Ashtavinayaka Temples and their History

Ganeshotsav 2012: The uniqueness is amazing

Ashtavinayaka, which literally means eight Ganeshas in Sanskrit, holds a high value in Hindu religion. Eight Ganesha temples at eight different places across Maharashtra with unique idol forms are believed to fulfil vows of the devotees. While all are situated around Pune, each of these temples has its own history.
A visit to all these eight temples is titled Ashtavinayaka Yatra, which holds a sacred value among pilgrims. According to shastra, there is also a specific order in which all these temples have to be visited. One has to start with Moreshwar’s temple in Moregaon, then visit Siddhivinayak at Siddhatek, Ballaleshwar at Pali, Varad Vinayak at Mahad, Chintamani at Thevur, Girijatmaj at Lenyandri, Vighneshwara at Ozar and Mahaganapati at Ranjangaon, after ending the yatra with a visit to Moregaon again.

Moreshwar
This temple, situated in Kartha village near Pune, is the most important temple among the Ashtavinayakas. The idol is three eyed, is seated and has his trunk turned towards the left. The original idol is much smaller than it appears, but continuous anointing of the idol with sindoor has resulted in the idol seeming much larger. It is believed that this layer of sindoor peels off on its own every 100 or 150 years, revealing the actual idol.

Siddhivinayak
God Vishnu is supposed to have vanquished asuras Madhu and Kaitabh after propitiating Ganesha here. This temple, which is situated next to the Bhima river in a remote village named Siddhatek, consists of the only idol among the eight temples with the trunk positioned to the right, which is considered to be the most powerful. To make one round (pradakshina) around the temple, one has to make a round trip of the hillock, which takes about 30 minutes.

Ballaleshwar
Among the Ashtavinayakas, Ballaleshvara, situated at Pali, is the only Ganesha which is famous by the name of his devotee. Pleased by the devotion of Ballal, Ganesha remained in the stone worshipped by Ballal, and hence, is called Ballaleshwar. This temple has two sanctums, the inner one housing the idol. The temple is constructed in such a way that after the winter solstice, the sun rays fall on the Ganesha idol at sunrise.

Varad Vinayak
Ganesha is said to reside here in the form of Varada Vinayak, the giver of bounty and success. The idol was apparently found in the adjoining lake in an immersed position. This idol faces the east and has its trunk to the left. An oil lamp in the temple is believed to be burning continuously since 1892. This is the only temple where devotees are allowed to personally pay their homage in the immediate vicinity of the idol.

Chintamani
As Chintamani, Ganesha brings peace of mind. Legend says Ganesha got back the Chintamani jewel from the greedy prince Guna for sage Kapila at this spot. But, the sage put it in Ganesha's neck. Thus the name Chintamani Vinayak.
This idol has a left trunk, with carbuncle and diamonds as its eyes. The idol faces the east. The temple is located 22km from Pune, off the Pune-Solapur Highway. Theur village sits at the confluence of three major rivers — Mula, Mutha and Bhima.

Girijatmaj
It is believed that Parvati performed penance to beget Ganesha here. Girija is another name for Parvati and Atamaj means son.
This is the only temple of the Ashtavinayak located on a mountain amid a cave complex of 18 caves of Buddhist origin. The temple is carved out of a single stone hill, which has 307 steps. The temple hall is 53ft long, 51ft wide and 7ft high, with no supporting pillars. The idol, which faces north with its trunk turned to the left, has to be worshipped from the rear of the temple.
The temple is located 12 km from Narayangaon, which is 94km from Pune on the Pune-Nashik Highway.

Vighneshwara
According to legend, Indra created demon Vighnasur to disrupt King Abhinandan'sprayer meet. But the demon destroyed all vedic and religious acts. When Ganeshadefeated him, Vighnasur pleaded for mercy. The Lord let him go on the condition he would not come where Ganesha is worshipped.The demon then asked a favour that his name be taken before the Lord's and thus, the name Vighnahar or Vighneshwar.
The temple faces east and the main hall is 20ft long and the inner hall is 10ft long. This idol, which faces east, has its trunk towards the left and rubies in its eyes. There is a diamond on the forehead.
The temple is located off the Pune-Nashik Highway, in Ozhar town.

Mahaganapati
Mahaganapati is the most powerful representation of Ganesha, with eight, 10 or 12 arms. It is after invoking this form of Ganesha that Shiva vanquished the demon Tripurasur.
The idol, which faces the east, is seated cross-legged. It has a broad forehead and the trunk turned to the left. It is said the original idol called Mahotkat, which has 10 trunks and 20 arms, is hidden in the basement. But temple authorities deny the rumour. This temple is situated on the Pune-Nagar Road in Ranjangaon.