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Shree Ashtavinayak - श्री अष्टविनायक

Shree Ashtavinayak

Shree Ashtavinayak - the eight ancient holy temples of Lord Ganesha located in Maharashtra, out of which two are located in Raigad district, five are in Pune district and one in Ahmednagar District. All the Eight Temples are known to be Swayambhu (self-originated). Ashtavinayak darshan yatra is a pilgrimage to these eight Ganesha temples in a pre-ascertained sequence. (Shree Moreshwar Temple - Morgaon, Shree Siddhivinayak Temple - Siddhatek, Shree Ballaleshwar Temple - Pali, Shree Varadavinayak Temple - Mahad, Shree Chintamani Temple - Theur, Shree Girijatmaj Temple - Lenyadri, Shree Vighnahar Temple - Ozar, Shree Mahaganapati Temple - Ranjangaon).
I visited these temples in 1999 for the first time and since then kept on visiting those temples almost every year, with family or friends and sometimes even with the thrilling experience of biking. Hopefully I’ll continue to do so in future. Temples, Places and facilities were found improved(?) in every visit. Sharing here with you some of those holy places and captured memories... 


स्वस्ति श्री गणनायको गजमुखो मोरेश्वरः सिद्धिदः

बल्लाळस्तु विनायकस्त्वथ मढे चिंतामणिस्थेवरे ।

लेण्याद्रौ गिरिजात्मजः सुवरदो विघ्नेश्वरश्चौझरे

ग्रामे-रांजणसंस्थितो गणपतिर्कुर्यात् सदा मंगलम् ।।


महाराष्ट्राचे आराध्य दैवत श्री गणपती. महाराष्ट्रातील त्याच्या आठ पवित्र देवळांचा संच म्हणजे अष्टविनायक. ह्यामधील एक देऊळ अहमदनगर जिल्ह्यात, दोन देवळे रायगड जिल्ह्यात आणि पाच देवळे पुणे जिल्ह्यात वसलेली आहेत. ही आठही देवळे "स्वयंभू" आणि जागृत मानली जातात. साधारण पणे या अष्टविनायकांचे दर्शन शास्त्रोक्त क्रमाने घेतले जाते. (श्री मोरेश्वर - मोरगाव, श्री सिद्धिविनायक - सिद्धटेक, श्री बल्लाळेश्वर - पाली, श्री वरदविनायक - महड, श्री चिंतामणी - थेउर, श्री गिरिजात्मज - लेण्याद्री, श्री विघ्नहर - ओझर, श्री महागणपती - रांजणगाव.)


मी १९९९ मध्ये पहिल्यांदा ह्या देवळांना भेट दिली. त्या नंतर माझ्या सुदैवाने आणि श्रीकृपेने आजपर्यंत प्रत्येक वर्षी, कधी कुटुंबियांसमवेत तर कधी मित्र मंडळींबरोबर तर कधी चक्क बायकिंगचा थरारक अनुभव घेत, माझं ह्या पवित्र यात्रेला जाणं होतंय. भविष्यातही ते असंच चालू राहील अशी श्री चरणी प्रार्थना करतो .


|| गणपती बाप्पा मोरया ||

Mayureshwar Ganpati – Morgaon, Pune श्री मयुरेश्वर गणपती – मोरगाव, पुणे

The first stop of the Ashtavinayak Yatra, Mayureshwar Ganpati temple is located near the Karha River. This is where Lord Ganesha is believed to have taken the form of Mayureshwar to defeat the demon Sindhu. The temple has 11 steps. At its entrance stand a huge mouse, Nandi and tortoise — symbols of devotion and steadiness.



अष्टविनायक यात्रेची सुरुवात होते मोरगावच्या मयुरेश्वर गणपतीपासून. कर्हा नदीच्या काठावर वसलेलं हे स्थान अत्यंत पवित्र मानलं जातं. इथेच गणपतीने मयूरावर आरूढ होऊन सिंधू राक्षसाचा वध केल्याची कथा प्रसिद्ध आहे. मंदिरासमोर मोठा मूषक आहे. मंदिराच्या अकरा पायऱ्या चढून गेल्यावर प्रवेशद्वारी मोठं कासव आणि नंदी लक्ष वेधून घेतात.

