Pali Ganpati Temple, also popular as Ballaleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is one of the eight Ashtavinayak Temples of Pune in Maharashtra. The temple is in Pali village, Raigad district. Moreover, it is the only temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha named after his devotee.
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Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple – Facts
| Deity | Lord Ganesha |
| Location | Pali, Maharashtra |
| Significance | Part of Ashtavinayak Temples |
| Best Time to Visit | July – November |
| Darshan Timings | 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM |
| Entry Fees | Free |
| Vehicle Parking Fees | Free |
| Dress Code | Traditional |
| Festivals | Bhadrapat, Magh Utsav, Shree Dhundi Vinayak Utsav, and Ganesh Chathurthi |
Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple – Timings
The timings for Pali Ganapati Temple are:
| Timings | From | To |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Temple Timings | 5:30 AM | 10:00 PM |
| Inner Sanctum Timings | 5:00 AM | 11:30 AM |
| Outer Sanctum Timings | 5:00 AM | 10:30 PM |
| Sankat Chaturthi Timings | 6:00 AM | 9:00 AM |
Men should wear dhotis to perform pooja in the sanctum of Ballaleshwar Pali Temple.
Which Sevas and Poojas are performed at Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple?
The following Poojas and Sevas are taken place at Pali Ganapati Temple:
| Poojas | Pooja Cost |
|---|---|
| Abhishek | Rs. 21/- |
| Dugdhabhishek | Rs. 101/- |
| Maha Pooja | Rs. 251/- |
| Shastra Awartan | Rs. 501/- |
| Varshik Puja | Rs. 551/- |
| Laghurudra Awartan | Rs. 751/- |
| Abhishek Puja (bathing the idol with milk & offering honey, fruit, etc) | Rs. 25/- |
| Puja Ekadasi | Rs. 51/- |
Flowers, Garlands, Modak, Besan laddo are the main offerings at Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple.
What is the significance of Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati temple?
The significance of Pali Ganpati Temple is that it faces east and is perfectly planned to ensure that the rays from the winter solstice’s rising sun fall directly on the main idol. The temple has two sanctums – the inner sanctum measuring 15 feet and the outer sanctum measuring 12 feet.
A devotee by name Krishnaji Narayan Pinge constructed eight pillars in 1910. The pillars are in the front of the temple and symbolize the eight directions. Lord Ballaleshwar’s idol is 3 ft tall and resembles the shape of a nearby mountain. Moreover, he is accompanied by his consorts Riddhi and Siddhi on either side.
The Dhundi Vinayak has a separate shrine and is one of the rarest idols to face west. Devotees worship the Dhundi Vinayak first. Also, the Pali Ganpati temple structure is of concrete with molten lead. Visitors can also see some of the construction equipment such as the churning wheel. The temple also includes two beautiful lakes.
A unique occurrence is said to take place on the 4th day of Bhadrapa, when Maha Bhog is offered to the temple’s deity, it is believed that the imprint of the deity’s fingers can be seen on the offerings.
What is the architecture of Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple?
The present temple’s development work is said to have been finished by Shri Phadnis of Moradabad. It was built in a way that the word श्री (Shree) would form and face the east so that the beams of the Sun would fall legitimately on the god. The primary fascination of this temple is the 15-foot high sanctum.
There are two Sanctums (Girbhagriha) in the temple. Internal sanctum is very huge and is 15 feet high. External sanctum is 12 feet high and it has a rat icon with a Modak in his grasp and facing Lord Ganesh. The Temple walls are made very solid by blending lead with concrete while construction.
Corridor of the temple is 40 feet long and 20 feet broad and it was built by late Shri Krishnaji Ringe in 1910 A.D. The Hall is extremely wonderful with 8 columns resembling Cyprus royal throne tree. The temple’s crest also known as Kalas is enhanced with a brilliant golden sheet which was offered by donations from devotees.
- The huge metal bell of the temple that was made in Europe.
- The Palakhi utilized for the procession is additionally covered with silver plates. This likewise has originated from donations by devotees.
- The bathing utensils of Lord Ganesha like circular pot known as the Ghangal and sitting device the Chaurang, upper arms of the icon and focal hanging the Zumber are covered completely with silver plates.
- Gold and silver crowns can be seen adorning the icon and fish, which are also offered by devotees.
After vanquishing the Portuguese in Vasai and Sasthi, Chimaji Appa brought these bells and offered them at various Ashtavinayak places.
