Ozar Ganpati is a Ganesha Vinayak temple. The idol form worshipped here is called Vigneshwara. It is associated with the legend of Ganesha defeating Vignasura, the demon of obstacles. The temple is one of the Ashtavinayak Temples, the eight holy shrines of Ganesha in Maharashtra, India.
Ozar Ganpati Temple – Facts
| Deity | Lord Ganesha |
| Location | Ozar, Maharashtra |
| Significance | Asthavinayaka Temples |
| Best Time to Visit | September to February |
| Darshan Timings | 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Entry Fees | Free |
| Dress Code | Traditional (no compulsion) |
| Festivals | Ganesh Jayanti, Ganesh Chaturthi |
Ozar Ganpati Temple Timings
The temple remains open daily between 05:00 am to 11:00 pm. There is no afternoon break in darshan. During Angarki Chaturthi, temple starts early at 04:00 am. Aarti timings are at 07:30 am and 10:00 pm. Prasad is served at 01:00 pm.
Here are the timings for Ozar Ganpati temple in a tabular format:
| Temple Timings | 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Darshan Timing on Angarkhi Chaturthi | 4:00 AM to 11:00 PM |
| Maha Aarti Timing | 7:30 AM |
| Maha Prasad Timing | Mornings – 10:00 AM Afternoons – 1:00 PM |
| Madhya Aarti Timing | 12:00 PM |
| Shejaarti Timing | 10:00 PM |
What are the poojas and rituals in Ozar Ganpati Temple?
Some of the major poojas that take place in the temple are Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Jayanti (for five days) and Karthik Purnima. Regular Maha Aartis, Madhya Aartis, and Shejaartis are performed.
The daily poojas and rituals include,
| 5:00 AM | Waking up of God |
| 5:30 AM | Prakshalana Pooja |
| 7:00 AM | Panchopachara Pooja, Naivedya, Dhooparti |
| 12:00 PM | Maha Pooja, Mahanaivedya |
| 3:00 PM | Prakshalana Pooja, Poshakh |
| 8:00 PM | Dhoopaarti, Aarti of the Avarana Deities |
| 8:30 PM | Maha Aarti, Dhoop, Deep, Mantra Pushpa |
| 10:00 PM | Shej Aarti |
Abhyanga Snana – Every Saturday after the aarti at night there is a ritual of Abhyanga Snana, which is a very important ritual for several devotees. Abhyanga Snana is the bathing ritual to worship the presiding deity Lord Ganesha and is attended by several pilgrims every week.
What is the significance of Ozar Ganpati Temple?
The significance of Ozar Ganpati temple is that it is the most famous Vigneshwara Asthavinayak temples. The residing idol is Ganesha, the elephant-headed Hindu God and is left trunked in the temple. An east-facing idol of Ganesha is seen along with his consorts Siddhi and Riddhi, with the scriptural and mural work in the entrance.
The temple also has its own courtyard, which becomes the ground for all the festivities. The idols of Goddess Siddhi and Goddess Riddhi, along with Ganesha, is adorned with diamonds on their foreheads and emeralds for their eyes. The peaceful environment along with the spiritual feelings highlights the sacred purity of the temple.
What is the history of Ozar Ganpati Temple?
The history of Ozar Ganpati temple dates back to many centuries. Mythology states that King Abhinandan had not given an offering to Lord Indra during his Maha Yagna. Angered, Indra sent Kaala in the form of Vignasura. He was defeated by Ganesha and agreed to never be present in places that were blessed by him.
The Vigneshawara temple was built by Chimaji Appa in 1785, after the conquest of Vasai fort from the Portuguese. He also covered the dome in gold and transformed it in 1833. In 1967 it was again reconstructed by a devotee, Appa Shastri Joshi. They say that no “Vighna” ever arises in places where Ganesha is invoked.
What are festivals in Ozar Ganpati Temple?
The major festivals celebrated at Ozar Ganpati temple are:
- Ganesh Jayanti – It is one of the most important festivals that take place during the month of January or February. It is also known as Maha Shukla Chathurthi and celebrates the birth anniversary of Ganesha, the God of wisdom. Ozar Ganpati temple engages in widespread celebrations for the same.
- Ganesh Chaturthi – It is another major festival that attracts several pilgrims to Ozar Ganpati temple every year. 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.
- Karthik Poornimah – One of the most popular festivals celebrated here is the Karthik Poornimah festival. It takes places during November or December and is a much-awaited celebration. The festival is celebrated in the fifth lunar day of Kartik month. It is often called Deva-Deepawali, as it is the festival of lights for the Divine deities.
