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Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

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The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple at Khajuraho

Pilgrimage is an important part in a person’s life. With one’s hectic lifestyle, there are many individuals who plan to visit the sacred places of worship with their near and dear ones. Finding solace and peace has become an important aspect of a modern person. For people who want to visit the holy places in India, Madhya Pradesh offers ample opportunities for the tourists. This place is the home to numerous renowned shrines that are visited by devotees throughout the year. Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh is a famous and popular destination for both its architecture and history. It is considered to be a sacred pilgrimage destination by people visiting this place. From the ancient times, the city has seen the rise and fall of many empires and their rulers. As such, the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is one such auspicious shrine that is an epitome of the medieval history of India. The name refers to ‘the Great God of the Cave’. It is considered to be one of the largest and best examples of the medieval architectural specimen in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is present there in the form of a linga.

Kandariya Mahadeva TempleKandariya Mahadeva Temple History

  • The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple was built in 1030 by King Vidhyadhara of Chandela dynasty.
  • Khajuraho was the capital of the Chandelarulers which was a dynasty of the Rajputs who ruled starting from the early 10th century till 1050. But as per to the UNESCO document, this temple which is the largest surviving temple, was built during the reign of King Ganda from 1017-1029 CE.
  • The UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites lists all the extant temples including this pious shrine were said to be inscribed in 1986 under Criterion III for its artistic creation and under Criterion V for the culture of the Chandelas that was popular till the country was invaded by Muslimsin 1202.
  • However under the Muslim rule, some temples were desecrated, while the remaining temples were left to rot. In the 1830s, a British surveyor, T.S. Burt, ‘rediscovered’ the temples and put them forward in front of the world.

Significance of the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

  • The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is built up with an area of 6,500 square feet which rises 117 feet above ground level. It faces the east direction and is built upon a raised platform (known as an adhishsthana) approached by a steep flight of steps.
  • The conventional complex was made up of 85 temples comprising both Hindu and Jain religions. It is built to a five component design which terminates in a tower which has 84 small replicas or spires. This is believed to depict Mount Kailash, Shiva’s Himalayan Mountain home.
  • Coming to the architectural plan, it provides for a series of interconnected chambers which are approached by visitors in the following sequence: A rectangular entrance hall (ardhamandapa) leads from the steps into a central pillared hall (mandapa). This leads to the darkened sanctuary (Garbhagriha) above which is the main tower and spire. Inside the sanctuary lies the linga which is made of marble.
  • It is believed that the Kandariya Mahadeva has over more than 870 sculptures with one-meter height each. Inside the temple lies the deity of Lord Shiva, holding a trident and snake, with the deities of Vishnu and Brahma.
  • The entire building of the temple is made up of sandstone along with a granite foundation. No mortar was used in the construction of this shrine. The stones were connected with mortise and tenon joints, held in place by gravity. The columns and architraves are composed of megalithsweighing up to 20 tons.
  • The temple is heavily decorated with stone sculptures. It is a major specimen of study by eminent researchers and scholars from all over the world. For example, the entrance is flanked by carvings of crocodiles springing from the diminutive columns and supported by a multitude of smaller figures, each with a profusion of minutely carved details. On the exterior of the towers are repetitive friezes of intricately carved human and divine figures.
  • The beautiful and superior quality of the sculpting is visible on the exterior of the temple as well. This temple is one of the most extensive arrays of erotic relief sculpturein the world, although much of the iconography is symbolic. But one should note that the erotic figures are in sync with the Tantric belief in the primal life energy of physical coupling, incorporated into religious buildings for its associations with fertility and joy.
  • There is also a Sound and Light Show organized in the temple premises. The entry fees for Indians are Rs 120 and Rs 400 for foreigners. This show is held in two languages namely, Hindi from 6:30 P.M. to 7:25 P.M. and English from 7:40 P.M. to 8:35 P.M.

The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple Timings

  • This famous temple is open from 6 A.M. and closes at 10 P.M.
  • Foreigners are charged 250 rupees to enter the western group of temples.
  • No entrance fees are charged for children below 15 years.
  • Kandariya Mahadeva Temple is open on all days of a week.

The Kandariya Mahadeva Temple Food Timings

  • Prasad is available for devotees from 12 Noon to 2 P.M.
  • A devotee can offer Prasad in the form of sweets and dry fruits to the deity.

Festivals celebrated at the Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

  • Khajuraho Dance Festival is organized every year in the last week of February until March. Renowned dancers from all across the world take part in this festival. The best classical dancers from all across India give their performances in the open air corridors of the Khajuraho group of temples. Here you can enjoy the popular dances of India such as Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri and much more.
  • Maha Shivaratri is also observed in this temple with great fervor. People from distant lands gather in this temple to offer prayers and seek blessings of the Almighty. Devotees fast throughout the day with great devotion on this occasion.
  • Some other festivals that call for joy in this temple include Holi, Dussera, and Diwali.

Poojas and Rituals at Kandariya Mahadeva Temple

  • Lord Shiva is worshiped daily by following a daily ritual of bathing the Linga with milk, bilwa leaves and flowers. Mantras are uttered and incense sticks along with oil lamps are lit as well.
  • There are some specific rituals that are performed during special occasions.
  • Mondays are considered auspicious to worship Lord Shiva.

How to Reach: Road, Rail, and Air

  • By Air– Traveling by Air is a great alternative for people who want to travel in less time. Khajuraho is having a domestic airport known as City Airport Khajuraho. It is located at 2 km south of Khajuraho town. At present, flights from Delhi & Varanasi only are operating for Khajuraho.
  • By Train- The Khajuraho Railway Station is only 5 km from the main town. It is the only train, at present that connects Khajuraho from New Delhi. And for tourists who want to travel from Varanasi can opt for the Bundelkhand Link Express Train.
  • By Road- It is possible to reach this holy place of worship by road as well. The Khajuraho city is well linked with places like Jhansi, Satna etc. One can also hire a local taxi or look for private bus services from the station as well.

Hotels in Madhya Pradesh: Where to stay

There are ample opportunities for people visiting Khajuraho to enjoy a comfortable stay here. From budget hotels to luxury living, tourists can choose the place they want as per their needs. Pilgrims traveling with family can put up at double to triple bedded rooms. And for travelers who like to visit alone can opt for renting rooms on a sharing basis. Some hotels also provide dormitories for such travelers. Whatever you choose, it is important to book your rooms well in advance to avoid any last-minute delay. And moreover, if you pre-book your rooms, you can also enjoy some lucrative deals and amazing discounts. Some hotels also offer to pick up and drop services for its clients who book their rooms in advance. You can also check the hotel tariff online and see the user reviews to facilitate the booking of rooms. However, all the rooms are equipped with modern facilities to meet every need of a contemporary traveler.