Shree Moreshwar Temple Morgaon
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Moreshwar Temple - Morgaon

Shree Mayureshwar morgaon
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Mayureshwar

Shree Moreshwar Temple Morgaon
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Moreshwar Temple - Morgaon

Huge Mushak at Shree Moreshwar Temple Morgaon
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography

Huge Mushak at Shree Moreshwar Temple - Morgaon

Mushak at Shree Moreshwar Temple Morgaon
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh

Mushak at Shree Moreshwar Temple - Morgaon

Nandi at Shree Moreshwar Temple Morgaon
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh

Nandi at Shree Moreshwar Temple - Morgaon

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Siddhivinayak – Siddhatek, Ahmednagar श्री सिद्धिविनायक – सिद्धटेक, अहमदनगर


This temple stands on the banks of the Bhima River and is the only Ashtavinayak shrine where Ganesha’s trunk turns to the right — a form known for its powerful spiritual presence. It’s believed that Lord Vishnu performed penance here. Surrounded by peaceful nature, the hilltop temple offers a truly calming experience.


भीमा नदीच्या काठावर वसलेलं सिद्धटेकचं हे मंदिर खास ओळखलं जातं उजव्या सोंडेच्या गणपतीसाठी. ही मूर्ती अत्यंत जागृत व प्रभावी मानली जाते. इथेच भगवान विष्णूंनी तप करून सिद्धी प्राप्त केली होती, असं मानलं जातं. निसर्गाच्या सान्निध्यातलं हे स्थान मनाला शांती देतं.

Shree Siddhivinayak Temple Siddhatek
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh

Shree Siddhivinayak Temple - Siddhatek

Entrance of Shree Siddhivinayak Temple Siddhatek
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography

Entrance of Shree Siddhivinayak Temple - Siddhatek

Shree Siddhivinayak Siddhaterk
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Siddhivinaya

Shree Siddhivinayak Temple Siddhatek
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh

Shree Siddhivinayak Temple - Siddhatek

Shree Siddhivinaya
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक
ganapati

Shree Siddhivinayak

Nagara at Shree Siddhivinayak Temple Siddhatek
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography

Nagara at Shree Siddhivinayak Temple - Siddhatek

Ballaleshwar – Pali, Raigad श्री बल्लाळेश्वर – पाली , रायगड

Named after the devoted child Ballal, this is the only Ashtavinayak Ganpati temple named after a devotee. Devotees first visit the nearby Dhundi Vinayak temple before entering the main shrine. The temple is designed to let the early morning sun shine directly on the idol during the Dakshinayan season.


पालीचं बल्लाळेश्वर मंदिर हे अष्टविनायकांपैकी एकमेव आहे जे भक्ताच्या नावाने ओळखलं जातं - बाल भक्त बल्लाळ. मुख्य मंदिरात जाण्याआधी जवळचं धुंडी विनायक मंदिर भेट देणं आवश्यक आहे. मंदिराची रचना अशी आहे की दक्षिणायन काळात सूर्योदयाचे किरण थेट मूर्तीवर पडतात. मंदिरासमोर एक सुंदर तलाव पाहायला मिळते.

Shree Ballaleshwar Temple Pali
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Ballaleshwar Temple - Pali

Shree Dhundivinayak Temple Pali
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Dhundivinayak Temple - Pali

Shree Ballaleshwar Temple Pali
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Ballaleshwar Temple - Pali

Shree Ballaleshwar pali
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Ballaleshwa

Shree Ballaleshwar Temple Pali
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Ballaleshwar Temple - Pali

Shree Ballaleshwar Temple Pali
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Ballaleshwar Temple - Pali

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Varadvinayak – Mahad, Khopoli, Raigad श्री वरदविनायक – महड, खोपोली, रायगड

One of the most simple and peaceful temple in Ashtavinayak.

This temple allows devotees to enter the sanctum and perform their own pooja — a rare privilege. An oil lamp here has been burning continuously since 1892. The temple’s calm surroundings make it an ideal spot for reflection and prayer.


