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Siddhatek Ganpati Temple – Ashtavinayak Guide – Timings, Poojas, and Significance

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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.

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

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
FairsVijayadashami and Somavati Amavasya
Architecture Hindu temple style

On giving appropriate donations temple trust or poojari performs Abhishek, Pooja and Sahastravartan. Prasad and holy ashes are sent by post.

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

Rules for performing pooja of Siddhivinayak are observed very strictly as such devotees are not allowed to do pooja personally.

Idol of Lord Ganesh at Siddhatek Ganpati Temple
The divine idol of Lord Ganesh in the sanctum of Siddhatek Ganpati Temple.

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.

As such Siddhatek is holy place where God Vishnu, Sage Vyas and Bhrushundi, hermit Morya Gosavi and Narayan Maharaj had 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?

Architecture of Siddhatek Ganpati temple
The Hindu Style 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?

Ganesh Chaturthi Festival
Ganesh Chaturthi Festival in Siddhatek 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.

Siddhatek temple trust is under control of Chinchwad Temple Trust. Temple trust is constructing a building fo r the purpose of devotees.

Where to eat near Siddhatek Ganpati Mandir?

Maharastrian Cuisine
Maharastrian Cusisine can be enjoyed by devotees while visiting Siddhatek Ganpati Temple.

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?

Ashtavinayak Temple
The divine idols of Lord Ganesh from different 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.

The place where Sage Bhrushandi had performed penances is nearer to the temple.

What are some temples near Siddhatek Ganapati temple?

Temples near Siddhatek Ganpati Temple
Few of the more renowned and important temples near Siddhatek Ganpati 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 –

Is there online booking available for Siddhatek Ganpati Temple?

Entry to the temple is free and no booking is needed to visit the temple.

What is the nearest airport to Siddhatek Ganpati Temple?

The nearest airport is Pune Lohegaon Airport.

What is the temperature in Siddhatek Ganpati Temple?

The maximum temperature in summer can reach till 35°C. The minimum temperature that can fall down is 13°C in winter.

Where to stay near Siddhatek Ganpati Temple?

Shree Siddhivinayak lodging and boarding is available near the temple. The rate for a single room for one day is Rs.75/- and for the big hall is Rs. 251/-.

What is the significance of Siddhatek Ganpati Temple among the Ashtavinayak Yatra?

The Siddhatek Ganpati Temple comes in 2nd number during the Ashtavinayak Yatra.

What is the prasad’s usually offered in the temple?

Ladoo and Modak prasad which are known to be favorite of Lord Ganesh are offered in the temple.

How much time does it take to do the Pradakshina in Siddhatek Ganpati Temple?

To make one round (Pradakshina) around the temple it will take about 30 minutes with moderate speed.

What are the best Yatra’s taken by devotees for Siddhatek Ganpati Temple?

The Bhadrapada Shukla 4 and Magha Shukla 4 are the best time for yatra’s taken by devotees for Siddhatek.

Bhimashankar Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Bhimashankar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is in Bhimashankar reserve, near Pune in Maharashtra. The temple is also the source of the River Bhima. A holy dip in the river is believed to wash all the sins of a person.

Planning to visit this temple? Have look at our Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra Tour Package.

Bhimashankar Temple – Facts

Deity Lord Bhimashankar (Lord Shiva)
Location 50 km North-West of Khed, near Pune, Maharashtra
Significance Jyotirlinga
Tours 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra Tour
Darshan Timings 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM
PoojasRudrabhisek, Laghurudra
Entry FeeFree
Best Time to VisitJune to August
FestivalsMahashivratri, Karthik Poornima, Ganesh Chaturthi
Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra Sri Aundha Nagnath, Sri Trimbakeshwar,
Sri Grishneshwar, Sri Parli Vaijnath
Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
Bhimashankar Temple Video

Bhimashankar Temple is one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. The other 4 Jyotirlingas are:

The 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra

What are the timings of Bhimashankar Temple?

The temple opens at 4:30 AM in the morning and closes at 9:30 PM in the evening. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as the afternoon and evening aarti.

The timings of Bhimashankar Temple are as follows:

Rituals Timings
Darshan4:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Morning Aarti4:30 AM – 5:00 AM
Morning Darshan 4:30 AM – 3:15 PM
Evening Darshan 4:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Nijarupa Darshan5:00 AM – 5:30 AM
Shringar Darshan4:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Evening Aarti7:30 PM – 8:00 PM

What is the significance of Bhimashankar Temple?

The Linga of Lord Shiva is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. These Jyotirlingas are self-manifested forms of Lord Shiva, unlike the Lingas that are instated by humans. It is said that these Jyotirlingas are when Shiva appeared as a fiery column of light. The Bhimashankar Linga occurs at a lower level compared to the ground in the main sanctum.

The top of the Linga is divided by a narrow groove in the Linga. Each half of the Linga signifies Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. The Lord appears as “Ardhanareeshwara” in the Bhimashankar temple.

According to beliefs, water flows continuously from the Linga since time immemorial.

The River Bhima is considered sacred by the people because it is believed that the river is actually the perspiration of Lord Shankara (Shiva) after he defeated the demon Tripurasura.

The Mokshakund, located behind the Bhimashankar temple is believed to be the place where the Maharishi Kaushik (also known as Brahmarishi Vishwamitra) performed penance or Tapasya to please the Gods.

The temple administration allows pilgrims to conduct Abhishekam and Poojas to the Jyotirlinga by themselves with marigold and Bilva leaves.

What is the history of Bhimashankar Temple?

The history of the original sanctum dates back to the 13th century. Various renovations were done on the complex during different time periods. According to beliefs, in the 13th century, a woodcutter named, Bhatirao Lakhadhara, discovered the Jyotirlinga when his axe hit the tree, the ground started bleeding.

The villagers gathered there and offered milk to the tree which stopped the bleeding. The people of the village built a small temple at the site and named it the Bhimashankar Temple.

Several notable figures like Chhatrapati Shivaji, Peshwa Balaji Vishwanath, and Raghunath Peshwa also regularly visited the shrine and carried out poojas and renovations. The Diwan of the Peshwas, Nana Phadnavis built the Shikhar of the Bhimashankar temple.