Where to eat

Food is an integral part for people visiting this beautiful place of Khajuraho. Although one can find Indian cuisine in this region yet there are also many international eateries that offer a wide range of exotic dishes at a competitive price range. In addition, there are many local restaurants that maintain strict hygiene while preparing food and also offer quality food to the visitors. While breakfast mainly consists of poha, jalebi, and samosa, lunch has more variety in terms of a complete meal known as Thali. A traditional Thali comprises of rice, roti, dal, vegetables, pickle, salad and curd. There are non-vegetarian dishes available as well. Some high-end restaurants also offer fine dining and live music experience to its visitors. So, choose among the many options available as per your budget.

Nearby Temples

  • Lakshmi and Varaha Temple- It refers to two small shrines that are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is considered to be one of the most beautiful shrines in the city. People all around the year visit this temple to seek blessings from the Almighty.
  • Lakshmana Temple- This is a famous temple that has been built with stone. It is a major tourist attraction in Khajuraho as it is counted among one of the earliest stone temples that have been built in India. It is very well preserved and the holy shrine dates back to 10th century A.D. The Lakshmana Temple at Khajuraho was built by King Yasovarman to set up a Vishnu image, which was gifted to him by Devapala. The statue was brought from Tibet.
  • The Chausath Yogini Temple- This holy place of worship is located in the south-western part of the group of temples in the state of Madhya Pradesh. It is thus dedicated to 64 Yoginis who are the manifestations of the Goddess.
  • The Javari Temple- It is one of those temples that are famous for its architectural brilliance and intricate design. It has a reputation of being among the best in Khajuraho and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The detailed gateway of this shrine is one of the many distinguishing features. The interior of the temple also consists of intricate sculptures and the walls similarly depict men and women in various postures. The construction of this popular temple dates back to several centuries.
  • The Brahma and Hanuman Temple- For people looking to visit ancient temples, the Brahma and Hanuman Temple is counted among one of the oldest shrines in Khajuraho. It belongs to the Eastern Group of Temples and draws millions of tourists from all over the world.
  • Vishvanath and Nandi Temple- This temple is similar to Kandariya Mahadeva temple with respect to the five parts temple design aspect. Being dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the most beautiful temples in the city. People visiting the Kandariya temple makes it a point to definitely pay a visit to this temple. It is a place of great importance for, especially Lord Shiva devotees.
  • Parsvanath Temple- Being counted among one of the most impressive temples in Khajuraho, the Parsvanath Temple is categorized under the Eastern Group of Temples. The detailed sculptural work along with the architectural pattern makes it one of the most famous destinations for both native and international tourists paying a visit to Khajuraho. It was constructed in the middle of the 10th century during the reign of Dhangadeva.

Ashtavinayak Temples List – Sequence, Route Map and Significance

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Ashtavinayak Temples are a group of eight holy temples situated in the state of Maharashtra. Each of these temples is associated with the legends of Lord Ganesha and is considered as a part of pilgrimage dedicated to Ganapathi.

Book Ashtavinayak Yatra

The Ashtavinayak Temples should be visited in a pre-determined sequence. It should begin with Sri Moreshwar Temple followed by the Siddhivinayak Temple, Ballaleshwar Temple, Varadvinayak Temple, Chintamani Temple, Girijatmaj Temple, and the Vignahar Temple. The last temple in the list is the Mahaganapathi Temple at Ranjangaon, Pune. It is believed that the pilgrimage is complete only when the devotee visits the first time again after visiting all the other seven temples.

1.Morgaon Ganpati Temple

The primary temple that one must visit during the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage is the Mayureshwar Ashtavinayak Temple situated at Morgaon near Pune. This is the starting point as well as the ending of the journey. The temple is a black stone structure built during the reign of the Bahmani Sultanate (14th – 16th century).

The Temple has four gates built with a slight Islamic architectural influence. The four corners have minarets giving it an appearance of a mosque. Eight idols of Lord Ganesha grace the eight directions or corners of the Temple. They are of the form of Ekadanta, Mahodar, Gajanana, Lambodar, Vikata, Vignaraja, Dhumravarna and Vakratunda.

Legend of Morgaon Ganpati Temple

The King of Mithila, Chakrapani and his wife Ugra were childless for a long time. They prayed to Lord Surya for a child. He was appeased and blessed him with a child named Sindhu. He was blessed with the full bowl of Amrit as a boon and was reminded that he will remain immortal as long as the bowl remains unbroken.

Sindhu swallowed the bowl to protect it. He turned into a corrupt demon that terrorized and kept even the Gods as captives. The Gods approached Lord Ganesha for help. He descended to Earth on a peacock and slew the demon, took out the bowl from his stomach and broke it. Morgaon is believed to be the place where the head of the demon Sindhu fell on Earth.

Significance of Morgaon Ganpati Temple

  • The Ganesha Purana mentions the legends and the significance of Morgaon in as much as 22 chapters. It is believed that Morgaon is one of the three highly sacred sites for Lord Ganesha, the other two being Mount Kailash in the Swargaloka and Adishesha’s abode in the Pataala Loka. It is also believed that at the time of Pralaya or the End of the World, Lord Ganesha will appear and take abode here.
  • It is believed that the original idol of Lord Ganesha was consecrated here by Lord Brahma himself. The idol was small and made of sand, iron, and diamonds. Eventually, the Pandavas enclosed this idol in a copper sheet and placed it behind the currently worshiped idol for safekeeping.
  • The idol of Lord Ganesha is unique. He is represented in a sitting posture with three eyes and the trunk facing the left side. The eyes and the navel are decorated with diamonds. The King of Snakes (Nagaraj) can be seen on top along with Buddhi and Siddhi on either side.

Morgaon Ganpati Temple Timings

The Temple is open to devotees from 5 AM till 10 PM. The Prakshal Pooja, Shodashopachar Pooja, Panchopachar Pooja, and the Shej Aarti are some of the rituals that are performed every day.

2. Siddhatek Ganpati Temple

The second temple in the Ashtavinayak series of Temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha is the Siddhivinayak Temple situated at Siddhatek in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. The Temple is located on a hillock beside River Bhima.

Legend of Siddhatek Ganpati Temple

According to the legend, the demons Madhu and Kaitabha originated from the ears of Lord Vishnu during his Yoga Nidra (a state of consciousness between waking up and sleeping). The two demons obtained a boon from Goddess Shakti as per which they cannot be killed by any Deva or Asura unless they want to die willingly.

At that time, Lord Brahma was contemplating the creation of the universe and for which he required the Vedas. The demons stole the Vedas from Lord Brahma. Lord Brahma requested Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu woke up from his deep sleep and took the form of a Hayagriva (a horse-faced creature).

The battle between the Hayagriva and the two demons lasted five thousand years. Lord Vishnu realized that these demons were invincible until they were relieved of the boon granted by Goddess Shakti. He was also advised by Lord Shiva to see the blessings of Lord Ganesha before slaying the demons.

It is believed that Siddhatek was the place where Lord Vishnu asked for Lord Ganesha’s blessings which the later granted happily.

