, Pune
Sri Moreshwar Temple is also popular as Sri Mayureshwar Temple. It is located at Moregaon in the Pune district of Maharashtra. It is considered the first temple among the Ashtavinayaka temples in Maharashtra and a popular pilgrimage site in Pune. The temple received patronage from the Peshwa rulers and descendants of Morya Gosavi.
The assembly hall contains 23 idols of Lord Ganesha depicting different forms of the Lord. Other important deities in the temple include Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Vishnu, Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lord Vignesha, Chintamani, and Lord Brahma.
- How to reach Sri Moreshwar Temple? The nearest airport to the Sri Moreshwar Temple is Pune Airport which is approximately 73 km away. The nearest railway station to the temple is the Jejuri Railway Station. It lies at a distance of 17 km.
- What is Sri Moreshwar Temple famous for? The temple is famous for the 6-foot mouse and also houses the image of a peacock.
- Best time to visit Sri Moreshwar Temple: The best time to visit this temple is during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival, which usually falls between August and September.
Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
Siddhivinayak Temple is located on a small hillock called Siddhatek. It is the second temple in the Ashtavinayaka temples and a famous Ganapati temple in Maharashtra. The temple is popularly known as Siddhivinayak because Bhagwan Vishnu acquired special powers here, and it is believed that the god fulfils every wish of his devotees.
The present temple was built by Devi Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in the late 18th century, and other structures around the temple were added by different people in later years. The main idol Lord Ganesha is made of black stone.
- How to reach Siddhivinayak Temple? The nearest airport to the Siddhivinayak Temple is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. It is approximately 10.4 km away. The closest railway station to the temple is Dadar Railway Station. It is around at a distance of about 2.2 km.
- What is Siddhivinayak Temple famous for? The temple is famous for its 3 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide lord Ganesha’s statue. It is the only idol among all eight with a trunk on the right side, making Siddhivinayak special.
- Best time to visit Siddhivinayak Temple: The temple is open throughout the year, but the best time to visit is during early mornings or late evenings to avoid crowds.
Ballaleshwar Temple, Raigad
Ballaleshwar Temple is a popular pilgrimage site located in Pali village of Raigad district. It lies between Fort Sarasgad and the river Amba near Mumbai. It is the third temple in the Ashtavinayaka series dedicated to Lord Ganesha and was originally built in wood, later rebuilt with stone in 1780.
The presiding deity is Lord Ballaleshwar (Lord Ganesha). It is dressed as a Brahmin, making it the only idol of Lord Ganesha in the world in such attire. The shrine is built in the shape of a ‘Shri’ and sun rays fall on the idol every day during worship. It is a famous Ganesh mandir in Maharashtra due to its religious significance.
- How to reach Ballaleshwar Temple? The nearest airport is Pune Airport. It is situated around 110 km from the temple. The nearest railway station is Khopoli railway station around 38 km away.
- What is Ballaleshwar Temple famous for? Ballaleshwar temple is famous as the sun’s rays fall directly on the Lord Ganesha every day.
- Best time to visit Ballaleshwar Temple: The ideal time to visit this temple is during the monsoon season, June to September.
Varad Vinayak Temple, Mahad
Varad Vinayak Temple in Mahad is one of the prominent Ashtavinayaka temples in Maharashtra. It is the fourth Ganesha temple to visit as part of the Ashtavinayaka Darshan Tour and is among the top places to visit near Mahabaleshwar. The swayambu idol was found in the adjoining lake in 1690 AD, and the temple was restored by Peshwa General Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar in 1725 AD.
Lord Ganesha is worshipped as Varad Vinayak, fulfilling all desires and granting all boons. Devotees can enter the Garbhagriha in this temple to pay their homage and respect to the idol. Additionally, a Gomukh is seen on the north side of the temple from which holy water flows.
- How to reach Varad Vinayak Temple? Pune International Airport is the nearest airport located around 70 km from the temple. Karjat railway station is the nearest railway station it is about 14 km away from the temple.
- What is Varad Vinayak Temple famous for? The shrine is famous for an oil lamp or Nanda deep, which has been burning continuously since 1892.
- Best time to visit Varad Vinayak Temple: The temple is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the winter months, November to February when the weather is pleasant.
Chintamani ganesh temple, Theur
The Chintamani Ganesh Temple at Theur is one of the largest and most famous Ganesh temples in Maharashtra. It is the fifth Ganesha temple in the Ashtavinayaka Yatra. Ganesha is worshipped by the name ‘Chintamani’ in this temple as it is believed he provides deliverance from worries.
The temple was built during the reign of Peshwas, almost 100 years back, and it is believed that the famous ruler Shri Madhavrao Peshwa spent his last days at the Temple. There are several other temples in the complex including Mahadeva Mandir, Vishnu-Lakshmi Mandir, and Hanuman Mandir.
- How to reach Chintamani Ganesh Temple? Pune International Airport is the nearest airport, around 16 km away. Pune junction is the nearest railway station, around 18 kilometres away.
- What is Chintamani Ganesh Temple famous for? The temple is famous for Swayambhu Murti. He is seated in a cross-legged position with his trunk turned left and beautiful diamonds studded in his eyes.
- Best time to visit Chintamani Ganesh Temple: The temple sees a large number of devotees during Ganesh Chaturthi and Maghi Chaturthi (around January/February).
