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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.

Khandoba Temple

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People have been visiting various places to pay their respects to various deities across the world. Tourism has been redefined once again through religious purposes.  By the Biblical period, these vital religious centers serve not only an essential constituent of the cultural landscape but have also become major players in local marketing too. Religious travel and tourism have become an important aspect of the industry and all major travel organizations are offering comprehensive packages to clients as well. In the contemporary world, the tourism market has expanded significantly and hence it includes sub-niches that range from luxurious travel plans to backpacking and from religious institutional travel to volunteer-oriented experiences. Traveling on a pilgrimage does not merely refer to visiting a particular destination, but it is also coupled with a humanitarian cause. While people may go to a particular place to worship a specific deity, the travel also has additional attractions. Jejuri is a city in Maharashtra that comes under the Pune district. It is famous for being the abode of Lord Khandoba. This town is popular for being the home to one of the most sacred temples in the state and hence this place is also called as the Khandobachi Jejuri. The Khandoba Temple is situated in the Jejuri town which lies in the south-eastern region of Pune. It is a very popular temple which stands favorite among the tourists for not only its brilliant architecture but also for the legends that are associated with this sacred place of worship.

History and Legend of Khandoba Temple

  • According to the legends, the story starts with Aurangzeb attacking the sanctuary amid one of his crusades when he conquered another fort named the Daulat Mangal Fort which is close to this spot. He saw the Jejuri fortress (which was enclosing the sanctuary) post conquering the Daulat Mangal fort. He wanted to conquer the Jejuri Fort too and therefore reached with his armed force to this fort. However, he found that the strong doors were shut. So he needed to break the walls of the fort in order to invade. He then requested to make a hole in the wall by putting an explosive precisely at the spot where the Savalaksha Bhunga lies now.
  • At this time, there a large swarm of bees appeared from the hole in quick succession. These honey bees attacked the armed force of Aurangzeb with loud noise by covering every warrior’s body. So the soldiers informed this to Aurangzeb who was completely paralyzed. At this time, a Hindu soldier informed him about the power of Lord Khandoba who is ever watchful to protect his fans. He then recommended that by showing up before the Lord is the only way to resolve the problem. So, Aurangzeb made an offering of One Lakh and a quarter coins to God Khandoba. At the point when the offering was made, the honey bees vanished soon. So Aurangzeb did not know how it happened, but rather understood that God was so intense that he had to bow down before Khandoba.
  • Jejuri has additionally been a truly imperative spot as Shivaji met his dad Shahaji here after a long stretch. The meeting is actually very important as both of them talked about the methodologies that can be used against the Mughals. At that period, Jejuri was one of the major hill forts in the southern region.

Significance of the Khandoba Temple

  • Khandoba otherwise known as Khanderao, Khanderaya, Malhari Martand and Mallu Khan is a territorial Hindu divinity, revered as Martanda Bhairava, a type of Shiva, mostly in the Deccan level of India.
  • The worship of Khandoba started during the 9th and 10th centuries from a folk deity into a composite of God having the qualities of Shiva, Bhairava, Surya and Karttikeya Skanda. He is defined either as a Lingam or as a picture riding a bull or a horse.
  • The temple of Khandoba at Jejuri has been built on the top of a small hill. A devotee needs to climb almost 200 steps to reach this holy place.
  • It is considered to be among one of the important Gods who is more significantly worshiped by Dhangar, the oldest tribes in Maharashtra.
  • Moreover, the pilgrims believe that the Lord Khandoba is also the God of Sakamabhakti i.e. the God who fulfills all the desires of his devotees.
  • The competition of handling the sword on Dussera Day is very popular at Jejuri because the participants have to lift the sword high for the maximum time.
  • One can without much difficulty, see the view of Saswad and Dive Ghat if the climate stands suitable. The pilgrims can enjoy the number of “Deep Mala “( Light Stands of Stones ) while climbing the slope. Jejuri is truly well known for its old Deep Mala. The sanctuary over the slope is beautiful. Despite the fact that it is a simple temple, yet it still looks lovely. The sanctuary can be partitioned into Mandap and Gabhara. The two bells and icons in the sanctuary are gorgeous.
  • The idol of the Khandoba shrine stands equally amazing. There are various weapons like sword, damaru and paral which are historically important. People visit Jejuri to see the crystal stands too.
  • Some of the common terms include ‘Khandobacha Yelkot’ and ‘Jay Malhar’. There are many sculptures situated in and around this sacred place of worship.