Significance of Siddhatek Ganpati Temple

  • It is believed that Lord Vishnu himself constructed the original unique four-door temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. However, due to natural reasons, the temple perished. Under the Peshwa rule, the temple was reconstructed and consecrated with the original idol.
  • The idol of the deity is Swayambhu in nature, 3 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide. The trunk is turned towards right representing the fierce form of Lord Ganesha. The idols of Riddhi and Siddhi are placed on one lap. The idols of Jaya and Vijaya, who are the gatekeepers of Lord Vishnu’s abode Vaikuntam flank the Lord on both sides.
  • This is the only temple among the eight Ashtavinayak Temples where the trunk of Lord Ganesha’s idol is turned towards the right. It is a belief that this Lord is difficult to please but grants Siddhi (Success) to the devotee.

Siddhatek Ganpati Temple  Timings

The Temple opens at 4:15 AM and closes at 9 PM daily.

3. Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple

The Ballaleshwar Temple situated at Pali Village in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. The Temple is the third in the sequence of which the Ashtavinayak Temples must be visited. The Temple was renovated and extended by Baburao Phadnavis and his son Morobo Dada Phadnavis in 1770.

The architecture of the Temple is exemplary. The Peshwas built the shrine in the shape of “Shri”. Two lakes are situated on the two sides of the Temple.

Legend of Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple

According to the legend, in the Treta Yuga,  a boy named Ballal was born to a businessman named Kalyan and his wife Indumati. The boy was an ardent devotee of Lord Ganesha and usually worshiped stones as the Lord along with his friends. One day, when he was roaming in the forests, he saw a huge stone. He decorated the stone and worshiped the stone after idolizing it as Lord Ganesha.

Ballal and his friends were so engrossed in the devotion that they forgot to return to their homes. The parents complained to Kalyan about Ballal. Kalyan in his anger caught hold of Ballal and tied him to a tree. He was also beaten up badly. However, Ballal continued his worship. Lord Ganesha was impressed and gave him darshan as a Brahmin. Since then, the Lord came to be known as Ballal Vinayak or the Eeshwar (Lord) of Ballal.

Significance of Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple

  • The idol of the main deity, Lord Ballaleshwar is believed to be Swayambhu in nature. The idol sits on a stone platform. The trunk is turned towards left. The eyes and the navel of the deity are studded with diamonds.
  • The idol is dressed up as a Brahmin. This is the only idol of Lord Ganesha to be dressed up in such a way in the world.
  • The Dhundi Vinayak Temple situated just behind the Temple is extremely unique as it is believed that this is the stone that was broken partially by Kalyan in his anger.
  • The Temple is built in such a way that on the day of Winter Solstice (December 21), the rising sun’s rays fall directly on the idol illuminating it.

Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple Timings

The Temple is opened daily from 5:30 AM to 10 PM.

4. Mahad Ganpati Temple

The temple of Varadvinayak is one of the sacred Ashtavinayak Temples situated in the village of Mahad belonging to the Raigarh district of Maharashtra. Lord Ganesha is worshiped here as Varadvinayaka, meaning the giver of success and wealth.

The Temple is small, 8 feet by 8 feet long with a gold plated dome. The temple is surrounded by intricately carved statues of Elephants on four sides. A Gomukh ar a Cow’s mouth can be seen emanating water on the Northern side of the Temple.

The original temple is believed to have been constructed by Gritsamada in the Treta Yuga. However, the Ganesha idol was found submerged in a lake near the Temple by Dhondu Paudkar in 1690 AD. In 1725, Subedar of Kalyan, Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar built the Temple again.

Legend of Mahad Ganpati Temple

According to the legend, Prince Rukmangada of Kaudinya was a handsome and virtuous Prince, loved by all. Once during hunting, he stopped to rest at Sage Vachaknavi’s home. The Sage’s wife Mukunda fell in love with him and made physical advances to him, which he deftly refused. Mukunda became sad and Lord Indra, taking pity on her came to her home disguised as Rukmangada and fulfilled her wishes.

A son named Gritsamada was born to them. When the son grew up, he came to know about the truth of him being an illegitimate son of his parents. He grew sad and wandered into the forests praying all the time to Lord Ganesha to grant him inner solace and peace. Lord Ganesha appeared to him and granted him his wish. Gritsamada requested the Lord to make the forest as his abode and bless the people who visit him. Lord Ganesha agreed and took form as Varadvinayak.

Significance of Mahad Ganpati Temple

  • The idol of Sri Varadvinayak is believed to be Swayambhu in nature. The deity appears in a seated position with the trunk turned left. The Temple worships two idols, the old and the original one covered with Sindur and the new one made of Marble.
  • The Varadvinayak Temple is the only Ganesh Temple where the devotees are allowed to enter the Sanctum and pay respects to the Lord himself at proximity.
  • According to the local belief, devotees who eat the Coconut Prasad during the Maghi Chaturthi are blessed with a son.
  • The Nandadeep that burns at the Temple has been continuously burning since 1892.

Mahad Ganpati Temple Timings

The Temple opens at 6 AM and closes at 9 PM every day.

5. Chintamani Ganpati Temple

The Chintamani Temple is situated in the village of Theur, also known as Kadambapur in Maharashtra. Theur is situated at the confluence of three small rivers named Bhima, Mula, and Mutha. The exact date of construction of the Temple is unknown but it is suspected that Sri Daharnidhar Maharaj Devji, a descendant of Saint Morya Gosavji built the Temple. Madhavrao Peshwa erected a Sabhamandap during his reign.

Legend of Chintamani Ganpati Temple

As per the legend, King Abhijeet and his wife Gunavati had a son named Ganasura. He was a strong but greedy prince. Once, Ganasura visited the Ashram of Sage Kapila. The Sage showed great hospitality with the help of the Chintamani stone that he possessed. Ganasura came to know about the stone and wanted to acquire it. However, Sage Kapila refused his offer.

Enraged, Ganasura forcibly took away the stone. Sage Kapila took advice from Goddess Durga and requested Lord Ganesha’s help. The Lord fought a battle with Ganasura under a Kadamba tree and defeated him. He took back the Chintamani to the Sage, who gifted the stone back to Lord Ganesha as an honor. The precious stone was hung around the neck of Ganesha and hence, he came to be known as Lord Chintamani.

Significance of Chintamani Ganpati Temple

  • The idol of the presiding deity, Lord Chintamani is Swayambhu in nature. The idol faces east and has a Mani or precious stone in the neck region of the Lord. The eyes of the deity are studded with diamonds.
  • It is believed that by obtaining a darshan of Lord Chintamani, one can get peace of mind and spiritual satisfaction in his or her life.
  • Historically, the idol is the family deity of Shri Madhavrao Peshwa. The famous ruler is believed to have spent his last days at the Temple.
  • The village of Theur is also believed to be the place where Saint Morya Gosavji performed penance and was given darshan by Lord Ganesha appearing as two tigers.

Chintamani Ganpati Temple Timings

The Temple opens at 6 AM and closes at 10 PM daily.

6. Lenyadri Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple

The Temple of Lord Ganesha, known as Girijatmaj is situated at Lenyadri hills in the Pune district of Maharashtra. The Lord Girijatmaj shrine is dated back to 1st century AD. One has to climb 283 steps to reach the entrance of the cave. During the conversion of the cave from a Buddhist shrine to a Hindu shrine, several paintings depicting Ganesha’s childhood, Marriage and battles were done on the stone walls.

The name of Girijatmaj is unique and can be interpreted in two ways. Girija is the other name of Goddess Parvati whereas Atmaja means Son. So the word Girijatmaj would mean “The Son of Parvati” referring to Lord Ganesha. Alternatively, it can also mean “Mountain born”.

Legend of Lenyadri Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple

The Temple’s legend is controversial and based on the belief that Lord Ganesha is the supreme power. According to it, Goddess Parvati performed penance here to become the mother of Lord Ganesha.

Appeased, Lord Ganesha grants her wish and states that he will be born as her son. Eventually, on the day of Bhadrapada Shuddha Chaturthi, the Goddess created an idol of Lord Ganesha with dirt from her body. Lord Ganesha fused his life into the idol and came to be known as Girijatmaj.

Significance of Lenyadri Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple

  • The Temple is only one among the Ashtavinayak Temples to be located on a hillock and inside an earlier Buddhist shrine.
  • The Temple is carved out of a single stone and has no pillars supporting the entire structure. The Temple faces south which is rare. The shrine was built in such a way that no room remains dark throughout the day even though it is a closed cave complex.
  • The idol of Lord Ganesha is believed to be in an infant form and is carved in a simple manner on a rock. One cannot circumambulate the deity.

Lenyadri Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple Timings

The Temple is a part of the site that is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Hence, the devotees are allowed to visit the shrine only from sunrise till sunset.

7. Ozar Ganpati Temple

The Vigneshwara Temple is situated in the village of Ozar in the Pune district of Maharashtra. The form of Ganesh worshiped here is Vigneshwara, meaning “Remover of Obstacles”. The Temple is seventh in the pre-determined sequence in visiting the Ashtavinayak Temples.

The temple faces east and has a spacious courtyard. The entrance of the temple is flanked by sculptures of two Dvarapalakas (Gatekeepers). The central Temple structure has three entrances, the eastern entrance being the main one. It is believed by historians and the locals that the Temple was built by the Peshwa ruler Chimaji Appa after defeating the Portuguese in the late 1700s. The spire or Shikhar of the Temple is covered with Gold.

Legend of Ozar Ganpati Temple

According to the legend associated with the Temple, King Abhinandan conducted a Yagna with the objective of overthrowing the kingdom of heaven. Alarmed Lord Indra sent the demon Kalapurush to destroy the Yagna. Kalapurush successfully destroyed the Yagna. However, he got carried away with his power and assumed the title of Vignasura, meaning the Creator of Obstacles.

He systematically destroyed all Vedic rituals and Poojas that were performed by several sages and created havoc. The Gods approached Lord Ganesha for help, who defeated Vignasura. The demon realized his arrogance and surrendered to Lord Ganesha asking for mercy. Lord Ganesha promised retribution on the condition that he will not interrupt whenever Lord Ganesha is worshiped. Thus, Lord Ganesha came to be known as Vigneshwara.

Significance of Ozar Ganpati Temple

  • The idol of the deity is believed to be Swayambhu in nature. The Lord faces east with his trunk towards left. The deity is flanked by Riddhi and Siddhi on either side.
  • The idol of the deity possesses precious stones. The eyes are studded with Rubies, the forehead is embellished with diamonds and navel is studded with semi-precious stones.

Ozar Ganpati Temple Timings

The Temple is open to devotees from 5 AM to 11 PM. However, darshan is closed between 11 AM to 4 PM in the afternoon.

8. Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple

The Temple dedicated to Lord Mahaganapathi is situated at Ranjangaon, 50 km from Pune. The Temple is the last in the sequence of the Ashtavinayak Temples to be visited. The representation of Lord Ganesh as Mahaganapathi is believed to be the most powerful and fierce form of the Lord.

The temple is believed to have been constructed during the 9th century AD. The idol that is worshiped currently has been donated by the Khollam family in Ranjangaon. The idol faces east in a cross-legged position with the trunk pointing left. Both Riddhi and Siddhi flank the deity on either side.

Legend of Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple

  • The legend associated with the Temple has two distinct versions. According to one version, Sage Gritsamad’s son Tripurasur was a well-learned young boy and a devotee of Lord Ganesha. Pleased by his devotion and prayers, Lord Ganesha blessed the boy and presented him with three pura’s made of precious metals, which can be destroyed only by Lord Shiva.
  • Over a period of time, Tripurasur grew to be vain and created chaos in the world. Even Lord Brahma and Vishnu were disturbed by his atrocities and were forced to go into hiding. Sage Narada advised the frightened gods that they should take the help of Lord Ganesh. The Gods decided to invoke Lord Ganesh, who appeared and accepted to help them.
  • Lord Ganesh disguised as a Brahmin and met Tripurasur under the pretext of creating three flying planes. In return, he ordered Tripurasur to bring the Chintamani idol from Mount Kailash. The greedy Tripurasur went to Mount Kailash and fought with Lord Shiva for the idol. Lord Shiva realized that he had not offered his prayers to Lord Ganesh first, and hence was unable to destroy the pura’s or defeat him. He recited the Sadaakshar Mantra and invoked Lord Ganesh, who emerged and gave him the instructions for defeating Tripurasur. Lord Shiva followed the directions and defeated the greedy Tripurasur at also created a temple for Lord Ganesh at that spot.
  • As per another legend, when proceeding to the war against the demon Tripurasur, Lord Shiva fails to seek the blessing of Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha breaks the axle of the chariot that Lord Shiva was traveling in. Realizing his mistake, Lord Shiva pays respect to Lord Shiva and then proceeds to a victorious battle against the demon. In honor of his son, he is supposed to have consecrated the idol at the site.

Significance of Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple

  • The idol of the deity is Swayambhu in nature that is Lord Ganesha is believed to have appeared himself in the form of Mahaganapathi at Ranjangaon.
  • The architecture of the Temple is such that at sunset, the sun rays fall on the idol of the deity directly illuminating him.
  • It is a belief that the original idol of the Lord is hidden in the basement of the Temple. The idol is supposed to have 10 trunks and 20 hands. The idol is called Mahotkat. However, the Temple priests deny the existence of the Idol.

Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple Timings

The Temple opens at 5:30 AM and closes at 10 PM.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati is located in the industrial town of Bhadravati. This small town is a part of the Shimoga district of Karnataka. Located at the banks of River Bhadra, Bhadravathi is a 13th-century city of the Hoysala kingdom. 

Several architectural gems of Hoysala architecture are present in this city. The city is famous for its couple of tourist destinations, besides the paper mills and iron and steel plant; one is the Bhadra wildlife sanctuary and the other is the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple.

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is a Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The presiding deity of Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is Lord Narasimha, known as the protector of humankind and destroyer of demons and evil spirits.

Lakshmi Narasimha

History and Legend of Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is the bearer of the rich culture and traditions that existed at this ancient town.

