Ashtvinayaka Darshan

1-      Morgaon :

One of the Ashtavinayak is Mayureshwar, in Morgaon at the distance of 64 kms from Pune.This murti is “Swayambhu”not sculpted by human hands. Morya Gosavi built this in the 14th century. Ganpati took birth as Mayureshwar riding a peacock to kill Sindhu who was son of Chakrapani had powerful by worshipping Surya and was attacking Gods and imprisoned them. In this place Sindhu’s head fell down. People believe on that the Ashtvinayaka Yatra should starts from moregaon.

2-      Ranjangaon  :

One of the Ashtvinayaka is known as Mahaganapati at Ranjangaon, distance of 70 km from Pune on Pune-Nagar Road. It has ten trunks and twenty arms because of this its size is huge. The original idol was very big but was hidden to prevent its destruction and now a day’s smaller idol was installed instead. It is also “Swayambhu”.

3-   Pali  :

Pali’s Ballaleshwar is third Ganesh out of total eight in "Ashtvinayaka". This Ganpati is in Raigad District, 30 kms.away from Karjat and 110 kms from Pune,in Maharashtra. There are two lakes in front of the temple. In the innermost part of the temple, there is a three-foot Ganesh idol. There are 96 steps carved in stone.

4-   Theur :

 Chintamani Vinayak is one of the Ganpati of Ashtvinayaka situated at Theur about 25 km off Pune-Solapur Road, near Uruli Knchan. The village is along the river Mulamutha. . The place where Brahma achieved the quietude he was looking for is known as the Sthavar region or as Theur.Lord Ganesha as Chintamani is god who brings peace of mind and drives away all perplexities of the mind. 

5-  Siddhatek  :

 

One of the Ashtvinayaka is known as Siddhatek in Nagar district, this place is about 99 km from Pune off Pune-Solapur Road. Siddhatek is situated on the banks of Bhima River. This is also "Swayambhu" as was found or, not sculpted by human hands. Lord Brahma created a world with blessings of Ganpati in that time Vishnu woke up & two fierce demons Madhu and Kaitaba escaped from his ears, Lord Shiva pointed out that Vishnu had started without worshipping Ganpati, so Vishnu invoked Ganpati on Siddhatek hill. The shrine is particularly popular during the festivals of Ganesh Jayanti, Vijayadashami and Somvati Amavasya. 

6-   Mahad  : 

 

This Ganpati is situated near Khopoli, distance of 87 km off Pune-Mumbai Road. The name of this Vinayak is Varad Vinayak meaning the one who blesses all the wishes. Mahad village is situated in Khalapur taluka of Raigad District.Mahad is surrounded by picturesque surrounding. This Temple is very beautiful; Elephants are situated at all corners of temple. The most attraction of the temple is a lamp which is burning constantly since 1892. 

7-   Ozar  : 

 

This Temple is built in 1833 & the murti of Ganpati is “Swayambhu” not sculpted by human hands. It is situated at Ozar, distanc about 102 kms from Pune and 10 kms from Junnar. Peshwa made a golden top of the temple after he defeated the Portuguese in a war. This Ganpati called “Vighneshwar”because believed that after visiting this place God takes away your problems.

8-   Lenyadri  :

 

This temple around 97 km away from Pune, near Ozar. This is “Swayambhu”not sculpted.Lenyadri is also known as Shri Girijatmaka situated on a hill on the banks of Kukdi river at Lenyadri. It's said that Parvati spent time here in penance and gave birth to Ganesha. There are 283 stairs to climb to reach the temple.All the caves of Lenyadri are being taken care of by the Archeological Department of Govt. of India. The steps are not so easy to climb and hence recommended not to go in the evening.