Legend of Tripurasura

As per one legend mentioned in the Matsya Puranam and the Shiva Puranam, there were three demons by the names of Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha, and Viryavana, and together they were known as the Tripurasura. They performed Tapasya and obtained a boon from Lord Brahma. The boon was that the Gods will construct three beautiful cities, each made of gold, iron, and silver for the Asuras. All three forts together will be called Tripura. However, the prophecy said that only a single arrow can destroy the city.

Demons from all over the world came and resided at the palaces. After the initial self-enjoyment, they eventually started troubling the people of the realm. They even misbehaved with Rishis and Maharishis, terrorized the common folk and eventually challenged the Gods. Therefore, Lord Indra accompanied by other Gods went to Lord Brahma to put an end to the Tripura, but Lord Brahma could not help and asked them to request Lord Shiva. Shiva obliged and the war between the Devas and the Asuras began. He also requested the help of Goddess Parvati and both of them took the form of “Ardha-Narya-Nateshwar” and descended to the Earth.

To destroy the Tripura, Lord Shiva asked Vishwakarma to build a chariot. The chariot had special features. The Goddess Earth (Prithvi) became the chariot, Sun and Moon became the wheels, Lord Brahma became the Sarathi, Mount Meru became the bow, Serpent Vasuki was the bow-string and Lord Vishnu became the arrow. Just as the three cities aligned, Lord Shiva burned them to the ground. Then the Gods requested Lord Shiva to take rest there and make the place his home. Lord Shiva turned himself into a Linga and made the Bhimashankar mountains his home.

The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga
It is said that Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga is a form of ‘Ardhanareshwara’.

What is the architecture of the Bhimashankar Temple like?

Bhimashankar Temple Architecture
There are two big Nandi statues in the temple premises.

The Bhimashankar temple complex is small and has a simple structure with numerous sculptures depicting different Gods and Goddesses. The architecture of the temple follows the Nagara style and the Hemadpanthi style of construction. The temple consists of Garbhagriha, Sabhamandap, and the Kurmamandap.

The main door of the Bhimashankar temple is made of solid wood with figures of several gods and goddesses. A huge bell is there at the entrance of the temple. Chimaji Appa, brother of Bajirao Peshwa I gifted this bell. Two large Nandis are also there in the Temple. The one in front of the sanctum is very old and the other one is new. One can also visit the shrines of Lord Shani, Nandi, Lord Ram, and Dutta.

What are the festivals celebrated at Bhimashankar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Bhimshankar Temple are:

  1. Mahashivaratri: A huge fair is organized for five days in late February or early March as a mark of their respect for Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. It is believed that Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati on this day. The day is famous for rigorous poojas, bhajans, and abhishekams. Thousands of people descend on the small town to visit the glorious festival. Pradosham is also said to be celebrated here.
  2. Karthik Poornima: The day falls anytime in-between November or December. On this day, Lord Shiva actually destroyed the demon kingdom of Tripura in all three realms.
  3. Ganesh Chaturthi: The festival comes in August or September with great enthusiasm and cheers. This is the birthday of Lord Ganesha, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.
  4. Deepawali: The festival comes in October – November. People decorate the whole temple with Deepams (lamps) and priests perform special poojas for Lord Shiva throughout the day.

What are the Sevas and Poojas performed at Bhimashankar Temple?

The sevas and poojas that take place at Bhimashankar Temple are:

  • Rudrabhishek: The pooja is for Lord Shiva who the devotees worship as fire or Rudra. The pooja wipes out all sins and purifies the atmosphere. It also removes all sorts of planetary related ill-occurrences. Mondays of the month, as well as the Pradosham days, are ideal for performing the pooja.
  • Laghurudra Pooja: This Abhishek is done to resolve issues related to health and wealth. It also removes the bad effects of planets in the horoscope.

Devotees can perform the Rudrabhishekam and Mahapooja on every Monday, every Amavasya, every Pradosham day, and in the month of Shravan at a reasonable price.

The yearly poojas or sevas include:

  1. Prati Somvar
  2. Prati Pradosh
  3. Prati Shivaratri
  4. Prati Amavasya
  5. Mahashivaratri

Besides the above poojas, a Shashvat Pooja can also be performed at the temple. One can perform these poojas for 1 day every year for a period of 20 years. The poojas are:

  1. Rudrabhishek
  2. Mahapuja
  3. Mahapuja with Mahanaivedyam
  4. Laghurudra
  5. Shravan Somvar and Mahashivaratri
  6. Laghurudra with Brahman Bhojan.

How to reach Bhimashankar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Bhimshankar temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is Pune Airport.
  • Train: The nearest railway station is Pune, 120 km away from the temple.
  • Road: Regular buses are available from Pune from 5:30 AM to 4 PM. A bus also from Kalyan starts at 9 AM and one from Ghatkopar or Kurla at 11 AM

Where to stay nearby?

Limited options are available for staying near the Bhimashankar temple. The temple administration runs a guesthouse named Jeevan Guest House that provides the basic facilities. However, nearby towns have options like the Blue Mormon Jungle Holiday Resort, Ecogreens Sankalp Farms, and Holiday Maiyaan Karjat.

Where to eat nearby?

Several small restaurants are present near the temple premises such as Shivshakti and Shankar Vishranti where the visitors can eat. The cuisine available is a mix of both North Indian and South Indian food items. Moreover, the food items available here are primarily vegetarian.

Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra
There are four more Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra apart from the Bhimashankar Temple.

What are some temples near Bhimshankar Temple?

Some of the temples near Bhimshankar temple are:

  • Gupt Bhimashankar: A small trekking path from the Bhimashankar temple will lead you to the place of discovery of the Jyotirlinga. The Linga is on the banks of a waterfall and has greenery around.
  • Sakshi Ganapati Temple: The temple is 2 km away from the Bhimashankar temple. The Ganapati here is “Sakshi” because he is the witness to the visit of the pilgrims to the Jyotirlinga. He keeps the attendance of whoever visits the Bhimashankar shrine. The pilgrims visit the temple to show their respects to the Lord Ganapati and Lord Shiva.
  • Kamalaja Devi Temple: The temple is for Goddess Parvati, wife of Lord Shiva. She helped the Lord in his battle against the demons. Also, She sits on a lotus in this temple.

Some other famous temples in Maharashtra are:

  • Ozar Ganapati Temple: It 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.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bhimshankar Temple

Is the Bhimshankar Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Bhimashankar Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Bhimashankar Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizens?

Yes. There is are palki services available for the specially-abled and senior citizens.

Which is the best time to visit the Bhimashankar Temple?