एका मोठ्या तलावाशेजारी असलेलं हे गणेशाचं साधंसं पण प्रसन्न मंदिर. खास बाब म्हणजे या मंदिरात भक्तांना गर्भगृहात जाऊन स्वतः पूजन करता येतं. १८९२ पासून अखंड तेवत असलेला दिवा इथे आजही पाहायला मिळतो. मंदिराच्या आजूबाजूचं शांत वातावरण आणि ही परंपरा मनाला वेगळाच आध्यात्मिक स्पर्श देतात.

Shree Varadavinayak Temple Mahad
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh

Shree Varadavinayak Temple - Mahad

Shree Varadavinayak mahad
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Varadavinayak

Shree Varadavinayak mahad
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Varadavinayak

Shree Varadavinayak Temple Mahad
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh

Shree Varadavinayak Temple - Mahad

Shree Varadavinayak Temple Mahad
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh

Shree Varadavinayak Temple - Mahad

Chintamani – Theur, Pune श्री चिंतामणी – थेऊर, पुणे

Built by the Peshwas, Chintamani Ganpati is believed to be the remover of worries. A huge Portuguese-style bell at the entrance, brought after a victorious war, adds historic significance to this temple. It’s a perfect blend of heritage and devotion.


थेऊरचं चिंतामणी मंदिर पेशव्यांनी बांधलेलं असून ऐतिहासिकदृष्ट्या खूप महत्त्वाचं आहे. इथेच गणपतीने ऋषी कपिलासाठी चिंतामणी रत्न परत मिळवलं, असं मानलं जातं. चिंतामणी ची मूर्ती फारच सुबक आहे. मंदिराच्या प्रवेशद्वारी लावलेली भलीमोठी घंटा खास आकर्षण आहे. ही घंटा पेशव्यांनी युद्धात विजय मिळवल्यानंतर चर्चमधून आणल्याची कथा सांगितली जाते. मंदिराजवळच माधवराव पेशवे आणि रमाबाईंचे स्मारक पाहायला मिळते.  

Shree Chintamani Temple Theur
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Chintamani Temple - Theur

Shree Chintamani Temple Theur
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Chintamani Temple - Theur

Shree Chintamani
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Chintamani

Shree Chintamani Temple Theur
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Chintamani Temple - Theur

Shree Chintamani
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Chintamani

Shree Chintamani Temple Theur
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Chintamani Temple - Theur

Shree Chintamani Temple Theur
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Chintamani Temple - Theur

Shree Chintamani Temple Theur
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Chintamani Temple - Theur

Madhavrao Peshava Smarak at Shree Chintamani Temple Theur
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh

Madhavrao Peshava Smarak at Shree Chintamani Temple - Theur

Girijatmaj – Lenyadri, Junnar, Pune श्री गिरिजात्मज – लेण्याद्री, जुन्नर, पुणे

Carved into ancient Buddhist caves, this temple is reached by climbing about 300 steps. It is believed to be the birthplace of Ganesha, born to Parvati here after her penance. From the cave, you can also see the Shivneri Fort — birthplace of Shivaji Maharaj.


बौद्ध लेण्यांच्या परिसरात कोरलेल्या या मंदिरात पोहोचण्यासाठी सुमारे ३०० पायऱ्या चढाव्या लागतात. इथेच पार्वतीने तप करून गणपतीची प्राप्ती केली, असं मानलं जातं. मंदिरातून दिसणारं शिवनेरी किल्ल्याचं दृश्यही खास आहे. शिवनेरी म्हणजेच छत्रपती शिवाजी महाराजांचे  जन्मस्थळ.

Shree Girijatmaj Temple caves Lenyadri
Shree Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography

Shree Girijatmaj Temple - Lenyadri

Shree Girijatmaj Temple and Caves Lenyadri
Shree Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography

Shree Girijatmaj Temple and Caves- Lenyadri

Shree Girijatmaj Temple steps Lenyadri
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography

Climb at Shree Girijatmaj Temple - Lenyadri

Girijatmaj Ganapati
Shree Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Girijatmaj

View of Shivaneri Fort from Shree Girijatmaj Temple Lenyadri
Shree Ashtavinayak Darshan
dganesh