  • There is a popular myth related to the formation of the small town of Bhadravathi. It is believed that here, Lord Vishnu in the avatar of Varaha, that is, wild boar, rescued Bhudevi, that is, Goddess Earth. She was held captive under the sea by demon Hirayankasha. As per Holy Scriptures, when Varaha lifted earth with his two tusks, River Tunga and Bhadra were formed. The place was previously known as Benkipura.
  • The temple is dedicated to Lord Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple consists of other images of Hindu gods, namely, Sri Krishna, Lord Purushottama, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Sharadamba.
  • The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is an 800 years old temple. The sculptures of the temple also exhibit the daily lifestyle of the 13th century, along with the images of musicians and dancers.
  • The temple was constructed by Sir M Vishweshwaraiah, the grandson of an eminent Hoysala monarch, Vishnuvardhana.

Significance of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati

The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is another example of a magnificent Hoysala form of architecture. Some of the basic characteristics of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi are:

  • The statue of Lord Narasimha is in a relaxed position, protecting his devotee Parhlada.
  • Lakshmi Narasimha  Temple comes in a triple form, known as Vimana. While one of the shrines is south facing, the other two are north and west facing.
  • Soapstone has been used to construct the temple. If you touch the walls there is a soapy feeling and the stone is really tender.
  • There is a flagpole, known as dwajasthambam just in front of the temple.
  • The temple stands on a raised platform, known as jagati. About a metre high, this platform was used by devotees to circumvent (pradakshin) the temple. In the Hoysala form of architecture there is no specified path to paradakshin temple.
  • The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi also has special pillars, known as lathe pillars along with parapets. This type of shiny black pillars defines the architectural style of 11th and 13th century Hoysala architecture. The lathe pillars not only enhance the beauty of the temple but also provide support to the ceiling of the large temple.
  • The inner wall of the temple has been kept plain and simple while the exterior wall is star shaped, nakshatra shaped, providing enough space and scope for decoration.
  • The external wall has two eves. The first eve consists of small towers which exhibit miniature decorations on pilasters, known as aedicule.
  • The second set of eves is followed by a panel engraved with the images of deities and by a set of mouldings.
  • The stellate tower is another special form of Hoysala architecture. The tower has been adorned with processes and recesses throughout the tower. It looks more like a flute from a distance. The tiers of the tower step by step diminish in height to form an umbrella.
  • Some of the important sculptures of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi are Lord Krishna playing flute and a man with serpent.
  • The central hall of the temple is unique with now windows and is connected with the other sanctums.
  • There is a slab in Kannada inscription at the temple which exhibits the construction details.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati Timings

The temple is open throughout the year. There are no holidays and no such best time to visit.

  • The temple opens early in the morning at 6.00 am to the visitors. The temple is closed at the afternoon.
  • The temple again opens at 6.30 pm at evening and closes at 9 pm.

Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati Food Timings

Though there is no process of serving food or lunch at the temple, prasada is served after worship.

Guidelines

  • There is no entry fee in the temple. From parking to use of camera, everything is free of cost.
  • As a general guideline at any Indian temple, devotees need to keep their footwear outside the temple.
  • The Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is safeguarded by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Festivals celebrated at Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati

Besides the regular rituals, there are annual festivals celebrated here.

  • Dussera: During this festival, the iconic deity of Lord Narasimha is taken round the city in a grand procession. This festival takes place at the Hindu month of Ashvin, which is anytime between September and October.
  • Navaratri Festival: This festival is celebrated with great pomp and glamour at the temple complex. This festival generally takes place a couple of times a year. Once anytime between March and April and another time between September and October.
  • Vaikunta Ekadesi: This is the 11th day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Magh and an auspicious day for the Vaishnavaite cult. Worship attains a different dimension here, on this day. This festival generally takes place anytime between December and January.

Poojas and Rituals at Lakshmi Narasimha Temple Bhadravati

The temple is still functional and hence is visited by numerous devotees throughout the year. There is an important guideline even for the priests to worship at this temple; only celibates are permitted to perform worship at the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi.

  • Some of the sculptures of the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi are worshipped till date. Devotees apply vermilion, turmeric, pour oil and burn camphor for worship.
  • There are different types of prayers that can be performed to pay tribute to Lord Narasimha here, like the Narasimha Pranama, Narasimha Mahamantra and Dasavatara Stotra. Sometimes on the special requests of the devotees, the priests may also perform Divya Prabandham prayer.
  • After the completion of worship, the priest sits at the raised platform of the temple, reading Holy Scriptures.

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air: The Hubli airport is the nearest domestic airport to the temple, while the Bangalore airport is the nearest international airport. The Hubli airport is approximately 170 km from Bhadravathi. Another optional airport for the tourists is the Mangalore airport.

By Train: The nearest railway station to the temple is the Birur- Bhadravathi railway station. The trains that ply between Bangalore and Shimoga have stoppage at the Bhadravathi railway station. Tourists can also opt for train to Birur and then another train or bus from Birur to Bhadravathi. There is also an option to board a train from Mysore to reach Bhadravathi.

By Road: Bhadravathi is located approximately at 255 km from the state capital of Bangalore. It is 20 km from the district headquarters of Shimoga. Tourists can opt for NH-206 to reach Bhadravathi. This highway passes through Tumkur, Tiptur, Arasikere, Kadur, Birur and Tarikere to reach Bhadravathi. There are several public and private buses that regularly ply from Bangalore and Shimoga to Bhadravathi; these buses take almost 6 hours to reach the site. There is another route from Mysore to Bhadravathi. The route of Mysore passes from Channarayapattana, Arasikere, Kadur to reach Bhadravathi. The temple is located at one and half kilometre from the main road. It takes almost an hour to reach Bhadravathi from Birur. You can get round the town in auto rickshaws.

Hotels in Bhadravati: Where to stay

There are some decent hotels located at Bhadravathi. Enjoy a comfortable stay near the temple within your budget. Some of the popular hotels of the city are Pavana Lodge, Chinnappa Hotel, Guruprasad Hotel, Hotel Attigunda, Hotel Basaveshwara, Hotel De Tej, Hotel Ganesh, Hotel Heritage and Hotel Kanchana.

Where to eat

There are no eateries near the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi. Hygienic and vegetarian food is available at the hotels like Pavana Lodge and Hotel Kanchana. Paani poori is one of the popular street food at Bhadravathi.

Nearby Temples

Here are a number of ancient temples located around the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi.

  • Sri Amrutheshwara Temple: This temple is located at the quaint village of Amruthapura, in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka. It is almost 30 km from the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi. This temple was also constructed during the Hoysala rule. The walls and pillars of the shrine are sculpted with incidents from the great Indian epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
  • Sri Chintamani Narasimha Temple: This sacred temple is also located at the banks of River Tunga and Bhadra, in an avatar of Lord Vishnu, Sri. Chintamani Narasimha Temple. This temple is a blend of Shaivaites and Vaishnavaites culture and exhibits Chola style of architecture. This temple houses one of the rarest idols of Lord Chintamani Narasimha, who is seated with his left knee bent and with Chintamani in his palm. The exquisite sculptures opposite the temple also attract multiple historians and tourists. The temple is legendary as it is believed that the deity was installed and worshipped by Prahlada, the ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu.
  • Sri Rameshwara Temple: Located at the confluence of River Tunga and Bhadra at the Koodli village of Shimoga district, the Sri Rameshwara Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was built by the Hoysala and the Ikkeri kings. This spectacular temple is located amidst sprawling green gardens. Another important factor about this temple is that the snake gods are worshipped here.

