Ashtavinayak Temples

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.

Morgaon Ganpati Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Ganesha
Location	Morgaon, Pune
Significance	Asthavinayaka Temples
Best Time to Visit	August to February
Darshan timings	5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fees	Free
Dress Code	Traditional (no compulsion)
Festivals	Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesha Jayanti, Shukla Chaturthi

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.

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:

Darshan	5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Mahaprasada	12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Morning Hours	5:00 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 Morning	7:00 AM
Shodashopachar Puja Noon	12:00 PM
Panchopachar Puja	8:00 PM
Samudaik Evening Aarti	7:30 PM
Shej Aarti	10:00 PM

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.

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.

What are the festivals in Morgaon Ganpati Temple?

Here are some of the festivals celebrated at Morgaon Ganapati 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Morgaon Ganpati Temple –

Siddhatek Ganpati Temple – Being one of the Ashtavinayaka temples in Maharashtra, the Siddhatek Ganpati temple is dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Ganesha. It is present in the Ahmednagar district and is close to the Daund railway station. It is a sacred tourist destination for pilgrims all around the world.

Siddhatek Ganpati Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Ganesha
Location	Ahmednagar in Maharashtra
Significance	Right-Trunked Lord Ganesh idol
Best Time to Visit	July to November
Darshan Timings	4:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Entry Fees	Free
Vehicle Parking Fees	Free
Dress Code	Traditional
Festivals	Ganesh Chaturthi, Bhadrapad and Magh Chaturthi
Fairs	Vijayadashami and Somavati Amavasya
Architecture	Hindu temple style

What are the timings of Siddhatek Ganpati Temple?

Here are the timings of Siddhatek Ganapati mandir:

Timings	From	To
Regular Temple Timings	5 AM	9:30 PM
Morning Aarti	4:30 AM
Dhoop Aarti Timing	9 PM

Which Poojas and Rituals take place at Siddhatek Ganpati?

The poojas and rituals that take place at Siddhatek Ganapati are:

Timings	From
Saharan Pooja	5:00 AM
Khichdi	10 AM
Panchamriti Pooja	11 AM
Mahabhog	12:30 PM

What is the significance of Siddhatek Ganpati Temple?

Siddhatek Ganpati is along the river Bhima and is in Karjat taluka of Ahmednagar. The Ganesha idol here has his trunk to the right side and is named as Siddhi Vinayaka. Usually, the trunk is towards left and the right trunked Ganesha is very powerful and hard to please.

• Siddhatek Ganpati Mandir is also famous as Jagrut Kshetra.

• The Siddhatek Ganpati Mandir consists of black stones faces the north direction.

• The Garbhagriha or the sanctum is 15ft in height and 10 ft in width. It has Jaya-Vijaya, the gatekeepers of Vishnu’s abode adjoining the main idol of Siddhivinayaka.

• The Siddhatek Ganpati Mandir has a dome-shaped ceiling and the deity and the Ganesha image is self-existent. This is a natural icon in the form of an elephant.

• The sanctum also has a Shiva – Panchayatana along with a shrine dedicated to Goddess Shivai.

• Devotees can see the icon seated cross-legged with his consort siddhi located nearby. The Almighty remains covered with flower garlands and sindoor paste.

What is the history of Siddhatek Ganpati Temple?

The history of Siddhatek Ganapati says that Lord Vishnu built the auspicious shrine. It was later destroyed over time and a cowherd had a vision of this temple who ultimately found the icon of Siddhi Vinayaka. From then on, the cowherd began worshipping the deity and this shrine became popular.

Sardar Haripant Phadke was the commander in chief and an official of the Peshwa rulers. He built the Nagarkhana or the chamber which is the home to Nagaras and a paved road leading to the main door of the temple. Moreover, he worshipped the deity for 21 days and circled the temple 21 times daily.

Ahilyabai Holkar, the Philosopher Queen of Indore built the Siddhatek Ganpati temple in its present form. The Ganapatya, a particular Sect of people that worships Ganesha as the Supreme Almighty, Saint Morya Gosavi, and Narayan Maharaj worshipped at the temple where they attained siddhi.

What are the legends of Siddhatek Ganpati Temple?