June to August are the months when the monsoon starts in Maharashtra. The weather is pleasant, making it an ideal time to visit the temple.

What is the weather like during summer?

The summers at Maharashtra start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 36 º C.

What are winters like in Maharashtra?

In Maharashtra, winters start in November and continue until January. The temperatures during this time range from around 20 º C to 30 º C.

Pandharpur Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

, 12 Comments Filed Under: Maharashtra Temples Tagged With:

Pandharpur Temple or the Vitthal Temple located in Pandharpur in the Solapur district of Maharashtra is one of the most visited pilgrim sites in India. Statistically, it receives the largest amount of devotees in Maharashtra. The holy shrine is dedicated to Lord Vitthal or Vithoba along with his consort Rakhumai or Rukmini, as popularly known, who is worshipped as a form of Lord Krishna.

Pandharpur Temple is one of the most important and oldest pilgrimage sites in Maharashtra. The Temple is located on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River, another name of the River Bhima.

The legend of Lord Vitthal or Vithoba is disputed but historic and legendary. Lord Vitthal is the focal point of devotion especially among the followers of the Varkari philosophy or Sampradaya of Hinduism as well as the Haridasa sect of Karnataka. He is more popularly worshipped in regions of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

As per the Varkari tradition, “Vitthal” is composed of two words in Sanskrit – Vit meaning Brick and Thal that originated from the Sanskrit word “Sthala” meaning standing. That gives the meaning of “Standing on the brick” to the word “Vitthal”. Hence, God is depicted as a figure of a young boy standing on a brick. There are, however, other interpretations of the meaning as well.

The Varkari Saint Tukaram proposed that Vittha means ignorance and La means one who accepts, creating the word “Vitthala” meaning “God who accepts ignorant people”. Another possible meaning was put forward by historian Ramakrishna Gopal Bhandarkar stating that Vitthu is a Kannada version of Vishnu in Marathi. The suffixes La and Ba are added as a mark of respect creating the names as Vitthala or Vithoba.

The Pandharpur Temple is huge with six entrances. The eastern entrance is called the Namdev gate or the Mahadwaara. The Samadhi of Saint Namdev and Saint Chokoba is situated here. The famed “Namdev Chi Payari” step is the first step out of 12 steps that one must climb to reach the Samadhi. The Pandharpur Temple has a Mandap at the beginning consisting of a Nagarkhana where various musical instruments are placed.

Two Deepmalas can be seen in the west that is lit during festive occasions. The Chowk is lined on both sides with rooms for resident devotees. The Mandap also has shrines dedicated to Garuda and Hanuman. The chowk leads to the Solakhambi Mandap meaning a Mandap with sixteen pillars. The beautiful chamber is engraved with Krishna Lilas and the Avatars of Lord Vishnu. The entrance to the shrine is through a silver door named as the Rupyacha Darwaja.

The idol of the deity Vitthala or Vithoba is made of black stone three and a half feet tall. The idol has a Shivalinga on his head and the Kaustubha Mani around the neck. The idol is placed in front of a Prabhaval, a silver plate in the sanctum.

Several smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Ganapathi, Garuda, Lord Krishna’s consorts Rukmini, Sathyabama and Radha, Kashi Vishwanath, Lord Rama and Lakshman, Kalabhairav, Dattatreya, and Narsoba are present inside the Pandharpur Temple Complex.

Pandharpur Temple Timings

  • Pandharpur Temple opens at 4 AM and closes at 11 PM.
  • The Mukha Darshan (Darshan of the face) can be had at any time without waiting in the queue.
  • The Sparsh Darshan (Touching of the feet) can be had only by standing in a separate queue.

Dress code in Pandharpur Temple

Pandharpur Temple dress code is traditional wear. Men should wear dhoti, pyjama or formal pants and shirt. Women should wear a sari, churidar or a half saree. Children should wear any fully covered dress. There should be an upper cloth present for both men and women.