Hence if you are passionate to know about the temple architecture of South India, a visit to the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple of Bhadravathi is a must.

Jwalamukhi Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

, 3 Comments Filed Under: Himachal Pradesh Temples Tagged With: ,

Jwalamukhi Temple located in Kangra Valley in Himachal Pradesh is famous and is considered extremely sacred for Hindu devotees. This place is known for being a temple that doesn’t house any idol, and the worshippers pay respects to the flame inside the temple which is believed to be the manifestation of Goddess Jwalamukhi.

It is one of the 51 Shaktipeetas where Goddess Sati’s tongue fell. According to Hindu mythology, when Lord Vishnu cut Sati’s corpse by using his Chakra, her body got scattered into 51 pieces at various places where Jwalamukhi is considered as one such place where her tongue fell. The temple consists of a copper pipe from which natural gas is emitted and priests of the temple lit it to produce a flawless blue flame.

Legend has it that Lord Shiva killed Jalandra, the demon whose flaming mouth represents the Jwalamukhi (‘Jwala’ is Flame and ‘Mukhi’ is ‘mouth’). The flames are believed to be coming from his mouth. A total of nine flames are ignited in the temple, which represents and also named after the nine Goddess-Mahakali, Annapurna, Chandi, Hinglaj, Vidhya, Basni, Mahalakshmi, Saraswati, Ambika and Anji Devi which burn every day without fail. 

It is believed that the Raja Bhumi Chand Katoch of Kangra, a great devotee of Goddess Durga dreamt about this scared place and ordered his soldiers to have a lookout for this place. After discovering the site, the Raja built the temple at this very location Jwalamukhi Temple is built in modern having its dome made from gold and a beautiful folding door crafted out of silver plates.

History & legend of Jwalamukhi Temple

  • Jwalamukhi Temple is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths. According to the hindu mythology,Sati who was a Goddess was born when Gods concentrated their entire energy on the ground.The Gods were looking for some protection from the atrocities of the demons.Goddess Sati was born and brought up by Prajati Daksha and later married Lord Shiva.Once Prajati Daksha organized a yajna in which everyone got invited except Lord Shiva.Sati felt humiliated and insulted by such act of her father.She decided to take revenge by immolating herself in the yajna. With this action of her’s,Lord Shiva became extremely furious and carried her corpse around the three worlds.
  • All the deities became furious by Lord Shiva’s act and decided to contact Lord Vishnu for his help.Lord Vishnu for his help.Lord Vishnu decided to take action and therefore cut down Sat’s body By his Sudharshan Chakra which got scattered into 51 pieces at various places,and these places are called as Shaktipeeths which is regarded as the power centre of Goddess Sati.
  • Jwalamukhi is one of the form of Maa Durga where the tongue of Sati fell.The Goddess is beleived to be the tiny flames that ignite everyday through the fissurer in the age old rocks.
  • Jwalamukhi Temple was first constructed by Raja Bhumi Chand who had a dream about this sacred place where he decided to go and search for.After discovering this place,he decided to built a temple at this very place which came to be known as ‘Jwalamukhi’.
  • The history of the temple reveals about Mughal emperor Akbar once visited this place and tried to douse the fire but did not succeed.After this incident,he submitted himself to Goddess and presented her a gold umbrella which is said to turn into copper when he looked back before leaving the temple.

Significance of Jwalamukhi Temple

  • The main feature of this place is there is no idol to worship.The temple consists of a copper pipe from where natural gas gets emitted and priests of this temple lit it to produce a flawless blue flame where worshippers pay respects to this flame which id beleived to be the manifestation of Goddess Sati.
  • Several Flames emit at various points inside the temple.There are nine in total which are given various name of different Goddesses which are Mahakali,Annapurna,Chandi,Hinglaj,Vidhya,Basni,Mahalakshmi,Saraswati,Ambika and Anji Devi which burn continuously.
  • The temple has a dome which is made of gold and the door is a beautifully crafted crossfolding which is made out of silver plates.Inside the temple,,there is a 3 feet pit having pathway all around it and this is considered as the mouth of the Mahakali Goddess.
  • At the entrance,there are two lions statues and the temple’s architecture consists of a dome and several pinnacles.There is a small platform in front of the temple and a (check usage) big mandap where a huge brass bell presented by the King of Nepal is hung. Usually milk and water are offered and the ahutis or oblations are offered to the sacred flames in the pit, situated in the centre of the temple in between the floor pillars supporting the roof.
  • Jwalaji (flame) or Jwala Mukhi (flame mouth) is probably the most ancient temple besides Vaishno Devi. It is mentioned in the Mahabharata and other scriptures. There is a natural cave where eternal flames continue to burn. Some say there are seven or nine flames for the seven divine sisters or the nine Durgas. The physical manifestation of Jwala Ji is always a set of flames burning off natural gas.

Jwalamukhi Temple timings

  • Jwalamukhi Temple gates remain open all days of the week.The visiting hours of this temple is between 5:00 am and 8:00 pm.
  • The Pooja in temple occurs in gradual stages.Havan takes place everyday and the goddess is offered bhog of Rabri(thickened milk),misry or candy apart from the regular bhog of seasonal fruits and milk.
  • Aarti is conducted five times a day where the first aarti happens early morning around 5:00 am when the temple gates open.This aarti is called as the “Mangal aarti ” and takes place just before dawn.
  • The next aarti called as “Panjupchaar pujan” is performed during sunrise.The next aarti is known as “Bhog ki aarti” where the deities are showered with fruits,milk by the devotees as a gesture of saying thank you to the goddess.The next aarti is performed around 7:00 pm and does not hold a specific name.
  • The last and the final aarti happens around 10:00 pm.This is a very special aarti known as “Saiyan ki aarti” where the bed of Devi is beautifully decorated with flowers and ornaments.The aarti is performed in two phases.The first phase happens inside the main temple and the second happens inside the sejabhavan.Apart from these five aartis,shlokas are recited daily to the deity.

Festivals celebrated at jwalamukhi temple

  • The Jwalamukhi fair is held twice a year during the Navratri of Chaitra and Aswin. The devotees go round the ‘Jwala Kund’ in which the sacred fire burns, making their offerings. The ‘Gorakh Tibbi’ a centre of the Gorakhpanthi Naths is placed near the Jwala Kund. Folk-dances, songs, plays, wrestling matches and athletics are some of the important attractions of the fair. The Jwalamukhi Temple in Kangra becomes the venue for the major fair.
  • In April and October, the people of the area who believe that the jets of the inflammable gas coming from the volcano are actually the sacred fires coming out from the mouth of their Goddess, worship the Goddess of the Jwalamukhi volcano in the district of Kangra in Himachal Pradesh. People come with red silken flags (dhwaja) to greet the Mother Goddess, ‘JwalaJi’. The fair is attributed to the worship of that Eternal Flame which is coming out of earth spontaneously and perpetually.