As per the legends, the ‘Mudgala Purana’ describes the events relating to the beginning of the Creation. Lord Brahma emerged from the lotus that rises from Lord Vishnu’s navel. While creating the universe, Vishnu was in his yoga Nidra and two demons rise from the dirt in his ear.

Then the demons, namely, Madhu and Kaitabha disturbed the process of creation which made Lord Vishnu rise from his sleep. But, Vishnu was unable to defeat them and asked Lord Shiva for help. So, Shiva told him that he has forgotten to invoke Lord Ganesha before the fight.

Consecutively, Vishnu performed penance at Siddhatek and invoked the God of beginning and obstacle removal. Ganesha defeated all the demons, and it is in this place that Vishnu acquired Siddhi. Hence the place became famous as Siddhatek.

What is the Architecture of Siddhatek Ganpati Temple?

The temple is developed in dark stone which faces north. The temple has a sabha-mandapa of dark stone and another sabha-mandapa, which is a later expansion. The threshold of the primary temple has a little demonic head mold. The temple likewise has a Nagarkhana.

The Garbhagriha (sanctum) is 15 ft high and 10 ft wide. It has the Jaya-Vijaya – the guards of Vishnu’s home, flanking the focal symbol of Siddhivinayaka. It has a vault formed a stone roof. Like all Ashtavinayaka places of worship, the focal Ganesha idol is accepted to be Swayambu.

The focal icon of Siddhi-Vinayaka is seated cross-legged with his associate Siddhi situated close-by, however regularly she is covered up with blossom laurels and the sindoor paste that covers the image. The idol is sheathed in metal and with its trunk turned to the right. The sanctum likewise has a Shiva-Panchayatana and a place of worship to goddess Shivai.

Which festivals are celebrated at Siddhatek Ganpati Temple?

There are many festivals that are observed in this temple premises, such as:

1. 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)
2. Ganesh Jayanti: Another festival that draws visitors from all across India is Ganesh Jayanti. It is another popular occasion that celebrates the birthday of Ganesha on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Magha.
3. Fairs and Celebration: Vijayadasami and Somavati Amavasya, a no-moon day that falls on a Monday are also important days on which the temple organizes a festival and a fair.
4. Magh: The Magh Utsav is an important festival at the Siddhatek 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.
5. Holi: The colorful festival of Holi is in the month of Phalgun (February/March), on Phalgun Shudh Poornima.
6. Shravan: Janmashtami or Krishna Ashtami, Lord Krishna’s birthday is celebrated here with a Dahi Handi event during Shravan ( July- August)

How to Reach Siddhatek Ganpati Mandir?

Here’s how to reach Siddhatek Ganapati mandir:

• Air – The nearest airport is Pune Lohegaon Airport. There are numerous numbers of taxis and buses that will take you to Siddhatek from outside the airport.

• Train – Daund Junction Railway Station, which is 18 km away, is the nearest railway station on the Pune – Solapur line. Mumbai Hyderabad Express, Jhelum Express, Nanded Pune Express, Mumbai Nagercoil Express, Konark Express, and Udyan Express passes through Daund Junction Railway Station.

• Road – An alternate route is the long route of 48 km from Daund-Kashti-Pedgoan. In the morning hours, many buses ply from Pune directly to Siddhtek.

• Boat – Buses are available from Pune and Daund to a village called Shirapur, which is a kilometer away from Siddhatek. From there, one can get on a boat to reach the temple.

Where to stay near Siddhatek Ganpati Mandir?

There are budget as well as luxurious hotels available to stay during your visit to Siddhatek Ganpati.  However, for people looking to stay at Siddhatek, prior booking is a must. One can call the Siddhatek Ganpati Mandir priest, Shree Gajanan Purohit to make prior arrangements near the Siddhatek Ganpati Mandir.

 If you are a single traveler and looking to save up on your budget, then dormitories or sharing rooms are a great alternative. For people traveling with families, there are double, triple and four beds available for rent.

Irrespective of the size of your room, all modern amenities are available in the hotels. From private balconies to basic electronic gadgets and free internet, the hotel staff provides all sorts of comfort to meet the requirements of a modern-day traveler.