Pandharpur Temple History

  • The exact date or year of construction of the Pandharpur Temple is debatable but the earliest inscriptions on the oldest structures of the Temple belong to the era of the Yadava dynasty in the 12th and 13th century. However, the name Pandaranga which is another name for Vitthala can be found on a Rashtrakuta Copper plate inscription dated 516 AD postulating that worship of Vitthal started as early as the 6th century.
  • Several inscriptions can be found in the Pandharpur Temple as well as surrounding areas that imply the fact that the Temple existed in the 12th and the 13th century. An inscription in Alandi referring to Vitthal and Rakhumai can be found dating back to 1209. A stone slab dated 1237 AD states that the Hoysala king Someshwara donated a village for expenses incurred during Annadanam in the Temple premises. Besides these, several inscriptions related to Lord Krishna and the Yadava kingdom can be found in and around Temples that date back to 1249 AD and 1277 AD.
  • Krishnadevaraya, king of the Vijayanagara Empire safely took away the idol of Vitthal during the invasion of Muslim rulers. The Pandharpur Temple remained closed for worship for a few years. The idol was then restored by Bhanudas Maharaj in the 14th century and worship restarted.
  • Before independence, the untouchables, and other backward classes were not allowed to enter the Pandharpur Temple premises. Freedom fighter Sane Guruji went on Fast-unto-death to change this custom. He was supported by other Gandhians. Eventually as a result, of this movement, the gates of the Temple were opened for the untouchables and other castes.
  • The legends associated with Lord Vitthala in Pandharpur Temple have been mentioned in the Skanda Puranam, Sthala Puranam, Padma Puranam and the Panduranga Mahatmya. All these legends are centred on one individual named as Pundalik. There are several versions of legends associated with Pundalik and Lord Vitthala.
  • According to the first legend, Pundalik was a staunch devotee of Lord Vishnu. He dedicated his life to the service of his parents. Impressed by his devotion, Lord Gopala Krishna visits him from Govardhan in his Digambar form. Pundalik requests Lord Krishna to remain beside the banks of the River Bhima making it a Tirtha Kshetra. The region described resembles the modern city of Pandharpur.
  • The second legend states that Pundalik was a greedy man who did not take care of his old and ailing parents. When he drove them out, they set out on a pilgrimage to Varanasi on foot with other groups of devotees. Pundalik also eventually decided to go to Varanasi and on his way, stopped for rest on the banks of River Bhima. He observed that three ugly women: Ganga, Yamuna and Godavari went to the house of a poor cobbler after taking the bath. On asking their credentials, they informed that they have to bear the sins of people and got cleansed when they visit the cobbler’s house who treated everyone especially his parents with love. Realization dawned on Pundalik and he immediately asked for forgiveness from his parents and started treating them well.
  • Meanwhile, Radha who loved Lord Krishna visited Dwarka, his kingdom and sat on his lap. Radha ignored Rukmini, Lord Krishna’s queen. Angered by the occurrence, Rukmini left Krishna and left to Dindivana near Pandharpur. Lord Krishna searched for her and eventually landed in Pandharpur where he came across Pundalik’s home. Lord Krishna was impressed with his devotion to the parents and called on Pundalik. But Pundalik asked him to wait as he was busy with his parents and threw a brick outside for the Lord to sit and wait. After finishing his work, Pundalik came out and on seeing Lord Krishna, asked for forgiveness. He asked him to settle here with Rukmini and bless them forever.
  • A small but an interesting legend associated with the Pandharpur temple is related to the naming of the first step of the temple as “Namdev Chi Payari”. Once a child named Namdev was asked by his mother to offer the Naivedyam to Lord Vitthal. Namdev went to the Temple and performed Naivedyam but waited to see God eat the offering. He keeps waiting and becomes disheartened when God does not appear. In his disappointment, he started banging his head on the feet of the Lord. Seeing his innocence and devotion, Lord Vitthal appears before him, eats the offering and blesses him. Namdev requests Lord Vitthal to name the first step of the Temple after him so that all the devotees will touch and pass through him to have the Lord’s darshan. Since then, the temple’s first step is named as “Namdev Chi Payari”. The child became a highly revered Saint in the future.
  • The Rukmini or the Rakhumai Temple has been built separately from Lord Vitthal’s shrine. There is a legend behind the separate shrines for both of them instead of one. Vitthal’s wife was fondly called Padubai and was mostly busy doing the household chores. One day, she was too tired and refused to serve a guest of her husband Vitthal named Maliraya. Vitthal became angry and cursed Padubai that she will become mad and be separated from him. Padubai eventually became mad and left him to the jungle where she died under a Tamarind tree. Her parents Janakoji and Kamalaja came to visit her after the death but were blocked by Vitthal who turned into a snake. He did not allow anyone near the corpse. He created a shower which washed Padubai’s remains into the sea. Maliraya felt guilty as he believed that he had caused this instance and took up penance. The Sea-god granted his wish and returned the bones which he immersed in a proper ritual at the Padmatirtha Lake. Meanwhile, Vitthal was unable to bear the separation from Padubai and wandered in search of her. Eventually, he reached Padmatirtha and found a beautiful Lotus on the bank. As soon as he plucked the flower, it turned into Padubai. However, Vitthal who by the time was free of all materialistic desires decided that both of them will take abode in Pandharpur but in separate shrines to bless their devotees.

Significance of Pandharpur Temple

  • The Pandharpur Temple receives the highest number of pilgrims in Maharashtra every year.
  • The Pandharpur Temple is considered extremely ancient and sacred. It is praised in several Puranas and the famed Saint Sri Adi Shankaracharya even wrote the Pandurangashtakam Stotram praising God Vitthal whose other name is Panduranga in the 8th century.
  • The deity Vitthala has been associated with several Gods in the past. He is worshiped as an avatar of Lord Shiva by strict Shaivites, as the supreme Lord Vishnu by Vaishnavites, as the supreme avatar of Lord Krishna by his sect, as the avatar of Buddha by Buddhists and as a Jain god by the followers of Jainism.
  • It is believed that Lord Vitthala and Rakhumai signify non-attachment to materialistic desires. They symbolize a life of duty, forgiveness and devotion.
  • The Dindi Yatra is a unique feature of the Temple. Thousands of Varkaris, people who worship Lord Vitthal religiously march from their homes in areas like Karnataka and Maharashtra to reach the Temple on foot. This Yatra is called the Dindi Yatra and takes place in June – July.
  • It is widely believed that a holy dip in the Chandrabhaga River washes away all your sins and blesses the devotees with prosperity.
  • In May 2014, the Pandharpur Temple became the first Temple in India to invite women and people from backward classes to assume the responsibilities of Priests.
  • The Kaustubha Mani that is hung around the neck of the deity’s idol is supposed to be one of the precious gems obtained during the mythical tale of the churning of the ocean episode in mythology.

Festivals celebrated at Pandharpur Temple

  • Ashadi Ekadasi or the Shayani Ekadasi – The grand religious procession is celebrated in the month of Ashadha (June – July). The festivities begin on the eleventh day of the month. It is believed that Lord Vishnu falls asleep on the day in the Ksheersagar while lying on the back of the Shesha Naga on this day. The Ksheersagar is the Ocean of Milk that denotes the Milky way that surrounds the directional space. It is also the place where Lord Vishnu reclines over the Shesha Naga and plans to churn the ocean to reveal its Amrit and other miracles. Hundreds of devotees from Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh walk from their homes to the Pandharpur Temple carrying a Palkhi with the “Padukas” or the “Feet” of the Lord. They do so amidst singing bhajans and songs in the praise of Lord. This journey is called the Dindi Yatra. During the Yatra, the devotees perform charity work for the poor and the needy like Annadanam, repair work, medical help, and building work.
  • Prabodhini Ekadasi – The Varkaris offer Poojas at the Pandharpur Vitthal Temple on the 11th day of the Kartik month (November – December), exactly four months after the Shayani Ekadasi. It is believed that Lord Vishnu wakes up from his slumber on this day in the Ksheersagar during the Samudra Manthan episode in mythology.
  • The Magha Ekadasi and the Chaithra Ekadasi are also celebrated by the Varkaris especially. They arrive at the Pandharpur Temple in large numbers during these days and receive the blessings of their beloved Lord.
  • Besides the Ekadasis, Holi, Deepavali, and Dussehra are also celebrated with great pomp and fare. The Pandharpur Temple is decorated and special Poojas are performed for the Lord on these days.