How to reach

  • By Air: The nearest airport to Jwalamukhi Temple is Gaggal airport,Dharamsala which is located at a distance of 46km from Jwalamukhi Temple.The airport connects only three major cities i.e Delhi,Chandigarh and Kullu.Indian Airlines flies to Dharamsala thrice a week from Delhi.
  • By Rail : The nearest railway station to Jwalamukhi temple is Kangra railway station which is located at a mere distance of 2 km from Jwalamukhi Temple.The closest broadguage railhead is at Pathankot, 123 km away. Nearest narrow gauge is the mountain train at Kangra.
  • By Road : Jwalamukhi temple is arround 140 km from pathankot via dharamsala. Jawalamukhi is 30 km from Kangra and 56 km from Dharamsala, You can find bus service from Pathankot. If going by car from Delhi/ Chandigarh to Dharamshala/ Kangra follow Una-Amb-Mubarikpur, follow NH20A, Chintpurni, Dehra Gopipur, turn right on SH 22 to reach Jwala ji, come back to Ranital on NH88 to go to Kangra.

Hotels to stay

There are a lot of good rated hotels that one can find near Jwalamukhi Temple.One can accomodate these hotels which are located within 1 km radius.

Where to Eat

There are many good restaurants that one can visit after paying respects to Goddess Sati. Also Kangra is known for its various food joints that one can enjoy after visiting this place.

Nearby attractions

  • Nagini mata is a site that is located about 4.5 km from the temple where an annual fair is held in July/August which is located on the hill above Jwalamukhi.
  • Shri Raghunathji temple is about 5 km from Jwalamukhi where it is believed that Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman used to stay here.
  • Ashtabhuj is a temple located at a distance of 1 km from Jwalamukhi and is one of the ancient temples in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
  • Nadaun is a princely state about 12 kms from Jwalamukhi. There are several old temples and ruins of old temples built during the princely rule of Karota Rajahs.
  • Chaumukha temple is about 22 kms via Nadaun. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva with a huge four-faced image. Chaumukha temple has four temples,of which three doors are permanently closed.
  • Panj Teerthi and Mahakaleshwar – these are about 9 kms and 28 kms via nadaun from Jwalamukhi. These places are located by the banks of River Beas. Panj Teerthi is said to be built by Pandavas during their exile. This place is considered as scared as Haridwar.
  • Bagulamukhi temple in Bankhandi is 36 kms from Jwalamukhi. There is a stone image of goddess Bagulamukhi located there which is worshipped so that one can win over enemies.
  • Haripur is about 45 kms from Jwalamukhi. There are several attractive temples and an old fort. Haripur is a historic place where the famous Kangra miniature paintings were born.
  • Mangarh is located about 37 kms from Jwalamukhi where there is an octagonal fort named after Raja Man Chand on top of a hill. Also, there is an ancient temple located near this fort which was built by Pandavas.

Morgaon Ganpati Temple Guide – Vigneshwara Ashtavinayaka – Timings, Poojas, and History

, 22 Comments Filed Under: Maharashtra Temples Tagged With: ,

Morgaon Ganpati Temple is a famous pilgrimage destination and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is located in Moragaon near Pune in the state of Maharashtra. It operates under the administration of the Chinchwad Devasthan Trust.

Planning to visit this temple? Have look at our Ashtavinayaka Yatra Tour Packages.

Morgaon Ganpati Temple – Facts

DeityLord Ganesha
LocationMorgaon, Pune
SignificanceAsthavinayaka Temples
Best Time to VisitAugust to February
Darshan timings5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry FeesFree
Dress CodeTraditional (no compulsion)
FestivalsGanesh Chaturthi, Ganesha Jayanti, Shukla Chaturthi

Morgaon Ganpati Temple is also famous as ‘Shri Mayureshwar Mandir’ or ‘Shri Moreshwar Mandir.’

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Morgaon Ganpati Temple is one of the Vigneshwara Asthavinayaka temples

The temple is one of the Ashtavinayaka, the eight revered shrines of Ganesha in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The temple is the starting and ending point of Ashtavinayaka Yatra. The eleven staircases of the temple have importance. Also, the ‘Nandi’ in front of the temple is a symbol of spirituality.

Moreshwar Morgaon Ganpati Temple Darshan

Morgaon Ganpati Temple – Timings

Morgaon Ganpati temple opens at 5:00 AM in the morning till 10:00 PM. The morning hours are 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and the evening hours are 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM. It is open on all 365 days.

Here are the timings for Morgaon Ganpati temple:

Darshan5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Mahaprasada12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Morning Hours5:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Evening Hours 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM

What are the poojas and rituals in Morgaon Ganpati Temple?

Some of the major poojas that take place in the temple are Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Jayanti, Magh Suddha Chaturthi, etc. Regular Prakshal Puja, Panchopachar Puja, and Shejaartis are performed.

The daily poojas and rituals include,

Prakshal Puja 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Shodashopachar Puja Morning7:00 AM
Shodashopachar Puja Noon12:00 PM
Panchopachar Puja 8:00 PM
Samudaik Evening Aarti  7:30 PM
Shej Aarti  10:00 PM
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Shejaarti happens at 10:00 pm in the Morgaon Ganpati temple

What is the significance of the Morgaon Ganpati Temple?

The significance of Morgaon Ganapati Temple is that a huge stone boundary encloses the place of worship with minarets at four corners of the temple. The four gates which depict four ages of life face a cardinal direction with an image of Ganesha. Each form relates to the aim of life. It is an Asthavinayaka temple and is made up of a single stone and the Garbhagriha houses a central image of the Lord facing the north direction.

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Stone boundaries are an unique feature of the Morgaon Ganpati temple

The Morgaon Ganpati temple is the 1th temple in the Asthavinayaka Yatra.

The courtyard has two Deepmalas and a 6-foot mouse that sits in front of the temple. An enormous structure of Nandi faces the Lord on the outside of the temple gates. The space around the assembly hall contains 23 different idols symbolizing various forms of Lord Ganesha. Recently there is an assembly hall which is the home to the deities of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi.

What is the history of the Morgaon Ganpati Temple?

The history states that there was a prominent Ganapatya saint named Morya Gosavi. He worshiped at the Morgaon Ganesha temple before relocating to Chinchwad. There, he built a new shrine. This temple along with other temples near Pune enjoyed royal patronage from the Brahmin Peshwa rulers.

According to Ganesha Purana, Lord Ganesha incarnated as Mayureshwar who had six arms and a white complexion. He was born in the Treta Yuga for the purpose of killing the demon named Sindhu. The Lord came down on a peacock mount and waged a battle against Sindhu and later defeated him.