Where to eat near Siddhatek Ganpati Mandir?

There are quite a few other options available for good food :

• Free food is provided inside the temple from 12:30 pm to 2 pm.
• In addition, the people of Siddhatek are very friendly and cordial in nature. One can try the conventional Jhunka-Bhakri meal by paying a small amount to the natives.
• By the banks of the Bhima, on the Pune side, one can find village women preparing wholesome, tasty Maharashtrian food. For Rs 35 per meal, diners may have unlimited Bhakri which are rotis made with a choice of jowar/ bajra/ wheat flour, on stone stoves, pithala, and some vegetable dish. 

What are the other Ashtavinayak Temples?

Here’s a list of the other Ashtavinayak Temples:

1. Mayureshwar Temple, Morgaon: Devotees begin and end their journey at the Mayureshwar Temple. Further, the temple got its name after the legend of Mayureshwar – Lord Ganesh riding a peacock, who defeated a demon at this place.
2. Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri: Goddess Parvathi performed penance at this place to have a child. Then, her prayers were answered when Lord Ganesh was born. The temple gets its name from the words Girija (Parvathi) and Atmaj (son).
3. Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali: This temple is named after Lord Ganesh’s devotee Ballal. This is the only Ganesh Temple whose name is after a devotee.
4. Varad Vinayak Temple, Mahad: Lord Ganesh is referred to as Varadha Vinayak, the Lord who grants boons and wishes. It is in Mahad, 146 km from the Girijatmaj
5. Chintamani Temple, Theur: Lord Ganesh retrieved the invaluable jewel – Chintamani from a greedy demon and given it back to sage Kapila. The sage rewarded Lord Ganesh by placing around Lord Ganesh’s neck and hence was the name, Chintamani Vinayak.
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.
7. Mahaganapati Temple, Ranjangaon:  Lord Shiva worshipped Lord Ganesh here before proceeding to defeat the demon Tripurasura.

What are some temples near Siddhatek Ganapati temple?

Some temples near Siddhatek Ganapati temple are:

1. Vishal Ganpati Mandir- This temple is for Lord Ganesha. It is a 100-year-old temple. It presents a spectacular sight with a red-colored idol. The Ganesha sits posture and has a Shivalinga coiled by a snake that originates from the navel.
2. Shani Temple- One of the unique things about this temple is that there is no idol present in the temple. Only a black stone stands on a beautiful platform. The native’s belief that this stone has extraordinary powers which protect the village from all sorts of evil.
3. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple– Being located only at a distance of 80 km from Ahmednagar, thousands of devotees throng to this place every day. Shirdi Sai Baba was a famous saint. Moreover, people considered him as the reincarnation of God by the pilgrims. This temple is in Shirdi itself.
4. Renuka Temple- This shrine is for Goddess Durga. It is also among few of the temples that enjoy huge adulation and respect among the local people. As it is a Devi temple, devotees celebrate the Navaratri festival here with lots of fervor.
5. Siddheshwar Temple- This beautiful temple has both a grand architecture along with a natural atmosphere. Also, this popular shrine, in fact, needs no introduction among both the devotees and the tourists visiting this holy place.

Frequently Asked Questions about Siddhatek Ganpati Temple –

Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh and is one of the eight Ashtavinayak Temples. It is in  Ranjangaon, Shirur Taluka. According to beliefs, Lord Shiva worshipped Lord Ganesh here before proceeding to defeat the demon Tripurasura. Lord Ganesh is Mahaganapati since he is powerful and has several arms.

Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Ganesha
Location	Ranjangaon
Significance	Part of Ashtavinayak Temples
Best Time to Visit	July – November
Darshan Timings	5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Fees	Free
Vehicle Parking Fees	Free
Photography	Allowed but not Free
Dress Code	Traditional
Festivals	Ganesh Chaturthi, Kaivalyacha Putala, Bhadrapad Chaturthi, and Maha Yatra.
Video Shooting Charge	Rs. 101/-
Photography Charge	Rs.51/-
Official Website	Ranjangaon Ganpati

Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple – Timings

The timings of Chintamani Ganapati Temple are:

Timings	From	To
Morning Darshan	5:00 AM	10:00 PM
Abhishek Puja Timings	5:30 AM
Samudaik Aarti Timings	7:30 AM
Mahapuja,Mahanaivadya Timings	11:30 AM	12:30 PM
Samudaik Evening Aarti Timings	7:30 PM
Shej Aarti Timings	10:30 PM

Poojas and Sevas conducted at Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple –

Here’s a list of the poojas and rituals performed at Ranajangaon Ganapati Temple:

Pooja	Cost
Abhishek	Rs 11/-
Sahastravartan	Rs 101/-
SatyaVinayak Puja	Rs 51/-

What is the significance of Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple?

The significance of Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple is that it has been constructed in a way that the Sun’s rays fall on the idol during the southern movement of the sun. Lord Managanapati sits on a lotus. His consorts Riddhi-Siddhi accompany him. The Mahaganapati idol at Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple a Swayambu.

Lord Mahaganapati is very powerful. The villagers of Ranjangaon do not bring the Ganesha idols into their homes during Ganesh Chaturthi. Instead, they visit the temple and offer their prayers

Devotees believe that there is another idol below the present idol. The idol supposedly has 10 trunks and 20 arms. However, no one knows if this idol still exists. This idol is supposed to be called as Mahotkat.

• The villages and areas surrounding the temple is known as Manipur (do not confuse it with the North-east state of Manipur).

• Lord Shiva prayed to Lord Ganesh at this place before defeating the demon Tripurasur.

Structure of Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple

An east-bound temple, it is effectively recognized as a result of its colossal passageway, which has statues of the door-keepers Jay and Vijay. A novel part of the temple is that it is planned in a such a way, that during ‘Dakshinayan‘ and ‘Uttarayan,’ the sunbeams fall legitimately on the divinity.

Similarly wonderful is the sanctum, which was developed by Thorale Madhavrao Peshwa. Symbol of Lord Ganesha has an outstandingly wide brow, ten trunks, twenty arms, further flanked by the statues of Riddhi and Siddhi.

What is the history of Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple?

As per the history, the temple was built in the middle of the ninth and tenth century. The temple is developed to the point that sunbeams fall straightforwardly on Shree Ganesha’s idol. Since this temple was on his way to war, Shreemant Madhavrao Peshwa used to stop here to have Mahaganapati’s darshan.

Madhavrao Peshwa made a room in the stone cellar in the temple to keep the icon of Lord Ganesh. He additionally built a stone sanctum around this Swayambhu or self-radiated idol. In 1790 A.D he gave an inherited right to perform pooja of Mahaganapati to Shri Anyaba Dev.

The temple hall was built by Sardar Kibe and Owaris which are small apartments enclosing the wall of temple were built by Sardar Pawar and Shinde. Renowned hermit Morya Gosavi had presented an icon made of five metals to Shri Anyaba Dev. This symbol is taken out in parade on festive days.

Nagarkhana is located over the passageway entrance gate. This Nagarkhana was inaugurated by Maharashtra’s respectable Chief Minister Shri Manohar Joshi on third May 1997. The temple confronting east has immense and delightful passageway gate. Icons of two doorkeepers specifically Jay & Vijay are available close to the door.

Legends related to Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple

Legend of Mahaganapati: Sage Gritsamad’s son Tripurasur was a brilliant young boy and a devotee of Lord Ganesh. Pleased by his devotion and prayers, Lord Ganesh blessed the boy and gave him three pura’s of precious metals. Only Lord Shiva could destroy them. However, over a period of time, Tripurasur became vain and created chaos in the world.

He even disturbed Lord Brahma and Vishnu by his atrocities and they went into hiding. Sage Narada then 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. Then, 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. Therefore, he recited the Sadaakshar Mantra and invoked Lord Ganesh, who emerged and gave him the instructions for defeating Tripurasur.

Then, Lord Shiva followed the directions, defeated the greedy Tripurasur and also created a temple for Lord Ganesh at that spot.

What are the festivals celebrated at Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple?