Khandoba Temple Timings

  • The temple remains open for its devotees from 6 A.M. to 8 P.M.
  • Devotees can offer prayers at all days in a week.

Khandoba Temple Food Timings

  • The temple offers Prasad to the devotees after 2 P.M.
  • Pilgrims can also offer Prasad to the deity in the form of fruits and dry sweets.

Festivals celebrated at the Khandoba Temple

  • On Dussera, an annual festival is organized on a large scale. Khandoba Palanquin procession is the main event during this occasion. This is carried from the Kadepathar cliff to the main shrine. After the procession, nearly at dawn, a 30 feet Ravanimage is burnt. A fire cracker show is organized and the experience it provides is one of its kinds.
  • Mahasivaratri is another event that is celebrated with pomp by the devotees. Pilgrims gather in the temple since early morning and offer pooja to the Lord. People worship throughout the night and sadhus chant hymns.
  • Some other festivals that are observed in this temple include Ram Navami, Diwali etc.

Poojas and Rituals of Khandoba Temple

  • Abhishek is performed on the Swayambhu Linga in the early morning at 5 A.M.
  • The Lord is offered garlands, incense sticks, Bilva leaves, sweets, and fruits. Lamps are lit and the Shiva mantra “OM Namah Shivaya” is recited.
  • When a devotee offers milk or water to the Shivalinga, it flows in a particular direction. This sacred water should not be crossed.

How to Reach: Road, Rail, and Air

  • By Air- Traveling by air is considered to be the best option for people who want to travel in less time. For such travelers, the Pune Airport is the nearest airport in order to reach the Khandoba Temple. There are cab services available from the airport for commuters.
  • By Train- Railways is the backbone when it comes to Indian mode of transportation. Every day there are numerous passengers who travel by train. And, Jejuri can also be reached from any location in India. There are many express and passenger trains that halt at the Jejuri Railway Station. From there, one can hire a taxi or opt for a bus to reach the auspicious temple.
  • By Road- For people who love to travel by roads, the Khandoba Temple is easily connected with all the national and state highways. Driving is approx 200 km from Mumbai to Jejuri road. While driving, it is vital that you take the Pune Expressway (drive approx 110km on Expressway) exit to Mumbai Pune Bypass road (drive approx 40km keeping right) then turn left to Angraj road ending in Jejuri road.

Hotels in Maharashtra: Where to stay

There are various kinds of accommodation available for tourists who visit the state of Maharashtra. From luxurious to budget hotels, there are many options for the travelers. The rent of the rooms depends on the one selects. The rooms are generally well furnished and equipped with all modern facilities. Some hotels even have private balconies for guests to retire. It is always advisable to book your hotels in advance if you plan to reside near the Khandoba Temple. There are not many hotels available in that region. For people who love pampering, choose your accommodation that provides personalized spa services. In general, all the leading hotels offer pickup and drop services to the airports and major railway stations for their clients.

Where to eat

Maharashtra cuisine is generally spicy in nature. People in this region prefer vegetarian food but all the international restaurants offer nonvegetarian eating options as well. Some breakfast options that are relished by both the tourists and the natives alike include poha, upma, samosa, and jalebi. Vada pav and Misal pav are distinct to this region. For a more comprehensive meal as lunch, one can either order separate dishes or opt for a Thali system. A Thali basically refers to a complete meal which comprises of rice, roti, dal, vegetables, pickle, dahi, salad and a sweet. And individuals who would prefer to opt for fine dining; there are many leading restaurants that offer international cuisines at a competitive price range. From Mexican to Thai and Italian, there are assortments of options for people who love to gorge on unique dishes every time.

