Ashtavinayak Temple

And then no problems, disruptions or obstacles arise in the execution of the idea. Saint Shri Morya Gosavi, often visited this temple for enlightenment. Moreover, this temple was often visited by the Maratha Peshwas that lived in Pune. Inside the temple is a large bell that was offered by the Peshwas to the Chintamani temple. This European bell was acquired from the Portuguese after capturing the Vasai fort in the Konkan region.

The son later prayed to Ganesha in Bhadrakavana to absolve him of the sins. His prayers were granted by Varadavinayak of Bhadrakavana. Ashtavinayak Temples located in Maharashtra are dedicated to Lord Ganesha which is visited and revered by thousands of devotees. There are certain sacred trees in the temple premises, like Shami, Mandar and Tarati trees. Out of these the Shami tree is significant as it is referred to in the legend of Moraya Gosavi, a sage who did penance under his tree and Lord Ganesha gave him a glimpse.

Incidentally, the Chintamani Vinayak was supposed to be the family deityof Shrimant Madhavrao I Peshwa. In the above-mentioned legend, the stone idol that Ballal's father threw away is known as Dhundi Vinayak. The birth celebration of Dhundi Vinayak takes place from Jyeshtha Pratipada to Panchami.

The idol of Ganesha was found in the lake, which is located right next to the temple. There is an oil lamp inside this temple which is alight continuously from 1892. There’s another reason why this temple is popular among couples. It is a common belief that eating the coconut prasad from this temple on a Maghi Chaturthi, will bless couples with a son. The deity is seated and flanked on both sides by Riddhi and Siddhi. There is a local belief that the real statue of Mahaganpati is hidden in some vault and this statue has ten trunks and twenty arms.

However, the demon went a step further and destroyed all vedic, religious acts and to answer the people's prayers for protection, Ganesh defeated him. In return the demon asked a favour that his name should be taken before Ganesha's name, thus the name of Ganesha became Vighnahar or ashtavinayak darshan Vighneshwar . Peshwa general Haripant Phadake lost his General's position and did 21 Pradakshina around the temple.

On being conquered, the demon begged for mercy and fell at the Lord's feet. Ganesha agreed on the condition that the asura should not go to any place where his worship was going on. The demon was saddened, but requested a return favor that his name should be taken everytime, before Ganesha was worshipped. Thus, the Lord also got the name Vighnahar or Vighneshwar . The Ganesha residing in this temple is called Shri Vighneshwar Vinayak. The Varadavinayak temple is situated 3 kms off the Mumbai-Pune highway, near Khopoli.

Must visit Ganesha Temples in MaharashtraThe Lenyadri village is located in Junnar Taluka of Pune district on the bank of river Kukadi. While there is no specific route in which the Ashtavinayak yatra is performed, a particular order is popular among pilgrims.