Another significant Ganapatya legend states that Lord Brahma along with Vishnu, Shiva, the Divine Mother Devi, and Surya meditated at Morgaon to gain knowledge about their creator and the purpose of existence. Then Lord Ganesha appeared before them in the form of an Omkara flame and blessed them.

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Moreshwara is the other name for Morgaon Ganpati temple behind the saint Morya Gosavi

What are the festivals in Morgaon Ganpati Temple?

Here are some of the festivals celebrated at Morgaon Ganapati Temple:

Morgaon Ganpati temple witnesses the majority of its crowd from January to September, which is the festival period of the year for the temple.

  • Ganesh Jayanti – The festival that celebrates the birthday of Lord Ganesha sees thousands of devotees assembling in the temple premises. It is one of the most important festivals that take place during the month of January or February.
  • Ganesh Chaturthi – It is a major festival in this temple. It takes places in the month of August or September. It is often celebrated for a period of five days and marks the beginning of a series of Hindu celebrations.
  • Bhadrapada Month Celebrations – Every year people from distant places gather in this place to offer prayers and seek blessings from the Almighty. It falls in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, August/September and the celebrations last for more than a month. Devotees can offer a donation to the Chinchwad Deosthan Trust and collect the receipt. The Prasad can be sent to the pilgrims by post.
  • Vijayadasami – Vijayadasami is another major festival in Morgaon Ganpati temple. It is celebrated in the month of September or October along with Navaratri, a major Hindu festival.

Some other festivals observed in this temple include Shukla Chaturthi, Krishna Chaturthi, and Somavati Amavasya. All of these festivals depend on the positions of the moon and the sun. They usually take place between January to September.

ganesh-chaturthi-Festival
Ganesh Chaturthi is a major festival in Morgaon Ganpati temple

How to Reach Morgaon Ganapati Temple?

Here’s how to reach Morgaon Ganapati Temple:

  • Air – For tourists planning to visit this auspicious shrine by flight, Pune airport is the nearest destination, within 75 km.
  • Train – The Jejuri Railway Station located at 17 km from the temple is the nearest railway station.
  • Road –  Special buses called Asthavinayaka darshan take tourists to all the eight temples. Buses to and from Pune are also available at the temple location itself.

Where to stay near Morgaon Ganpati Temple?

The temple guest house is not available without special recommendations but there are many good places to lodge near the temple grounds. For example, pilgrims traveling alone or on a limited budget can opt for dormitories or share rooms. And for people traveling with family, double to triple bedded rooms are also available.

From Rs 500 per night to Rs 5000 per night, a variety of hotels at different prices ranges are available. However, it is always advisable to book one’s accommodation in advance. One can also avail the free pickup and drop services of the hotels to avoid extra traveling issues.

Please carry a valid identity proof while making reservations at the hotel.

Where to eat near Morgaon Ganapati Temple?

In Morgaon, pilgrims can enjoy authentic Maharashtrian cuisine. Temple bhog is also available during the afternoon. The place surrounding the temple is stacked with both veg and non-veg food stalls. Many hotels to have their own personal restaurants where the food quality and quantity is great.

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Maharashtrian cuisine is extremely popular around the Morgaon Ganpati temple region

What are some temples near Morgaon Ganapati Temple?

1) Shree Khandoba Temple – Khandoba, otherwise called Khanderao, Khanderaya, Malhari Martand, and Mallu Khan is a local Hindu God. People worship him as Martanda Bhairava, a form of Shiva, primarily in the Indian Deccan Plateau. It is located at a distance of 103 km from Morgaon Ganpati temple.

2) Baleshwar Mandir – Rulers of Chand dynasty built this famous temple. It is at a distance of 284 km from Morgaon Ganpati temple. Devotees worship Lord Shiva as Baleshwar. Moreover, here are two different sanctuaries in the compound of Baleshwar. One for Ratneshwar and the other for Champawati Durga.

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Shree Khandoba temple is at a distance of 103 km from Morgaon Ganpati temple

What are the other Ashtavinayak Temples?

Here’s a list of the other Ashtavinayak Temples:

1)Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri: Goddess Parvathi performed penance at this place to have a child. Her prayers were answered when Lord Ganesh was born. The temple gets its name from the words Girija (Parvathi) and Atmaj (son). It is in Lenyadri, 87 km from the Vighneswar Vinayak temple

2)Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Siddhatek: Lord Vishnu appeased Lord Ganesh at this place before slaying the demons Madhu and Kaitabh. Lord Siddhi Vinayak is the only idol with the trunk pointing towards the right. It is in Siddhatek, 160km from the Girijatmaj Temple.

3)Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali: This temple is named after Lord Ganesh’s devotee Ballal. This is the only Ganesh Temple named after a devotee. It is in Pali, 180 km from the Girijatmaj Temple.

4)Varad Vinayak Temple, Mahad: Lord Ganesh is Varadha Vinayak, the Lord who grants boons and wishes. It is in Mahad, 146 km from the Girijatmaj temple.

5)Chintamani Temple, Theur:  Lord Ganesh retrieved the invaluable jewel – Chintamani from a greedy demon and gave it back to sage Kapila. The sage rewarded Lord Ganesh by placing it around Lord Ganesh’s neck. As a result, he was as Chintamani Vinayak. It is in Theur, 110 km from the Girijatmaj temple.

6)Vighneshwar Vinayak Temple, Ozar:  Lord Indra sent Vighnasur to disturb King Abhinandan’s prayer. The troubled devotees turned to Lord Ganesh who defeated the demon at this place. It is in Ozar, 87 km from the Girijatmaj temple.

7)Mahaganapati Temple, Ranjangaon: Lord Shiva worshipped Lord Ganesh here before proceeding to defeat the demon Tripurasura. It is in Ranjangaon, 86 km from the Girijatmaj temple.

Asthavinyaka Temples
All 8 Vigneshwara Asthavinayaka temples across Maharashtra

Frequently Asked Questions about Morgaon Ganpati Temple –

What is the best time to visit Morgaon Ganpati temple?

Most festivals in the Morgaon Ganpati temple fall by January, so the best season to visit is between August to January.

Is the Morgaon Ganpati temple open on all days?

Yes, the temple is open on all 365 days.

What are the darshan timings for Morgaon Ganpati temple?

The darshan timings are from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM in the Morgaon Ganpati temple.

Is there an entry free for Morgaon Ganpati temple?

No, there is no entry fee involved in the Morgaon Ganpati temple.

Is there a free parking space in Morgaon Ganpati temple?

Yes, there is a free parking space available.

Is photography allowed inside Morgaon Ganpati temple?

No, photography isn’t allowed inside the temple grounds.

What is the nearest airport from Morgaon Ganpati temple?

The nearest airport to Morgaon Ganpati temple is the Pune airport less than 100 km away.

What is the temperature in Morgaon Ganpati temple during August/September?

The average temperature in Morgaon Ganpati temple during August/September is around 30 to 35-degree centigrade.

If you have any questions about Morgaon Ganpati temple, please leave your comment below and we will get back to you within one hour.

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