Pandharpur Temple Sevas

  • Kakad Aarti – The Aarti is performed for the Lord at 4:30 AM every day in the Pandharpur Temple. The Kakad Aarti is a form of morning Mangal Aarti which is performed to wake up the deity. Several chants and stotrams are recited to create a holy environment conducive to the waking up of the Lord.
  • Nitya Pooja – The regular Pooja begins with a ritualistic bathing of the Lord with Panchamrit which are Milk, Curd, Honey, Sugar, and Ghee. Then the Lord is decorated and dressed up in the regional attire for the morning darshan. This Pooja is performed between 5 AM to 6 AM.
  • Mahapuja – This Pooja can be performed by the devotees by paying the requisite amount. Several Poojas and shlokas are recited on behalf of the devotee. These rituals are performed between 7 AM to 8 AM.
  • Mahanaivedyam – The Lord is offered food of different varieties mainly consisting of rice, daal, and sweets. This takes place between 11 AM to 11:15 AM.
  • The Poshakh Pooja – The ornaments and the attire of the Lord are changed again for the evening darshan.
  • Dhoop Aarti – The evening Aarti takes place between 7 PM to 7:30 PM. The Lord is offered with Naivedyam afterward as dinner.
  • Shej Aarti – The Night Aarti or the Shej Aarti is performed at 10 PM in the Pandharpur Temple. The ornaments are removed from the deity and milk and sugar is offered. The Lord is allowed to sleep amidst the chants of the priests.

How to reach Pandharpur Temple

  • By Air – The nearest airport to Pandharpur Temple is the Lohegaon airport in Pune which is situated at a distance of 205 km from the city. One can board a bus or hire a taxi from Pune to reach Pandharpur.
  • By Train – The Pandharpur railway station connects various cities and towns in Maharashtra like Pune, Nagpur, Solapur, Latur, and Kopergaon. The Kurduvadi station located about 50 km from Pandharpur caters to devotees from several major cities in India like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Trivandrum, Mysore, Pune, and Jaipur.
  • By Road – The Maharashtra State Transport Corporation operates regular buses from cities like Mumbai, Bijapur, Belgaum, Pune, Solapur and Khandala. Private buses also operate on the route.

Pandharpur Temple Accommodation

Pandharpur offers a wide range of hotels and ashrams for a stay to the devotees. The prices are reasonable. The MTDC (Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation) has constructed a few lodges that can be booked for a stay.

Where to eat

A large number of private restaurants are available that serve delicious local cuisine as well as North Indian and South Indian cuisine.

Nearby Temples

  • Takpitya Vithoba – The small shrine dedicated to Takpitya Vithoba. As per a legend, a woman who was an ardent devotee of Lord Vitthal used to offer buttermilk (tak) and ground lahi (parched Jowar, wheat or rice) daily at the Temple. If unable to reach the Temple, she offered it to Lord Vitthala at home. The Lord was impressed with her devotion and would sometimes come to her home to relish the offerings. The shrine dedicated to the Lord and the woman was built by a widow named Radhabai in 1540 CE. The stone bowl can still be visited that was used to offer food to the Lord himself.
  • Pundalik Temple – The small Temple is situated beside the Chandrabhaga river, just a few kilometers away from the Vitthal Rukmini Temple. This Temple marks the resting place of Pundalik who is credited with the arrival of Lord Vitthal to Pandharpur.
  • Kaikadi Maharaj Math – The Math is situated just 2 km away from the Temple. The complex depicts several mythological occurrences in Hinduism and their significance. The concept of the place is that all the Gods in Hinduism are placed under one roof and their significance explained to the devotees.
  • Vishnupad Temple – The Temple is situated 5 km away from the city. It is believed that one can visit Lord Krishna’s footprints and hoof prints of a cow on a stone slab near the banks of the river. As per the local beliefs, Lord Krishna comes for lunch here every day.
  • Mangalwedha – The land of Mangalwedha is called the “Land of Saints”. The city is the birthplace of several saints like Saint Damaji, Saint Kanhopatra, Saint Basaveshwara, and Saint Chokhamela.

Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir

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Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir: Confluence of Scenic Beauty and Devotion

Matheran is a famous hill station in the district of Raigad in the town of Karjat. It is the smallest hill station in India that attracts lakhs of tourists every year. Matheran is a beautiful tourist destination that attracts many tourists to visit it. The beautiful old british style architecture is preserved in Matheran. For those who want to savor the delights of this scenic beauty, the 38 peaks offer the best views of the hill station. There are indeed many view points in Matheran which will give the panoramic view of the plains below. It offers stunning views of the Sahyadri ranges  and an amazing view of the lights of Mumbai. The various tourist attractions in this place are worth paying for the one who loves the nature beauty. Till date Matheran has maintained and retained the 19th Century colonial ambience. One of the oldest temples located in the hill station of Matheran in the state of Maharashtra in Western India is the Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir. It is one of the few places where there is a presence of Swayambhu Linga which means that it is not build by anybody. The main deity of this temple is Pisharnath who is the village deity. Due to this, the temple is of great significance for the people. The Lingam appears to the devotees as the shape of “L” and it is largely covered with sindhoor. As a result of natural phenomena the stones or the ice forms itself into the shape of Shiva Linga. This temple is located at a height of about 2625 feet above the sea level and is the only hill station in Asia that is free of automobiles. It is located on the banks of a lake which is now known as ‘Charlotte’.

Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir

History and Legend of Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir

  • The shivling in the Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir dates back to such a long time that nobody knows how old it is. Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir  itself is in a dense forested area and the location of the temple is very old. The lingam of Shiva here is considered to the family deity of the folks in the village and they come here to offer prayers at times of all ceremonies and functions.
  • The three main powers which are worshipped by Hindus as their Trimurthis and the most important of these Trimurthis is lord Shiva or Mahadev that is considered to be biggest of all Devs. The most common form of Shiva that is found is most temples is the Linga and there are a few places where there is the presence of the Swayambu Linga. The Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir is one such Swayambu Linga and so this becomes a significant place.
  • During the British era, this hill station was a place for the colonial rulers to escape the hot and humid weather. It was a beautiful escape from the city life. The local railway station for which is built by Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy in 1907 is one of the main attractions of this hill station.