Nearby Temples

  • Aangameshwar Mandir- It is a perfect destination for people who want to plan a pilgrimage tour with your dear ones. World standards, extraordinary architecture, innovative layouts, and well-thought execution make the place a highly coveted point of tourist interest. This temple at Saswad is quite popular among the devotees.
  • The Yamai Devi Temple- Itis situated in a hill complex at Pune in Maharashtra. The top of the hill can either be reached by using the steps that begin at the bottom of the hill or by car utilizing a somewhat unsafe road. The icon of Devi Mahishasur Mardini Yamai in black stone is almost around 2 meters high and is in a cross-legged sitting position. The sanctuary is the family place of worship for countless families. The highest point of the sanctuary has pictures and icons of different Hindu gods.
  • Vithal Rakhumai Temple- It is the fundamental center of worship for Vitthal, accepted to be a form of Bhagwan Krishna or Vishnu and his consort Rakhumai. It is the most visited sanctuary in Maharashtra. The Warkaris begin walking from their homes to the sanctuary of Pandharpur in gatherings called Dindi to reach on Aashadhi Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi. A dip in the holy river of Chandrabhaga on whose banks Pandharpur lives is believed to wash away all the sins of the devotees. All the devotees are permitted to touch the feet of the idol of Vithoba.
  • Rokdoba Hanuman Mandir- It is a famous and popular temple that is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Pilgrims who visit the Khandoba Temple definitely pays a tribute to this shrine as well. It serves as a prominent sightseeing attraction and there is also a Lord Rama temple located nearby this temple. Although visitors throng the temple all around the year but it is during special occasions like Ram Navami and Dussera that the numbers go up. People stand in the queue to offer pooja and seek blessings of the Almighty. There are special poojas that are performed in this temple during that time. The temple remains open on all days in a week.

Ozar Ganpati Temple Guide – Vigneshwara Ashtavinayak – Timings, Poojas, and Significance.

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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.

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

Ozar Ganpati Temple – Facts

DeityLord Ganesha
LocationOzar, Maharashtra
SignificanceAsthavinayaka Temples
Best Time to VisitSeptember to February
Darshan Timings5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Entry FeesFree
Dress CodeTraditional (no compulsion)
FestivalsGanesh Jayanti, Ganesh Chaturthi
Ozar Ganpati Temple – Full Darshan Tour

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.

Riddhi and Siddhi are the consorts of Lord Ganesha, who stand on the two sides of the idol of Ganesha in Ozar

The Ozar Ganpati temple is the 7th temple in the Asthavinayaka Yatra.

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.

When Lord Ganesha defeated Vignasura, he was renamed Vigneshwara Vinayaka

What are festivals in Ozar Ganpati Temple?

The major festivals celebrated at Ozar Ganpati temple are:

During the five-day festival starting on Kartik Poornima the Ozar Ganpati temple celebrates each day by lighting up the Deepamala.

  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.
Ganesh Jayanti festival is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha

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.

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

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.

Maharashtrian cuisine is extremely popular around Ozar Ganpati temple

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.
Bhimshankar Jyotirlinga temple situated at a distance of 220 km from Ozar Ganpati temple

What are the other Ashtavinayak Temples?

The other Ashtavinayak Temples are:

  1. Moreshwara Temple – Situated in Morgaon it is the 1st Asthavinayak temple. It is a shrine to Lord Ganesh and lies along the banks of the Karha river. It is visited by pilgrims all over the world.
  2. Siddhivinayak Temple – Situated in Siddhatek is the 2nd Asthavinayak temple. It is the most popular and has a castle-like structure. People from all over the world come by to pay their respects to Lord Ganesha in this temple.
  3. Ballaleshwar Temple – Situated in Pali, it is 3rd Asthavinayak temple. It is the only Asthavinayak Ganesha temple that is famous by the name of its devotee. Ancient mythology says that Shri Ganesh pleased by Ballal’s devotion decided to remain in Ballal’s stone idol of him. I
  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 6th Asthavinayak temple. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this temple witnesses several devotees every day.
  7. Mahaganpati Temple– Situated at Ranjangaon, it is the 8th Asthavinayak temple. A holy shrine to Lord Ganesha, it witnesses major celebrations during Ganesh Chathurthi. Thousands of pilgrims come by every day.
All 8 Vigneshwara Asthavinayaka temples across Maharashtra

Frequently Asked Questions about Ozar Ganpati Temple –

Is the Ozar Ganpati temple open on all days?

Yes, the Ozar Ganpati temple is open on all 365 days of the year.

Is there an entry fee for Ozar Ganpati temple?

There is no charge for entry or darshan in Ozar Ganpati temple.

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

The temperature in Ozar Ganpati temple during August/September, the peak festival season ranges from 21°C to 29°C.

Are there any sightseeing activities around Ozar Ganpati temple?

Yes, there are sightseeing activities in the form of boating, speed boating, etc., nearby Kukadi river at minimal prices.

Can one carry mobiles and gadgets inside the Ozar Ganpati temple?