View of Shivaneri Fort from Shree Girijatmaj Temple - Lenyadri

View of Shivaneri Fort from Shree Girijatmaj Temple - Lenyadri
Shree Ashtavinayak Darshan
dganesh

View of Shivaneri Fort from Shree Girijatmaj Temple - Lenyadri

Way to Caves and Shree Girijatmaj Temple Lenyadri
Shree Ashtavinayak Darshan Dabholkar Ganesh

Way to Caves and Shree Girijatmaj Temple - Lenyadri

Shree Girijatmaj lenyadri
Shree Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh

Shree Girijatmaj

Way to Caves and Shree Girijatmaj Temple Lenyadri
Shree Ashtavinayak Darshan
dganesh photography

Way to Caves and Shree Girijatmaj Temple - Lenyadri

lenyadri caves
Shree Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh travel Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Buddhist Caves at Lenyadri

Vighnahar – Ozar, Junnar, Pune श्री विघ्नहर्ता – ओझर, जुन्नर, पुणे

Vighnahar temple is known for its golden dome and beautiful carvings. It is believed that Lord Ganesha defeated the demon Vighnasura here. The peaceful temple and its detailed architecture make it a sacred and aesthetic destination.


ओझरचं विघ्नहर्ता मंदिर त्याच्या सुसंगत रचनेसाठी, सुंदर कोरीव कामासाठी आणि झळाळत्या सोन्याच्या कळसासाठी प्रसिद्ध आहे. इथेच गणपतीने विघ्नासुर राक्षसाचा पराभव केला, असं सांगितलं जातं. मंदिरात एक वेगळीच सकारात्मक ऊर्जा अनुभवायला मिळते.

Shree Vighnahar Temple Ozar
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Vighnahar Temple - Ozar

Entrance of Shree Vighnahar Temple Ozar
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh

Entrance of Shree Vighnahar Temple - Ozar

Banks of River Kukadi and the night view of Shree Vighnahar Temple Ozar
Ashtavinayak Darshan
dganesh

Banks of River Kukadi and the night view of Shree Vighnahar Temple - Ozar

Shree Vighnahar ozar
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Vighnahar

Banks of River Kukadi and the night view of Shree Vighnahar Temple Ozar
Ashtavinayak Darshan
dganesh

Banks of River Kukadi and the night view of Shree Vighnahar Temple - Ozar

Shree Vighnahar Temple Ozar
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Vighnahar Temple - Ozar

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Mahaganapati – Ranjangaon, Pune श्री महागणपती – रांजणगाव, पुणे

Mahaganapati – Ranjangaon, Pune

This temple marks the final stop of the Ashtavinayak Yatra. Mahaganapati is considered a powerful form of Ganesha, worshipped by Lord Shiva before battling Tripurasura. The ten-armed idol is said to be part of a larger form hidden in a basement, shown only on special occasions.


महागणपती – रांजणगाव, पुणे

अष्टविनायक यात्रेचा शेवटचा टप्पा म्हणजे रांजणगावचं महागणपती मंदिर. हे गणपतीचे  अत्यंत शक्तिशाली रूप मानले जाते. भगवान शिवाने त्रिपुरासुराशी युद्ध करण्याआधी याच महागणपतीची उपासना केली होती. मूर्तीला दहा हात असून एक गुप्त भव्य मूर्ती देखील आहे जी फक्त विशेष प्रसंगी दर्शनासाठी काढली जाते.

Mahaganapati Ranjangaon entrance
Shree Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh

Shree Mahaganapati Temple - Ranjangaon

Shree Mahaganapati Temple Ranjangaon
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh

Shree Mahaganapati Temple - Ranjangaon

Shree Mahaganapati Temple Ranjangaon
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh

Entrance Gate of Shree Mahaganapati Temple - Ranjangaon

Shree Mahaganapati ranjangaon
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh अष्टविनायक

Shree Mahaganapati

Shree Mahaganapati Temple Ranjangaon
Ashtavinayak Darshan
Dabholkar Ganesh Photography
dganesh

Shree Mahaganapati Temple - Ranjangaon

Sabhamandap of Shree Mahaganapati Temple - Ranjangaon
Ashtavinayak Darshan
DGanesh Photography

Sabhamandap of Shree Mahaganapati Temple - Ranjangaon

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