Significance of the Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir

  • Like many Hindu temples, Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir is not constructed with distinctively identifiable features like spires and towers. Besides, the temple is a small red building made out of wood and brick and has a tin roof above it that is built at two different levels. The four walls of the temple are set with windows extending from one end of the wall to the other, and the main entry is gated with a massive thick wooden door. It is believed that devotees can attain iha-para saukhyamsor joys of the mortal and immortal world by praying at this temple. It has great significance among the pilgrims and devotees.
  • The villagers here still follow a culture and they believe that this Shiv Ling is what protects them from all of the trouble and guards them through the day and the night. There is a strong belief about the bad forces that haunt these woods and so, the importance of the shrine becomes multifold as the people come here to pray for their safety from these forces.
  • The temple is set in a beautiful place and gives peace to the visitors in its silent beauty. The scenic surroundings of the temple only helps to amplify the spiritual purity of the place. It offers not only religious and spiritual enrichment but also an unparalleled scenic beauty and gives a great peace of mind.

Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir Timings

The timings of the temple are for 6.00 AM to 12.30 PM and 4.00PM to 9.30PM for the devotees.One of the best time to visit this temple is from September to November and February to March.

Festivals celebrated at the Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir

MahaShivaratri:

Mahashivratri is celebrated on a grand scale here. It is the hindu festival of India celebrated annually in reverence of the God Shiva. Number of devotees come to visit the temple. It is believed that Lord Shiva goes to meet Lord Rama in the Rama Temple and there is a procession through the market of the hill station.

Ram Navami:

It is celebrated with Lord Rama visiting Lord Shiv in the Temple, again with a procession and celebrations throughout the market. Both those days are of major importance with the localites and the procession of the Gods are done in Palkhis!

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air : Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, which is 187 km away from Raigad, is the nearest airport. All the major airlines have service from Mumbai to all major cities in India and many cities abroad including Singapore, Hong Kong, Colombo and gulf countries. Taxis are available from Mumbai to Raigad and costs about Rs 3,000.

By Train : Vir Dasgaon railway station is the nearest railhead to Raigad. This station is connected to Mumbai and Pune with regular trains. Taxi services are available from Vir Dasgaon to Raigad. A Journey by the railways is recommended as it gives the visitors an opportunity to see the beautiful scenery along the way. Moreover, toy trains plying between Neral and Matheran will drop you at the Matheran railway station itself that gives the visitors an experience of a beautiful journey followed by an arrival at a historical landmark.

By Road:  Taxis are another way to get around town. They can be hired from nearby cities and used for local transport as well. Taxis charge around Rs 1500 per day.  A/C taxis and SUV’s such as Toyota Qualis are also available. State transport offer bus regular and frequent services from Mumbai and Pune to Raigad. Raigad is well connected to all neighboring cities by the public transport buses, including Kolhapur (250 km), Pune (102 km), Mumbai (187 km) and Mahabaleshwar (75 km). Public bus charge is less than Rs 4 per km. If you choose to go by car, Matheran is a short hundred kilometre drive from Mumbai. You can leave your car at Dasturi point and take a pony or a hand pulled rickshaw till the main market place from here.

Local Transport: There is a toy train that takes you to the hill station, then there are hand rickshaws that will take passengers up the hill. The best thing to do would be to trek up Matheran and then visit the temple.

Hotels in Matheran: Where to stay

There are many good hotel in Matheran where one can stay. Starting with all prices.

Where to eat

There are various hotels around that offers a wide variety of food, for vegetarians as well as non vegetarians. There are also small market places besides the road. Chikki of matheran is very famous, which is a confection made of gram flour, jaggery and cashew nut. Nariman Chikki Mart located near the railway station in Matheran, is by far the most popular. For the snacks purpose there is Mumbai’s most famous Vada Pav and other foods like Misal, Usal and Jalebi. Food here is the mixture of Maharashtrian and Gujarati dishes. So there are many restaurants in Matheran that will offer the pure Vegetarian meal.

If you want to try the Gujarati thali than Hotel Gujarat Bhavan and Hotel Regal are the best places to go. Hotel Laxmi also offers the traditional Gujarati food but it is less spicy. Besides there are other restaurants Garden View restaurant, Dilawar Bakery that offers you an amazing bakery stuff, Tree Top Restaurant, Deepak Restaurant and many more.

Nearby Temples

Ambarnath Temple: This temple is located on Mumbai-Pune railway line at Akoli. The ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been constructed during 1060. The shrine of Ambarnath is believed to have been built by King Mahamandaleshwar. It is among the revered shrines of the region.

Ram Mandir: The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is visited by devotees from different places. The shrine is bounded by the famous market road where one can obtain various accessories and is popular visiting spot.

Shiv Mandir: This temple was built in 1893 by Shri Jagmohandas Samuldas, a Kapol vanik. Mahashivratri  vastly celebrated throughout Matheran, where the Lord Shiva goes to meet Lord Rama in the Rama Temple and there is a procession through the market of the hill station.

Shivaji’s Ladder: Shivaji’s Ladder and its steps look like a ladder and goes down from One Tree hill point to the Matheran valley. It is said that the Chathrapathi Shivaji Maharaj was using the place as a way for his pleasure trips and hunting options in the Matheran hills. It was rediscovered in 1850 by Hugh Mallet the then collector of Thane District under British rule.

Prabal Fort: The historical fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from Mughal. It is Located on top of Prabal Hills at 2325 feet above sea level, the fort is located 8 km from Panvel. The fort had two gateways and eleven towers in the fortifications and in the year 1818, the gateways were destroyed in the fights.

Other Tourist attractions include

Charlotte Lake: Also known as Sharlott Lake, Charlotte Lake is the prime source of drinking water to Matheran and was built in 1956. The picturesque lake is nested in lusting greenery and attracts many visitors during monsoon.

Alexander Point: It is Located near post office, other 2-3 points, Towers of Bhivpuri Power House, Karjat Palasdari Lake, Borgaon Village are visible.

Echo Point: Echo Point is the central point of the Matheran and most popular among other points. The point offers a panoramic view of the hill station. Echo point is known for echo of screams and yells can be heard from here.

Panthers Caves (Waghachi Gufa): Panthers caves is group of thirty rock caves. Some of these natural caves are dry and some little bit muddy. It is said that a tiger used to live in these caves. The natural formation of the caves attracts many tourists for exploring the unique entity.

Morbe Dam: The dam is built by Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaranon Dhavari River near Khalapur, Raigad district. Morbe Dam is located around 30 km Matheran and popular for weekend picnic from Mumbai and Pune.

Toy Train: Toy train is essentially the travel attraction of Matheran. Moving through the scenic beauty gives a very and calming experience to the visitors.

One Tree Hill Point: Located on Shivaji road within 3 km from post office. A tent Hill, Chowk Village, Mumbai-Pune Highway and Panvel City are visible from here.