What is the history of Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati temple?
The history of the Pali Ganpati Temple is that it is believed to be originally built in the 11th century. Moreshvar Vitthal Sindkar contributed to the construction of the temple in 1640. Also, it was originally made of wood and was renovated in the year 1760 by Moropant Dada Phadnavis.
Legend of Balleleshwar: According to Ganesh Puran, Kalyansheth was a successful businessman in Pallipur. His son Ballal was a devout child who spent most of his time praying and worshipping Lord Ganesh. Then, one day he invited all the children from his village for a special Pooja.
Ballal and his friends kept one large stone and worshipped it as Lord Ganesh. However, the children were so engrossed in their prayers that they did not return home for days. This irritated the villagers who complained to Kalyansheth. Then he came to the Pooja and destroyed the stone and tied Ballal to a tree as punishment.
Ballal cried and prayed to Lord Ganesh who appeared before him as a Sadhu. Ballal identified the Sadhu as the Lord himself and asked for his blessings. He also requested the Lord to always be with him and stay in this place. Hence, Lord Ganesh embraced Ballal and vanished into a stone. Then this stone became the Lord Ballaleshwar idol.
Legend of Dhundi Vinayak: The large stone which Ballal’s father Kalyansheth threw to the ground was known as Dhundi Vinayak. This is believed to be self-manifested or Swayambu and is worshipped before Lord Ballaleshwar.
It is customary to first pray at the Dhundi Ganapathy temple which is just before the main temple.
Which festivals are celebrated at Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple?
Some of the festivals celebrated at Pali Ganapati Temple are:
- Bhadrapath: Lord Ganesh’s birth celebrations known as Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayak Chaturthi is a key festival in the state of Maharashtra. Moreover, in Pali, Lord Ballaleshwar’s birthday is a five-day festival from Bhadrapath Shudh 1 to Bhadrapath Shudh 5 (August – September)
- Jeshath: Similar to Bhadrapath, the Dhundi Vinayak Utsav is a five-day festival from Jeshath Shudh 1 to Jeshath Shudh 5 (May – June)
- Shravan: Janmashtami or Krishna Ashtami, Lord Krishna’s birthday is celebrated here with a Dahi Handi event during Shravan ( July- August)
- Holi: The colorful festival of Holi is in the month of Phalgun (February/March), on Phalgun Shudh Poornima.
- Aashad: Chaturmas symbolizes Lord Vishnu’s four months slumber. The beginning of Chaturmas is in the month of Aashad (June-July). Devotees can participate in Puram Pravachan program during this period.
- Ashwin: Devotees celebrate the Dusshera festival here on Ashwin Shudh 10 (September/October). During the festivities, Lord Ballaleshwar is taken on a palanquin procession across the village.
- Kakad Aarti: The priest performs a special Kakad Aarti at 5:00 am before Lord Ballaleshwar from Ashwin Vadhya 1 to Karthika Shudh Poornima.
- Magh: The Magh Utsav is an important festival at the Ballaleshwar Temple. Here, the celebrations are held from Magh Shudh 1 to Magh Shudh 6 (January – February). During this period, devotees conduct Bhajans, Kirtans and several programs.
Where to stay near Pali Ganapati Temple?
Since Pali is a well-known pilgrimage site, several accommodation options are available to meet the needs of pilgrims. Moreover, the Ballaleshwar Temple charitable trust also runs a Dharamshala or Bhakta Nivas and provides accommodation at a nominal cost. There are 2 options for accommodation in the Bhakti Nivas with 24 Rooms & 2 Halls.
- In Bhaktnivas No 1 there are a total of 10 rooms available for the devotees. The room charges being Rs.250/- for 5 persons in 1 room.
- In Bhaktinivas No.2 there are 14 Rooms for the devotees to stay. The room charges being Rs.300/-.
- For lodging in the hall accommodation, the devotees have to pay a minimal charge of Rs.10/- per person.
How to reach Pali Ganpati Temple?
Here’s how to reach Pali Ganapati Temple:
- Road – Pali enjoys good roads and several buses operate from Mumbai, Thane, and Pune. The RedBus operates a bus from Mumbai to Ballaleshwar Pali in every 15 minutes. Devotees can get the Tickets at a minimal cost of ₹550 – ₹750 and the journey takes 3h.