There are no restrictions about mobiles and gadgets inside the temple.

What are the darshan timings for Ozar Ganpati temple?

The darshan timings are 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day for Ozar Ganpati temple.

What is the nearest airport from Ozar Ganpati temple?

The nearest airport from Ozar Ganpati temple is the Pune International airport.

Does Ozar Ganpati temple have a prasadalaya?

Yes, Ozar Ganpati temple has a prasadalaya that is the place where all the pilgrims get the Maha prasad’s in the morning and in the afternoon.

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

Parli Vaijnath Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Parli Vaijnath Temple or Parli Vaidyanath Temple is located in Parli, in the state of Maharashtra and belongs to the celebrated list of 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. The Vaijnath Temple Linga is also popular as Dhanavantari and Amriteshwari. The Linga consists of the Saligram stone and has a very smooth surface.

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

Parli Vaijnath Temple – Facts

Deity Lord Vaijnath (Lord Shiva)
Location Parli, Maharashtra
Significance Jyotirlinga
Tours 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra Tour
Darshan Timings 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
PoojasRudrabhisek
Entry FeeGeneral Darshan – Free
VIP Darshan – Rs. 150/- per person
Best Time to VisitJune to August
FestivalsShravan Maas, Mahashivratri
Nearest AirportNanded
Nearest Railway Station Parli
Jyotirlingas in
Maharashtra 		Sri Aundha Nagnath, Sri Trimbakeshwar,
Sri Grishneshwar, Sri Bhimashankar
https://youtu.be/S0gU60I5V7w
Parli Vaijnath Temple Video

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

The 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra

What are the timings of Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Parli Vaijnath temple opens at 5:00 AM in the morning and closes at 9:00 PM in the evening. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as aarti and poojas.

The timings of the Parli Vaijnath Temple are as follows:

Rituals Timings
Darshan5:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Abhishek5:00 AM – 7:00 AM
Afternoon Pooja1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Bhasma Pooja3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

What is the significance of Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga
The Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga is said to be the last among all the Jyotirlingas.

People believe that since Lord Vishnu hid both the Amrit and the Dhanavantari in the Linga,  anyone who touches the Linga can receive the power of Amrit. Parli is also a meeting place of Hari Hara. Festivals of both Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Shiva) are celebrated here.

Devotees are allowed to touch the Parli Vaijnath Linga during worshipping and this helps in healing and reaping various health benefits. In fact, devotees themselves perform the Abhisheka here and they use the Bilva leaves purchased outside the Parli Vaijnath Temple precincts.

Devotees from all walks of life, castes, and religion are welcome to visit this sacred Parli Vaijnath Temple. There is absolutely no discrimination. According to Puranas, Lord Vaidhyanath blessed sage Markandeya and he became immortal.

Rani Ahilyabai brought in special stones from the Trishul Devi mountain range for the Parli Vaijnath renovation. A minaret outside the Parli Vaijnath has special Gwakshas (windows). When the sun’s rays pass through the windows, they fall directly on the Shiva Linga. at this time, the priests offer special prayers and poojas to the Sun God.

The waters of the nearby Harihara Teerth is brought to the Parli Vaijnath daily for the Linga pooja.

What is the history of Parli Vaijnath Temple?

The history of Parli Vaijnath Temple is that it was built in the 1700s. It was renovated by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar, the Queen of the Maratha Malwa Kingdom at that time. Two very popular legends are associated with this temple. One legend talks about the Amrit and the other talks about the demon king Ravana and his quest to own Shiva.

Legend of the Amrit

Samudra Manthan
The Samudra Manthan was the churning of the Ocean of Milk and out came 14 ratnas, including Vish and Amrit.

When the Gods and Demons were churning the ocean and competing for the Divine Nectar or Amrit, fourteen gems emerged from the process. It included Dhanavantari and Amrit.

Just as the demons were about to pounce on the Amrit, Lord Vishnu grabbed both Dhanwantri and Amrit and hid them inside a Shiva Linga. The angered demons tried to break the Linga, but when they touched it bright light emanated. This scared the demons and they fled from the place.

Since this is the place where the Devas successfully received the Amrit, the village became popular as Vaijayanthi and therefore the temple as Parli Vaijnath.