Some festivals celebrated at Chintamani Ganapati Temple are:

1. Bhadrapat: There is a special 6 day festival in the month of Bhadrapad, during which Mahabhog is offered to the temple deity on the fifth day. During this festival, the temple deity is also taken around the area in a flower-bedecked palanquin.
2. Ganesh Jayanti: Another festival that draws visitors from all across India is Ganesh Jayanti. It is another popular occasion that celebrates the birthday of Ganesha on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Magha.
3. Magh: The Magh Utsav is an important festival at the Ranjangaon 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.
4. Holi: The colorful festival of Holi is in the month of Phalgun (February/March), on Phalgun Shudh Poornima.
5. Shravan: Janmashtami or Krishna Ashtami, Lord Krishna’s birthday is celebrated here with a Dahi Handi event during Shravan ( July- August)

How to reach Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple?

Here’s how to reach Ranjangaon Ganapati Temple:

• By road: Ranjangaon is nearly 50 km from Pune. There are frequent state transport service buses available from Pune Shivaji Nagar bus stand also hire taxi or cab from any area of the city to reach Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple
• By rail:   The nearest railway station to Ashtavinayaka Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple is Uruli railway station that lies just 16 Km away from Ranjangaon.
• By air:  Baramati Airport is 21 kilometers and Pune Airport is 50 kilometers away from Shree Mahaganapati Temple in Ranjangaon. There are numerous numbers of taxis and buses that will take you to Ranjangaon from outside the airport.

Where to stay near Ranjangaon Ganapati Temple?

The Mahaganapati Temple Trust runs a Bhakta Niwas which offers rooms at nominal charges, where one can stay.  There are quite a number of hotels offering accommodation options for all budgets. Pilgrims also prefer to do a day trip from Pune, as it offers a vast range of accommodation options.

Where to eat near Ranjangaon Ganapati Temple?

Ranjangaon has a good number of restaurant options where one can eat. The Mahaganapati Temple Trust also operates an Annapurna Bhojanalaya, which provides afternoon lunch.

What are some temples near Ranjangaon Ganapati Temple?

Shivneri Fort and Temple: Shivneri Fort is the birthplace of Chatrapathi Sivaji. The fort is visible from the Vighneshwar Vinayak Temple and also houses a small temple for Goddess Shivani. Devotees traveling to Ozar and Lenyadri Ashtavinayak temples also stop at this Fort as it is a place of interest.

What are the other Ashtavinayak Temples?

Here’s a list of the other Ashtavinayak Temples:

1. Mayureshwar Temple, Morgaon: Devotees begin and end their journey at the Mayureshwar Temple. Further, the temple got its name from the legend of Mayureshwar – Lord Ganesh riding a peacock, who defeated a demon at this place.
2. Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Siddhatek: Lord Vishnu appeased Lord Ganesh at this place before slaying the demons Madhu and Kaitabh. Moreover, Lord Siddhi Vinayak is the only idol with the trunk pointing towards the right.
3. Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali: As the name suggests this temple is named after Lord Ganesh’s devotee Ballal. This is the only Ganesh Temple whose name is after a devotee.
4. Varad Vinayak Temple, Mahad: Lord Ganesh is Varadha Vinayak, the Lord who grants boons and wishes. It is in Mahad, 192 km from the Mahaganapati
5. Chintamani Temple, Theur: Lord Ganesh retrieved the invaluable jewel – Chintamani from a greedy demon and given it back to sage Kapila. The sage rewarded Lord Ganesh by placing around Lord Ganesh’s neck and hence became famous as Chintamani Vinayak.
6. Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri: Goddess Parvathi performed penance at this place to have a child. The temple gets its name from the words Girija (Parvathi) and Atmaj (son).
7. Vighneshwar Vinayak Temple, Ozar:  Lord Indra sent Vighnasur to disturb King Abhinandan’s prayer. The troubled devotees then turned to Lord Ganesh who defeated the demon at this place.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ranjangaon Ganpati Temple –

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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?