The other tourist attraction includes the Louisa Point, Panorama Point, Monkey Point, Garbut Point, King George Point, Mount Berry, Khandala Point and many other.

Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple Guide – Ashtavinayak – Timings, Poojas, and Significance

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Pali Ganpati Temple, also popular as Ballaleshwar Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is one of the eight Ashtavinayak Temples of Pune in Maharashtra. The temple is in Pali village, Raigad district. Moreover, it is the only temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha named after his devotee.

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

Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple – Facts

Deity Lord Ganesha
Location Pali, Maharashtra
Significance Part of Ashtavinayak Temples
Best Time to Visit July – November
Darshan Timings 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry FeesFree
Vehicle Parking Fees Free
Dress Code Traditional
Festivals Bhadrapat, Magh Utsav, Shree Dhundi Vinayak Utsav, and Ganesh Chathurthi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnyVcDEeZFE
Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple Puja and Aarti

Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple – Timings

The timings for Pali Ganapati Temple are:

TimingsFromTo
Regular Temple Timings5:30 AM10:00 PM
Inner Sanctum Timings 5:00 AM11:30 AM
Outer Sanctum Timings5:00 AM10:30 PM
Sankat Chaturthi Timings6:00 AM9:00 AM

Men should wear dhotis to perform pooja in the sanctum of Ballaleshwar Pali Temple.

Which Sevas and Poojas are performed at Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple?

The following Poojas and Sevas are taken place at Pali Ganapati Temple:

PoojasPooja Cost
Abhishek Rs. 21/-
Dugdhabhishek Rs. 101/-
Maha Pooja Rs. 251/-
Shastra Awartan Rs. 501/-
Varshik Puja Rs. 551/-
Laghurudra Awartan Rs. 751/-
Abhishek Puja (bathing the idol with milk & offering honey, fruit, etc) Rs. 25/-
Puja Ekadasi  Rs. 51/-

Flowers, Garlands, Modak, Besan laddo are the main offerings at Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple.

What is the significance of Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati temple?

Ganpati Idol in Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple
The divine idol of Lord Ganpati inside the sanctum of Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple

The significance of Pali Ganpati Temple is that it faces east and is perfectly planned to ensure that the rays from the winter solstice’s rising sun fall directly on the main idol. The temple has two sanctums – the inner sanctum measuring 15 feet and the outer sanctum measuring 12 feet.

A devotee by name Krishnaji Narayan Pinge constructed eight pillars in 1910. The pillars are in the front of the temple and symbolize the eight directions. Lord Ballaleshwar’s idol is 3 ft tall and resembles the shape of a nearby mountain. Moreover, he is accompanied by his consorts Riddhi and Siddhi on either side.

The Dhundi Vinayak has a separate shrine and is one of the rarest idols to face west. Devotees worship the Dhundi Vinayak first. Also, the Pali Ganpati temple structure is of concrete with molten lead. Visitors can also see some of the construction equipment such as the churning wheel. The temple also includes two beautiful lakes.

A unique occurrence is said to take place on the 4th day of Bhadrapa, when Maha Bhog is offered to the temple’s deity, it is believed that the imprint of the deity’s fingers can be seen on the offerings.

What is the architecture of Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple?

Architecture of Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple
The present temple was built by Shree Phadnis of Moradabad and has a unique designing style that portrays the word श्री (Shree)

The present temple’s development work is said to have been finished by Shri Phadnis of Moradabad. It was built in a way that the word श्री (Shree) would form and face the east so that the beams of the Sun would fall legitimately on the god. The primary fascination of this temple is the 15-foot high sanctum.

There are two Sanctums (Girbhagriha) in the temple. Internal sanctum is very huge and is 15 feet high. External sanctum is 12 feet high and it has a rat icon with a Modak in his grasp and facing Lord Ganesh. The Temple walls are made very solid by blending lead with concrete while construction.

Corridor of the temple is 40 feet long and 20 feet broad and it was built by late Shri Krishnaji Ringe in 1910 A.D. The Hall is extremely wonderful with 8 columns resembling Cyprus royal throne tree. The temple’s crest also known as Kalas is enhanced with a brilliant golden sheet which was offered by donations from devotees.

  • The huge metal bell of the temple that was made in Europe.
  • The Palakhi utilized for the procession is additionally covered with silver plates. This likewise has originated from donations by devotees.
  • The bathing utensils of Lord Ganesha like circular pot known as the Ghangal and sitting device the Chaurang, upper arms of the icon and focal hanging the Zumber are covered completely with silver plates.
  • Gold and silver crowns can be seen adorning the icon and fish, which are also offered by devotees.

After vanquishing the Portuguese in Vasai and Sasthi, Chimaji Appa brought these bells and offered them at various Ashtavinayak places.

What is the history of Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati temple? 

The history of the Pali Ganpati Temple is that it is believed to be originally built in the 11th century. Moreshvar Vitthal Sindkar contributed to the construction of the temple in 1640. Also, it was originally made of wood and was renovated in the year 1760 by Moropant Dada Phadnavis.

Legend of Balleleshwar: According to Ganesh Puran, Kalyansheth was a successful businessman in Pallipur. His son Ballal was a devout child who spent most of his time praying and worshipping Lord Ganesh. Then, one day he invited all the children from his village for a special Pooja.

Ballal and his friends kept one large stone and worshipped it as Lord Ganesh. However, the children were so engrossed in their prayers that they did not return home for days. This irritated the villagers who complained to Kalyansheth. Then he came to the Pooja and destroyed the stone and tied Ballal to a tree as punishment.

Ballal cried and prayed to Lord Ganesh who appeared before him as a Sadhu. Ballal identified the Sadhu as the Lord himself and asked for his blessings. He also requested the Lord to always be with him and stay in this place. Hence, Lord Ganesh embraced Ballal and vanished into a stone. Then this stone became the Lord Ballaleshwar idol.

Legend of Dhundi Vinayak: The large stone which Ballal’s father Kalyansheth threw to the ground was known as Dhundi Vinayak. This is believed to be self-manifested or Swayambu and is worshipped before Lord Ballaleshwar.

It is customary to first pray at the Dhundi Ganapathy temple which is just before the main temple.

Which festivals are celebrated at Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple?