Legend of Ravana and Shiva Linga

The demon King Ravana did severe penance and even cut off his heads to please Lord Shiva. Moved by his sacrifice, Lord Shiva offered several boons, and Ravana requested that Lord Shiva come to Lanka. The Lord accepted and instructed Ravana to carry his Shiva Linga and warned him not to keep it down anywhere till he reached his destination.

During the journey, Ravana wanted to take a break and instructed a shepherd to carry the Linga for a while. Unaware of the Lord’s instruction, the shepherd put the heavy Linga down for a brief moment. The Lord thus stayed there at the place and became popular as Vaidhyanath.

What are the sevas and poojas performed at Parli Vaijnath Temple?

The sevas and poojas that take place at Parli Vaijnath Temple are:

PoojaTimings
Somvar PoojaEvery Monday
Shadopachar5:00 AM
Shringar Pooja6:00 PM

What are the festivals celebrated at Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Mahashivaratri, Vaikunth Chaturdashi, Tripuri Pournima, Vijayadashami and Chaitra Padva are important festivals. There is a unique practice during these festivals – priests present Bilva leaves to Lord Vishnu, which is usually an offering to Shiva. Similarly, they offer the Tulsi leaves to Lord Shiva, which is usually an offering to Vishnu.

Some of the festivals celebrated at Parli Vaijnath are:

  • Shravan month: Shravan Maas falls on the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, starting late July and ending by the third week of August. During the Shravan Maas, the chanting of the Rudra Mantra echoes in the entire village of Parli.
  • Mahashivratri: It is the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It usually occurs in late February to early March.
  • Vijayadashami: Also known as Dussehra, this festival signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated after the nine days of Navratri.

How to Reach Parli Vaijnath Temple?

Here’s how to reach Parli Vaijnath:

  • Air: The nearest airport is in Nanded, 105 km from the Parli Vaijnath.
  • Train: The nearest station is Parli and is 2 km from the Parli Vaijnath. Direct trains operate from Secunderabad, Kakinada, Manmad, Vishakapatnam, and Bangalore.
  • Road: Several buses connect from Aurangabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and other nearby cities.

Where to stay near Parli?

There are a number of budget accommodations available at Parli where one can stay. You can also find accommodation in the state-run MTDC cottages.

Where to eat nearby?

Most of the hotels that offer accommodation also have in-house restaurants where travelers can eat. Restaurants can be found at the Parli Vaijnath temple area. Travelers usually choose to eat in Ambajogai area, which is 20 km away from the Parli Vaijnath, as one can find more restaurant options in this area.

What are some temples nearby?

Exploring Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra
There are four more Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra apart from the Parli Vaijanath Temple.

Some temples near Parli Vaijnath are:

  1. Yogeshwari Temple, Ambajogai: The Yogeshwari Temple is for Goddess Yogeshwari who married Parli Vaijnath. Puranas say that by the time the wedding party arrived at Parli, the auspicious time had passed and the entire party turned into stone. The Yogeshwari temple is 25 km from Ambajogai.
  2. Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple: The Aundha Nagnath Temple in the village of Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra is the first of the Jyotirlingas. The temple is 118 km from the Parli Vaidhyanath temple.  Yudhishtra, the eldest of the Pandava brothers built the temple during their exile. It is a part of the well known 5 Jyotirlinga tour in Maharashtra.
  3. Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is near Pune and is 387 km from Parli Vaijnath. The Linga here is self-manifested and is one of the five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra.
  4. Grisheshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: Temple is located in Verul, Beed District, Maharashtra. This temple is the last of the Jyotirlingas and for devotees who undertake the Jyotirlingas pilgrimage, a visit to this temple completes their journey. Grishneshwar temple is 246 km from Parli.
  5. Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Trimbakeshwar Temple is in the town of Trimbak, Nashik District, Maharashtra. The temple is 397 km from Vaijnath Temple. The Linga has three faces symbolizing Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.

Frequently Asked Questions about Parli Vaijnath Temple

Is the Parli Vaijnath Temple open throughout the year?

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

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Parli Vaijnath Temple is free of cost.

Can anyone visit the Parli Vaijnath temple?

Yes. Anyone from any caste, creed, and religion can offer their prayers at the temple.

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?

No. There is no facility for specially-abled and senior citizens.

Which is the best time to visit the Parli Vaijnath 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 the 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.

If you have any questions about the Parli Vaijnath Temple, please leave a comment below and we will get back to you within one hour.

Pandharpur Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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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.