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. Moreshwara Temple – Situated in Morgaon it is the 1^st 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.
2. Siddhivinayak Temple – Situated in Siddhatek is the 2^nd 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.
3. Ballaleshwar Temple – Situated in Pali, it is 3^rd 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
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Girijatmaj Temple – It is located at Lenyadri. It is the 6^th Asthavinayak temple. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this temple witnesses several devotees every day.
7. Mahaganpati Temple– Situated at Ranjangaon, it is the 8^th 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 –

Lenyadri Ganpati Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. It is one of the eight Ashtavinayak Temples in Maharashtra. The temple is also known as Girijatmaj temple. It gets its name from the words Girija (Parvathi) and Atmaj (son), thus the son of Parvati. This is the only Ashtavinayak temple which is on a mountain.

Lenyadri Ganpati Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Ganesha
Location	Lenyadri, Maharashtra
Significance	Part of Ashtavinayak Temples
Best Time to Visit	August – September
Darshan Timings	5.00 AM to 8.00 PM.
Entry Fees	Rs 5/-
Palakhi Fees	700 Rs. Per person
Vehicle Parking Fees	20 to 30 Rs (As per vehicle)
Photography	Not Allowed in the temple and Ganesh Murti
Dress Code	Traditional
Festivals	Magh Chaturthi, Ganesh Jayanti, and Ganesha Chaturthi.
Official Website	Lenyadri Ganpati

Timings and puja of Lenyadri Ganpati Temple-

Here’re the darshan timings of Lenyadri Ganpati Temple:

Timings	From	To
Darshan	6 AM	6 PM
Panchamrit puja	8 AM

What is the significance of Lenyadri Ganpati Temple?

The significance of Lenyadri Ganapati Temple is that amidst a cluster of rock-cut Buddhist caves. It is one of the Ashtavinayak temples. Devotees believe that Lord Girijatmaj was Lord Ganesh’s manifestation as an infant Lord. Rather, it is carved on a rock, with its head turned to the left.

According to Ganesh Puran, this place is also known as Jirnapur or Lekhan Parbat. Moreover, Devotees believe that the Pandavas carved the caves during their exile period. Lenyadri Ganpati temple is south-facing and monolithic – carved out from a single rock.

• Since the Lenyadri Ganpati is rock-cut, devotees cannot circumambulate. However, they are free to worship the Lord themselves.
• Furthermore, the main mandap is 53 feet long and interestingly there are no pillars supporting the entire structure.
• The main mandap also known as the sabha mandap has 18 indents or small rooms that pilgrims use for meditation.
• Once there, a serene atmosphere, with pleasant vibrations from the Lekhan mountain and a beautiful view of the nearby Kukadi river is a treat for the senses.

Legends of Lenyadri Ganpati Temple-

The history of Lenyadri Ganapati temple relates to the following Legend:

Legend of Girijatmaj: According to Ganesh Puran, Goddess Sati reincarnated as Parvati and wished to give birth to Ganesh. She did severe penance on the Lenyadri mountain. On the fourth day of Bhadrapad Shuddh or Chaturthi day, Goddess Parvati wiped her body and used the dirt to create an idol.

Lord Gajanan entered this idol and stood before her a young boy with six arms and three eyes.  His name was Girijatmaj or the son of Parvati.  This incarnation of Lord Ganesh – Lord Girijatmaj is believed to have stayed at Lenyadri for nearly 15 years.

The architecture of Lenyadri Ganpati Temple –

The caverns date from between the first and third century AD. the Ganesha sanctum arranged in Cave 7 is dated to the first century AD. However, the date of transformation to a Hindu holy place is obscure. The majority of the caverns emerge from Hinayana Buddhism.

It is basically a Buddhist Vihara in structure, an unpillared lobby with 20 cells with shifting measurements. The lobby is huge and can be entered by a focal entryway, under a pillared veranda. The hall is now a sabha-mandapa of the Ganesha temple. 283 steps were built in stone brickwork which will lead to the passageway.

The corridor additionally has hints of mortar and artistic creations, both included during the transformation and renewed in later occasions – perhaps as late as the nineteenth century. The artistic creations portrayed Ganesha’s youth, marriage arrangements, fight with evil spirits, etc.

Before the gigantic section doors of Shri Girijatmaj Ganpati temple are colossal columns with pictures of elephants, horses, lions and different creatures cut on them. Also, there are columns with various carvings before each other cavern.

