Ashtavinayak Yatra is a pilgrimage tour of eight ancient and holy temples of Lord Ganesha located in and around Pune, Maharashtra. The word “Ashtavinayak” means “eight Ganeshas,” and the pilgrimage route covers a distance of around 800 km. In this article, we will provide you with the sequence of the Ashtavinayak temples, their route map, and significance.
The Eight Ashtavinayak Temples
| Temple Name | Location | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Moreshwar Temple | Morgaon, Pune District, Maharashtra | August to February |
| Siddhivinayak Temple | Siddhatek, Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra | January to February and September to December |
| Ballaleshwar Temple | Pali, Raigad District, Maharashtra | November to March |
| Varadvinayak Temple | Mahad, Raigad District, Maharashtra | October to March |
| Chintamani Temple | Theur, Pune District, Maharashtra | August to February |
| Girijatmaj Temple | Lenyadri, Pune District, Maharashtra | September to February |
| Vighnahar Temple | Ozar, Pune District, Maharashtra | August to February |
| Mahaganapati Temple | Ranjangaon, Pune District, Maharashtra | August to February |
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- Note: It’s important to note that these are just general recommendations for the best time to visit each temple, and it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and local events before planning a visit. Additionally, these temples are often busiest during major festivals and holidays, so it’s best to plan accordingly to avoid crowds.
- Moreshwar Temple, Morgaon: The first temple on the Ashtavinayak Yatra is the Moreshwar Temple in Morgaon. It is believed to have been built in the 14th century and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, also known as Mayureshwar. The temple is said to be the starting point of the Ashtavinayak Yatra.
- Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek: The second temple on the Ashtavinayak Yatra is the Siddhivinayak Temple in Siddhatek. The temple is believed to have been built during the time of the Peshwas and is located on the banks of the Bhima River. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Ganesha, also known as Siddhivinayak.
- Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali: The third temple on the Ashtavinayak Yatra is the Ballaleshwar Temple in Pali. The temple is believed to have been built in the 17th century and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, also known as Ballaleshwar. The temple is unique as it is the only temple where Lord Ganesha is worshipped by the name of his devotee.
- Varadvinayak Temple, Mahad: The fourth temple on the Ashtavinayak Yatra is the Varadvinayak Temple in Mahad. The temple is believed to have been built in the 18th century and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, also known as Varadvinayak. The temple is located on the banks of the river Savitri.
- Chintamani Temple, Theur: The fifth temple on the Ashtavinayak Yatra is the Chintamani Temple in Theur. The temple is believed to have been built in the 17th century and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, also known as Chintamani. The temple is located on the banks of the river Mula-Mutha.
- Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri: The sixth temple on the Ashtavinayak Yatra is the Girijatmaj Temple in Lenyadri. The temple is unique as it is the only Ashtavinayak temple that is located on a mountain. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Ganesha, also known as Girijatmaj.
- Vighnahar Temple, Ozar: The seventh temple on the Ashtavinayak Yatra is the Vighnahar Temple in Ozar. The temple is believed to have been built during the reign of the Yadava dynasty and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, also known as Vighnahar.
- Mahaganapati Temple, Ranjangaon: The eighth and final temple on the Ashtavinayak Yatra is the Mahaganapati Temple in Ranjangaon. The temple is believed to have been built during the time of the Peshwas and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha.