Ashtavinayak or Ashtavinayaka is a collection of eight holy temples in the city of Pune – Maharashtra. Ashtavinayak means ‘eight Ganeshas’. Each of the temples here have their own individual identity, history and are all very distinct from each other. The complete visit of the Ashtavinayak temples is also called the AshtavinayakYatra. It is a common belief to visit the first Ganesha again in order to complete the yatra or visit.
The Ashtavinayak Temples Are
1 Moreshwar Temple Morgaon, Pune district
2 Siddhivinayak Temple Siddhatek, Ahmednagar district
3 Ballaleshwar Temple Pali, Raigad district
4 Varadavinayak Temple Madh, near Khopoli, Raigad district
5 Chintamani Temple Theur, Pune district
6 Girijatmaj Temple Lenyadri, Pune district
7 Vighnahar Temple Ozar, Pune district
8 Mahaganapati Temple Ranjangaon, Pune district
About
Ashtavinayak temples are of high religious value to the people of Maharashtra and people from all over the world come to visit these eight temples. Each temple has a unique history.
Ballaleshwar, Pali
This is the only temple that is renamed after a devotee.
Chintamani, Theur
It is believed that this formation of Ganesha brings peace and drives away all the confusion in the mind.
Girijatmaj, Lenyadri
This is the only temple that is built on a mountain in a Buddhist cave temple. It refers Ganesha as the son of Parvati.
Mahaganapati, Ranjangoan
This is the most powerful representation of Ganesha where Lord Shiva is worshiping Ganesha.
Moreshwar, Morgoan
This is the most important of all the temples of the yatra. The idol here has a cobra watching over the Lord.
Siddhivinayaka, Siddtek
It is believed that it was on this mountain that Lord Vishnu acquired Siddhi.
VaradVinayak, Mahad
This is the easiest God to please and it is believed that a visit here will grant you all your wishes.
Vigneshwar, Ozhar
This temple is known to help drive away all the obstacles.
Best Time To Visit
The Ashtavinayak temples are situated in Maharashtra which has a moderate climate. It is best to choose a time that is comfortable for you. The summers here aren’t very harsh, but they tend to get humid and this can make it uncomfortable to travel. The monsoon arrives between June to September and it is best to avoid travelling during this time since some of the temple visits can be tough. The best time to visit the Ashtavinayak temples is between the months of November and March.