The neighboring sixth cavern and fourteenth cavern have Buddha-columns in them normally known as Bouddha-Stupa. These caverns are made into the state of the side of the equator interiorly. That is the reason, echoes can be effectively heard.

The Sanctorum of the temple hotshots a wide scope of bewildering workmanship as reverential artistic creations of Shri Guru Dattatray. Lord Ganesh laying on Shiv-Parvati’s lap, Bal Ganesh playing an ancient game like ludo made by utilizing regular hues.

There is no power to illuminate in the temple. The temple is developed with the end goal that during the day it is constantly illuminated by the sun-beams.

Which festivals are celebrated at Lenyadri Ganpati Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Lenyadri Ganapati Temple are:

1. Bhadrapath: Lord Ganesh’s birth celebrations known as Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayak Chaturthi is a key festival in the state of Maharashtra. Moreover, in Lenyadri, Lord Ganpati’s birthday is a five-day festival from Bhadrapath Shudh 1 to Bhadrapath Shudh 5 (August – September)
2. Shravan: Janmashtami or Krishna Ashtami, Lord Krishna’s birthday is celebrated here with a Dahi Handi event during Shravan ( July- August)
3. Holi: The colorful festival of Holi is in the month of Phalgun (February/March), on Phalgun Shudh Poornima.
4. 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.
5. Ashwin: Devotees celebrate the Dusshera festival here on Ashwin Shudh 10 (September/October). During the festivities, Lord Ganpati is taken on a palanquin procession across the village.
6. Magh: The Magh Utsav is an important festival at the Lenyadri 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. In the month of Magh, an Akhand Harinaam Saptah is held. 

How to reach the Lenyadri Ganpati Temple?

Here’s how to reach Lenyadri Ganapati temple:

• Road: Lenyadri is nearly 95 km from Pune. Junnar is the nearest town at a 5 km distance. Lenyadri enjoys good roads and several buses operate from Mumbai, Thane, and Pune. The RedBus operates a bus from Mumbai to Junnar in every 15 minutes.
• Rail: The nearest railway station is at Pune, 94 km from Girijatmaj. Devotees can purchase the Tickets at ₹150 – ₹1,000 and the journey takes 2h 43m.
• Air: The nearest airport is at Pune, which is well connected to all major Indian cities. There are numerous numbers of taxis and buses that will take you to Pali from outside the airport.

Where to stay near Lenyadri Ganpati Temple?

Lenyadri Ganpati Temple trust operates Yatri Niwas and offers accommodation at nominal charges.

Temple trust has built Yatri-Niwas for lodging purpose of devotees. At a time arrangement of 300 devotees can be done. Rs.200 are charged for a room having the capacity of 10 people.

• Beddings are provided by the trust.
• A very good lunch arrangement is available at Hotel Girija.
• There are few resorts that function at Junnar.

Where to eat near Lenyadri Ganpati Temple

There are no restaurants at Lenyadri except for the Yatri Niwas which offers food options. However, devotees may opt to eat at the smaller restaurants on the highway or at Junnar.

Devotees can also get a meal coupon from the temple office (timing: till 1.30p.m.) for Rs.10/-. 

What are some of the temples and sightseeing places near Lenyadri Ganpati Temple?

Here are some temples near Lenyadri Ganapati Temple:

Lenyadri Buddhist caves: Girijatmaj Temple is amidst a collection of 30 manmade rock-cut caves. These caves have functioned as Buddhist Monasteries from Lord Buddha’s time. Moreover, the seventh cave is the Girijatmaj Temple. However, other caves were either chapels or living spaces for the monks.

Bhima Gada: Adjacent to the Lenyadri Ganpati Temple, cave no. 6 houses a Buddhist stupa. This is popular as Bhima’s Gada. This stupa has good acoustics that allows sounds to echo.

What are the other Ashtavinayak Temples?

Other Ashtavinayak temples are:

1. 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.
2. Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali: This temple derives its name from Lord Ganesh’s devotee Ballal. This is the only Ganesh Temple whose name is after a devotee. It is in Pali, 180 km from the Girijatmaj Temple.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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 Lenyadri Ganpati Temple –