Eight Ganesha Temples in Maharashtra

Eight Swayambhu (self made or naturally formed) forms of Hindu God Ganesha on earth is known as Ashtavinayak Temples – the eight Ganesh Temples are in Maharashtra. The Ashtavinayak temples are located in eight places mostly near Pune in Maharashtra, India. The murti of Ganesha in these temples is formed on a single large stone. The eight Ganesha temples are located in Morgaon, Theur, Ranjangaon, Siddhatek, Ozhar, Lenyadri, Pali and Mahad. 

Mayureshwar or Moreshwar Temple: Morgaon

Located along the banks of Karha River in Morgaon village in Pune District, Lord Ganesh is known as Mayureshwar or Moreshwar. Ganesha is here depicted as riding a peacock. It is believed that Lord Ganesha appeared in this form to destroy a demon named Sindhu. 

Morgaon village is located in Baramati Taluk and is around 55 km southeast of Pune city.

Chintamani Vinayak Temple: Theur

Chintamani Ganesh Temple is located in Theur in Pune District. It is believed that Lord Ganesha took the form of Chintamani to get back the precious Chintamani jewel of Sage Kaptila from demon Guna. Another legend has it that Brahma’s mind once underwent turbulence and he called upon Ganesha at Theur to help in keeping his mind in calm.

 Theur or Theyoor is located 20 km south east of Pune city.

Mahaganapati Temple: Ranjangaon

Located at Ranjangaon, Mahaganapati Temple is believed to be the spot where Shiva worshipped Ganesha before fighting demon Tripurasura. This is also the most powerful murti of Ganesha as it is depicted having several arms.

Ranjangaon is located on the Pune-Ahmadnagar highway and is around 55 km east of Pune City

Siddhivinayak Temple: Siddhatek 

The murti of Ganesha at Siddhivinayak Temple is unique as it has a right turned trunk. This famous temple dedicated to Ganesh is located at Siddhatek. It is believed that Vishnu prayed to Ganesha before fighting demons Madhu and Kaitab. Ganesh is named Siddhivinayak here because it is believed that Vishnu achieved success because he prayed here. 

Siddhatek Village is located on the banks of Bhima River near Karjat in Ahmadnagar District. It is south east of Pune city.

Vighneshwar or Vighnahara or Vighneshwara Temple: Ozhar

Located on the banks of the Kukdeshwar River in Ojhar or Ozhar in Pune District, Vighneshwar Temple represents the form that Ganesha took to destroy demon Vighnasura.

This beautiful temple is located on Pune – Nasik Highway (NH 50) near Junnar and is around 80 km north east of Pune city.

Girijatmaja or Girijatmak or Girijatmaj Temple: Lenyadri

Located in Lekhan Hills or Lenaya Parvat or Lenyadri, it is believed that Girija (Goddess Parvati) performed intense austerities for 12 years at the present Girijatmaj Lenyadri Temple to beget Ganesha as her son. One has to climb 283 steps to reach this shrine, which is surrounded by beautiful hills. The Ganesh temple is part of a Buddhist Cave temple.

It is located around 150 km north-east of Pune city on the Pune-Nasik Highway

Ballaleshwar Temple: Pali

Lord Ganesha shrine at Pali in Raigad District known as BallaleshwarGanesh Temple is named after Ballal, a staunch devotee of Vinayaka. It is believed that Ganesha appeared here to save his devotee from irate villagers.

Pali is around 115 km west of Pune city.

Varad Vinayak or Mahadcha Shri Varadavinayak Temple: Mahad

Located in Mahad in Raigarh District, Ganesha is believed to have given darshan to Gruthsmadh here who performed penance to get rid of sins. He was granted what he wished and therefore the Varad Vinayak here is known as one who fulfills wishes. A lamp named Nandadeep at the temple is burning constantly since 1892.

Mahad is around 25 km southwest of Karjat, which is around 50 km from Pune.