How to reach Ozar Ganpati Temple?
Ozar Ganpati Temple has located 85 km from Pune and falls along the Pune-Nashik highway and can be reached very conveniently by the road itself, as preferred by the most pilgrim.
- Air – Pune Airport is 67 km from Ozar Ganapati temple.
- Rail – Nearest Railway station is at Pune which is 85 km from Ozar Ganapati temple.
- Bus or Road – Junnar, located at 8 km from Ozar which has a bus station and can be reached via rickshaw, jeep or car. Shivajinagar bus stand also has regular bus services according to the need of the pilgrims.
Where to stay near Ozar Ganapati Temple?
Here are the three most recommended places to stay,
- Hotel Aarya Regency – Comfortable rooms at very affordable prices, this hotel has good reviews from almost anyone who lodges in. They also have facilities like personal restaurant, availability of veg cuisine, hot water, and other basic amenities. It’s a 2-minute walk from the main temple.
- Hotel Girija – Low priced convenient rooms and is a 10-minute walk from the main temple. It comes with a casual dining hall and a brilliant view if the hotel lands. A great investment at a good price, this hotel has a great rating as well.
- Hotel Platinum – If your budget is extremely tight, this is the right hotel for you. Free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast are some of its advantages. Greatly priced and a best-seller among pilgrims who are on a tight schedule. It is located at less than 15 minutes from the temple site.
Where to eat near Ozar Ganapati Temple?
The Maharashtrian cuisine is a specialty around the temple. From South Indian to North Indian to paranthas and vada pav, the locality is filled with all kinds of good food at various affordable prices. The temple bhog is also very popular, especially the ‘maha prasad’ distribution where thousands of people come in every day.
What are some temples near Ozar Ganapati Temple?
- Mohota Devi Temple – Situated in Koregaon in Maharashtra, this temple is 162 kilometers away from Ozar Ganpati temple. It is a shrine to Shri Kulswamini Jagdamba Mohotadevi. Navaratri is a major festival of the temple.
- Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Mandir – Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is also 220 kilometers away from Ozar Ganpati temple. It is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas in India. It is located on the banks of the river Bhimashankar and is a very popular place for pilgrimage.
What are the other Ashtavinayak Temples?
The other Ashtavinayak Temples are:
- Moreshwara Temple – Situated in Morgaon it is the 1st Asthavinayak temple. It is a shrine to Lord Ganesh and lies along the banks of the Karha river. It is visited by pilgrims all over the world.
- Siddhivinayak Temple – Situated in Siddhatek is the 2nd Asthavinayak temple. It is the most popular and has a castle-like structure. People from all over the world come by to pay their respects to Lord Ganesha in this temple.
- Ballaleshwar Temple – Situated in Pali, it is 3rd Asthavinayak temple. It is the only Asthavinayak Ganesha temple that is famous by the name of its devotee. Ancient mythology says that Shri Ganesh pleased by Ballal’s devotion decided to remain in Ballal’s stone idol of him. I
- Varadha Vinayak Temple, Mahad– Lord Ganesh is Varadha Vinayak, the Lord who grants boons and wishes. The Varadha Vinayak Temple is in Mahad, 150 km from the Chintamani.
- Chintamani Temple – It is located at Theur. It is the 5th Asthavinayak temple. It celebrated Lord Ganesha as the God of wisdom, good thoughts, and peace of mind.
- Girijatmaj Temple – It is located at Lenyadri. It is the 6th Asthavinayak temple. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this temple witnesses several devotees every day.
- Mahaganpati Temple– Situated at Ranjangaon, it is the 8th Asthavinayak temple. A holy shrine to Lord Ganesha, it witnesses major celebrations during Ganesh Chathurthi. Thousands of pilgrims come by every day.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ozar Ganpati Temple –
Yes, the Ozar Ganpati temple is open on all 365 days of the year.
There is no charge for entry or darshan in Ozar Ganpati temple.
The temperature in Ozar Ganpati temple during August/September, the peak festival season ranges from 21°C to 29°C.
Yes, there are sightseeing activities in the form of boating, speed boating, etc., nearby Kukadi river at minimal prices.
There are no restrictions about mobiles and gadgets inside the temple.
The darshan timings are 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day for Ozar Ganpati temple.
The nearest airport from Ozar Ganpati temple is the Pune International airport.
Yes, Ozar Ganpati temple has a prasadalaya that is the place where all the pilgrims get the Maha prasad’s in the morning and in the afternoon.
yogesh balu says
//jayshree yogesh ridhi sidhi vigneshwar ozor vinayak guruve namah//
Uma Aravind says
Is Ozar temple open these days