- Rail – Nearest railway stations are in Khopoli and Karjat. Several buses operate from these stations to Pali. The Indian Railways operates a train from Mumbai to Ballaleshwar Pali once daily. Devotees can purchase the Tickets at ₹150 – ₹1,000 and the journey takes 2h 43m.
- Air – The nearest airports are in Mumbai and Pune at a distance of 105 km and 127 km respectively. There are numerous numbers of taxis and buses that will take you to Pali from outside the airport.
Where to eat near Pali Ganapati Temple?
There are several eateries and restaurants in and around Pali. Devotees also partake the food provided at the Ballaleshwar Temple.
Devotees can also get a meal coupon from the temple office (timing: till 1.30p.m.) for Rs.10/-.
The twin forts of Sarasgad and Sudhagad, from the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji, are popular trekking destinations.
What are the sightseeing places near Pali Ganapati temple?
Here’s a list of some temples and attractions near Pali Ganapati temple:
- Sudhagad Fort: The Sudhagad Fort houses a shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhorai. Bhrigu Maharishi installed the shrine. The Sudhagad Fort is 15 km from the Ballaleshwar Temple.
- Gramdevata Vardayini Temple, Usar: Goddess Vardayini blessed Lord Rama at this place. This temple is 9 km from the Ballaleshwar Temple.
- Uddhar: This is the place where Lord Rama’s devotee, Jatayu had fought Ravana after he had abducted Sita. The place has hot springs and also a pond. Also, the water from the pond has the ability to dissolve bones and devotees perform Asthi Visarjana here. Uddhar is 14 km from the Ballaleshwar Temple
- Siddheshwar Temple: The Siddheshwar Temple is for Lord Shiva and houses a Linga. Moreover, the temple is over 350 years old and is 3 km from Pali.
What are the other Ashtavinayak Temples?
The other Ashtavinayak Temples are:
- Mayureshwar Temple, Morgaon – This is the first of the Ashtavinayak Temples. Devotees begin and end their journey at the Mayureshwar Temple. The temple got its name after the legend of Mayureshwar – Lord Ganesh riding a peacock.
- Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Siddhatek – This temple is the second in the list of Ashtavinayak Temples. Lord Vishnu is believed to have appeased Lord Ganesh at this place before slaying the demons Madhu and Kaitabh. The Siddhi Vinayak Temple is in Siddhatek, Maharashtra.
- Varadha Vinayak Temple, Mahad – This temple is the fourth in the list of Ashtavinayak Temples. Lord Ganesh is famous as Varadha Vinayak, the Lord who grants boons and wishes.
- Chintamani Temple, Theur – This temple is the fifth in the list of Ashtavinayak temples. Lord Ganesh retrieved the invaluable jewel – Chintamani from a greedy demon and gave it back to sage Kapila.
- Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri – This temple is the sixth in the list of Ashtavinayak Temples. Goddess Parvathi performed penance at this place to have a child. Then her prayers were answered when Lord Ganesh was born. So, the temple gets its name from the words Girija (Parvathi) and Atmaj (son).
- Vighneshwar Vinayak Temple, Ozar – This temple is the seventh in the list of Ashtavinayak Temples. Lord Indra sent Vighnasur to disturb King Abhinandan’s prayer. Then, the troubled devotees turned to Lord Ganesh who defeated the demon at this place.
- Mahaganapati Temple, Ranjangaon – This is the last of the Ashtavinayak Temples. Lord Shiva worshipped Lord Ganesh here before proceeding to defeat the demon Tripurasura.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pali Ganpati Temple –
Entry to the temple is free and no booking is needed to visit the temple.
Yes, the driving distance between Mumbai to Pali Ganpati Temple is 104 km. It takes approximately 1h 25m to drive from Mumbai to Pali.
There are more than 25+ hotels available in Ballaleshwar Pali route. The prices start at ₹3,000 per night. Moreover, there are Dharamshala or Bhakta Nivas that can be found in cheap rates.
The cheapest and easiest way to get from Mumbai to Pali Ganpati Temple is to drive which costs ₹750 – ₹1,200 and takes 1h 25m.
The nearest airports are in Mumbai and Pune at a distance of 105 km and 127 km.
The maximum temperature in summer can reach till 35°C. The minimum temperature that can fall down is 13°C in winter.
The Dhundi Vinayak Temple is situated behind the main temple of Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple.
The idol in this temple is believed to be Swayambhu. The idol of Dhundivinayak faces west. Devotees first visit this temple before going to the main temple.
Ashwini patole says
its good information