Girijatmaj Temple, Pune
Girijatmaj Temple lies at Lenyadri hills in the Pune district of Maharashtra. It is the sixth Ganesha Temple in the Ashtavinayaka Mandir series. It is a popular pilgrimage site in India where Goddess Parvati meditated for 12 years for a child, hence the name ‘Girijatmaj’ meaning son of Devi Parvati.
This temple is carved out of a single stone and has 18 rooms, with the main sanctum reached by climbing 338 stairs.
- How to reach Girijatmaj Temple? Pune Airport is the nearest Airport located around 95 km away from the temple. The nearest railway station is Pune Junction which is 101 km away from the temple.
- What is Girijatmat Temple famous for? This temple is famous as it houses an infant form of Lord Ganesha and dates back to the 1st century AD.
- Best time to visit Girijatmaj Temple: The monsoon season, from June to September is the best time to visit this cave temple.
Vighnahar Temple, Ozar
The Vighnahar Ganpati Temple is also popular as the Vigneshwara Temple of Ozar. It is the seventh temple in the list of Ashtavinayaka temples. Built by Peshwa ruler Chimaji Appa in the late 1700s, it is situated on the banks of the Kukadi River and is a popular pilgrimage site.
The temple houses a Swayambhu idol of the deity Vigneshwara, known as the ‘Remover of Obstacles’. The temple also features idols of Goddess Siddhi and Goddess Riddhi adorned with diamonds and emeralds. It is one of the most famous Ganesh temples in Maharashtra.
- How to reach Vighnahar Temple? The nearest airport to the Vighnahar Ganapati Temple in Ozar, is Pune Lohegaon Airport, which is about 10–12 km away. Pune junction is the nearest railway station, located 95 km away from the temple.
- What is Vighnahar Temple famous for? The temple is famous for being the only Ashtavinayaka Temple with a golden dome and pinnacle.
- Best time to visit Vighnahar Temple: Visit during the Ganesh Jayanti festival (February/March) or during the monsoon season.
Maha Ganapati Temple, Pune
Sri Maha Ganapati Temple lies in Pune district of Maharashtra. It is the eighth and last temple in the Ashtavinayaka temple series. The temple’s stone pillars suggest it was built during the 9th or 10th century under the rule of Peshwas. Legend has it that this is where Shiva sought the blessings of Ganesh and defeated Tripurasur.
The original idol is called Mahotkat. It is said to be hidden in the basement. The temple hosts a 6-day festival during Ganesh Chaturthi, featuring special offerings and wrestling matches.
- How to reach Maha Ganapati Temple? Mumbai Airport is the nearest airport. It is around 90 km away from the temple. The nearest railway station is Khopoli Railway Station, about 30 km away from the temple.
- What is Maha Ganapati Temple famous for? The temple is famous for lord Ganesha, seated on a lotus with his wives goddess Riddhi and Siddhi.
- Best time to visit Maha Ganapati Temple: The temple is open year-round but the best time to visit is during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
Navshya Ganpati Temple, Nashik
Shree Navshya Ganpati Temple at Anandvalli, Nashik is a sacred temple with a history of 300-400 years. Raghoba Peshwa and his wife, Anandibai constructed Navshya Ganpati on the banks of the Godavari River in 1774 after being blessed with a baby boy named Vinayak. Devotees hold the belief that this highly revered temple fulfils their wishes.
- How to reach Navshya Ganpati Temple? Nashik Airport is the nearest airport. It lies around 25 km away from the temple. The nearest railway station “Nashik Railway Station” is 15 km away from the temple.
- What is Navshya Ganpati Temple famous for? The temple is famous for being situated on the banks of the Godavari River.
- Best time to visit Navshya Ganpati Temple: October to February is the best time to visit this temple.
Dagdusheth Ganpati Mandir, Pune
The Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple in Pune is popular for its beautiful Ganpati statue. Dagdusheth Gadve a sweet seller and businessman, established the temple in 1893. It decorates elaborately during festivals, showcasing themes that range from flowers to fruits and even biscuits. It is a must-visit on any Ganpati trail in Pune due to its aura and significance in Maharashtra.
- How to reach Dagdusheth Ganpati Mandir? The closest airport to the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple is the Pune Airport. It is approximately 11 km away. Shivaji Nagar railway station is the nearest railway station. It lies 3 km away from the temple.
- What is Dagdusheth Ganpati Mandir famous for? It became famous due to its association with Lokmanya Tilak and the public celebration of Ganeshotsav.
- Best time to visit Dagdusheth Ganpati Mandir: November to February is the best time to visit the Dagdusheth Ganpati Temple.
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In conclusion, the Ganesh temples in Maharashtra are not just places of worship, but also important cultural and historical landmarks. These temples showcase the rich heritage and traditions of the state, and they continue to attract devotees and visitors from all over the world. If you ever have the chance to visit Maharashtra so be sure to explore some of these famous Ganesh temples in Maharashtra.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
The temple is famous for its 6-foot mouse and the image of a peacock.
June to September is ideal for visiting this cave temple.
It is the only Ashtavinayaka Temple with a golden dome and pinnacle.
The present temple was built by Devi Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore in the late 18th century.
It became famous for its association with Lokmanya Tilak and the public celebration of Ganeshotsav.
