The Ashtavinayakas are eight sacred temples dedicated
to Lord Ganesha, each with its unique history and energy, located across
Maharashtra. Pilgrimage to these temples is considered highly auspicious,
believed to remove obstacles and bring spiritual progress.
1.
Mayureshwar (Morgaon).
- Location:
Morgaon, Pune
- Significance:
Center of the Ashtavinayaka yatra.
- Legend:
Ganesha slew the demon Sindhu riding a peacock.
- Speciality:
Idol with a cobra hood.
2.
Siddhivinayak (Siddhatek).
- Location:
Siddhatek, Ahmednagar
- Significance:
Ganesha as the giver of Siddhi (spiritual powers).
- Legend:
Vishnu defeated demons here after worshipping Ganesha.
- Speciality:
Idol with trunk turned to the right, considered powerful.
3.
Ballaleshwar (Pali).
- Location:
Pali, Raigad
- Significance:
Named after the child devotee Ballal.
- Legend:
Ganesha appeared before Ballal and stayed here.
- Speciality:
Temple shaped like the letter “Shri” when viewed from above.
4.
Varadvinayak (Mahad).
- Location:
Mahad, Raigad
- Significance:
Ganesha as the giver of boons.
- Legend:
Rishi Grutsamad’s son was blessed by Ganesha here.
- Speciality:
Lamp in the sanctum burning continuously since 1892.
5.
Chintamani (Theur).
- Location:
Theur, Pune
- Significance:
Ganesha as the remover of worries.
- Legend:
Ganesha retrieved the Chintamani jewel for sage Kapila.
- Speciality:
Large idol with its trunk turned left.
6.
Girijatmaj (Lenyadri).
- Location:
Lenyadri, Pune
- Significance:
Ganesha as the son of Parvati (Girija).
- Legend:
Parvati performed penance here to get Ganesha as her son.
- Speciality:
Temple inside caves on a mountain slope.
7.
Vighnahar (Ozar).
- Location:
Ozar, Pune
- Significance:
Ganesha as the remover of obstacles.
- Legend:
Ganesha defeated demon Vighnasura here.
- Speciality:
Beautiful golden dome and deepmala.
.
8.
Mahaganapati (Ranjangaon).
- Location:
Ranjangaon, Pune
- Significance:
Ganesha in his powerful Mahaganapati form.
- Legend:
Shiva worshipped Ganesha here before defeating Tripurasura.
- Speciality:
Idol with eight hands (ashtabhuja).
How to Do the Ashtavinayak Yatra?
- Traditionally,
devotees start and end the yatra at Morgaon.
- The
route is:
- Morgaon
- Siddhatek
- Pali
- Mahad
- Theur
- Lenyadri
- Ozar
- Ranjangaon
- Return
to Morgaon
The pilgrimage is often done over 2–3 days, aligning with
Sankashti Chaturthi or Ganesh Chaturthi for greater blessings.
Spiritual Significance.
- Removes
long-standing obstacles.
- Purifies
mind and karma.
- Strengthens
your connection with Ganesha’s wisdom and guidance.
- Each
temple carries a different energy vibration, teaching surrender,
faith, discipline, and gratitude.
The Ashtavinayak Yatra is not just a journey across
Maharashtra but a symbolic journey within. As each temple removes layers of
fear and blockages, the devotee experiences inner freedom, guided by the loving
presence of Ganesha.
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