Ganesh Chaturthi Festival
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the major festivals in Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple

Some of the festivals celebrated at Pali 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 Pali, Lord Ballaleshwar’s birthday is a five-day festival from Bhadrapath Shudh 1 to Bhadrapath Shudh 5 (August – September)
  2. Jeshath: Similar to Bhadrapath, the Dhundi Vinayak Utsav is a five-day festival from Jeshath Shudh 1 to Jeshath Shudh 5 (May – June)
  3. Shravan: Janmashtami or Krishna Ashtami, Lord Krishna’s birthday is celebrated here with a Dahi Handi event during Shravan ( July- August)
  4. Holi: The colorful festival of Holi is in the month of Phalgun (February/March), on Phalgun Shudh Poornima.
  5. 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.
  6. Ashwin: Devotees celebrate the Dusshera festival here on Ashwin Shudh 10 (September/October). During the festivities, Lord Ballaleshwar is taken on a palanquin procession across the village.
  7. Kakad Aarti: The priest performs a special Kakad Aarti at 5:00 am before Lord Ballaleshwar from Ashwin Vadhya 1 to Karthika Shudh Poornima.
  8. Magh: The Magh Utsav is an important festival at the Ballaleshwar Temple.  Here, the celebrations are held from Magh Shudh 1 to Magh Shudh 6 (January – February). During this period, devotees conduct Bhajans, Kirtans and several programs.

Where to stay near Pali Ganapati Temple?

Places to stay near Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple
The Ballaleshwar Temple charitable trust also runs a Dharamshala or Bhakta Nivas for devotees to stay.

Since Pali is a well-known pilgrimage site, several accommodation options are available to meet the needs of pilgrims. Moreover, the Ballaleshwar Temple charitable trust also runs a Dharamshala or Bhakta Nivas and provides accommodation at a nominal cost. There are 2 options for accommodation in the Bhakti Nivas with 24 Rooms & 2 Halls.

  • In Bhaktnivas No 1 there are a total of 10 rooms available for the devotees. The room charges being Rs.250/- for 5 persons in 1 room.
  • In Bhaktinivas No.2 there are 14 Rooms for the devotees to stay. The room charges being Rs.300/-.
  • For lodging in the hall accommodation, the devotees have to pay a minimal charge of Rs.10/- per person.

How to reach Pali Ganpati Temple?

Map of Ashtavinayak Temples in Maharashtra
The Route Map of all the eight Ashtavinayak Temples in Maharashtra

Here’s how to reach Pali Ganapati Temple:

  • Road – Pali enjoys good roads and several buses operate from Mumbai, Thane, and Pune. The RedBus operates a bus from Mumbai to Ballaleshwar Pali in every 15 minutes. Devotees can get the Tickets at a minimal cost of ₹550 – ₹750 and the journey takes 3h.
  • Rail –  Nearest railway stations are in Khopoli and Karjat. Several buses operate from these stations to Pali. The Indian Railways operates a train from Mumbai to Ballaleshwar Pali once daily. Devotees can purchase the Tickets at ₹150 – ₹1,000 and the journey takes 2h 43m.
  • Air – The nearest airports are in Mumbai and Pune at a distance of 105 km and 127 km respectively. There are numerous numbers of taxis and buses that will take you to Pali from outside the airport.

Where to eat near Pali Ganapati Temple?

Maharastrian Cuisine
Maharashtrian cuisine is extremely popular near Pali Ganpati Temple

There are several eateries and restaurants in and around Pali. Devotees also partake the food provided at the Ballaleshwar Temple.

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

The twin forts of Sarasgad and Sudhagad, from the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji, are popular trekking destinations.

What are the sightseeing places near Pali Ganapati temple?

Sightseeing Places near Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple
The Sudhagad Fort and the hot springs of Uddhar are few of the places to explore near Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple in Pali

Here’s a list of some temples and attractions near Pali Ganapati temple:

  1. Sudhagad Fort: The Sudhagad Fort houses a shrine dedicated to Goddess Bhorai. Bhrigu Maharishi installed the shrine. The Sudhagad Fort is 15 km from the Ballaleshwar Temple.
  2. Gramdevata Vardayini Temple, Usar: Goddess Vardayini blessed Lord Rama at this place. This temple is 9 km from the Ballaleshwar Temple.
  3. Uddhar: This is the place where Lord Rama’s devotee, Jatayu had fought Ravana after he had abducted Sita. The place has hot springs and also a pond. Also, the water from the pond has the ability to dissolve bones and devotees perform Asthi Visarjana here. Uddhar is 14 km from the Ballaleshwar Temple
  4. Siddheshwar Temple: The Siddheshwar Temple is for Lord Shiva and houses a Linga. Moreover, the temple is over 350 years old and is 3 km from Pali.

What are the other Ashtavinayak Temples?

Asthavinayak Temple
Different Idols of the Ashtavinayak Temples in Maharashtra

The 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. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri – This temple is the sixth in the list of Ashtavinayak Temples. Goddess Parvathi performed penance at this place to have a child. Then her prayers were answered when Lord Ganesh was born. So, the temple gets its name from the words Girija (Parvathi) and Atmaj (son).
  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 Pali Ganpati Temple –

Is there online booking available for Chintamani Ganpati Temple?

Entry to the temple is free and no booking is needed to visit the temple.

Can I drive from Mumbai to Ballaleshwar Pali?

Yes, the driving distance between Mumbai to Pali Ganpati Temple is 104 km. It takes approximately 1h 25m to drive from Mumbai to Pali.

Where can we stay near Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple?

There are more than 25+ hotels available in Ballaleshwar Pali route. The prices start at ₹3,000 per night. Moreover, there are Dharamshala or Bhakta Nivas that can be found in cheap rates.

What is the cheapest and easiest way to get from Mumbai to Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple?

The cheapest and easiest way to get from Mumbai to Pali Ganpati Temple is to drive which costs ₹750 – ₹1,200 and takes 1h 25m.

What is the nearest airport to Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple?

The nearest airports are in Mumbai and Pune at a distance of 105 km and 127 km.

What is the temperature in Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple, Pali?

The maximum temperature in summer can reach till 35°C. The minimum temperature that can fall down is 13°C in winter.

Where is the Dhundi Vinayak Temple situated?

The Dhundi Vinayak Temple is situated behind the main temple of Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple.

What is the significance of Dhundi Vinayak Temple?

The idol in this temple is believed to be Swayambhu. The idol of Dhundivinayak faces west. Devotees first visit this temple before going to the main temple.