Ashtavinayak Temples – The 8 powerful Ganesha Temples near Pune city

Some trips take you to the mountains and rivers, some trips take you to the divine. The Ashtavinayak yatra takes you to both! This sacred pilgrimage near Pune takes you to 8 ancient temples of God Ganesha. Each temple is situated in a unique location near Pune city, has a special story, and powerful spiritual vibrations. In Maharashtra, God Ganesha is more than just the destroyer of obstacles. He is like family or a close friend and our protector. The moment you start this journey, something shifts inside you. And you are not the same person by the time you finish visiting all 8 Ganesha temples in the Ashtavinayak Temples Tour near Pune.

What is the Ashtavinayak Yatra?

The word ‘Ashta-Vinayak‘ means ‘8 Ganesha.’ The Ashtavinayak Yatra is a pilgrimage to visit 8 ancient temples, with 8 different sacred forms of God Ganesha. Each temple is located in a different town or village surrounding Pune city. Together, they form a powerful circuit of temples with strong spiritual energy. There is a specific sequence in which all these 8 Ganesha temples should be visited. But some people also visit them in a more economical and time-saving sequence. The pilgrims usually start and end their journey at Mayureshwar Temple in Morgaon, creating a sacred path of devotion.

The Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temples

Mayureshwar Temple of Morgaon

Just 67 km from Pune lies Mayureshwar temple, the first and most important temple in the Ashtavinayak Yatra. The name comes from God Ganesha’s form here. Mayureshwar means “God sitting on a peacock”, and the word Mayur means peacock in Sanskrit. It is believed that here, Ganesha took this divine form to slay the demon Sindhurasur, restoring peace and dharma. The village of Morgaon is also named after the large number of peacocks that were found here. The temple has minarets around its boundary walls, which were built to make it resemble a mosque from afar. This was done during the time of the Mughal invasions to protect it from the invaders.

As you enter the temple, you will notice something unusual – a massive Nandi seated near the entrance. The Nandi, a sacred bull, is generally found at Shiva temples, not at Ganesha temples. The locals share a beautiful story of how this Nandi statue came to be here. This Nandi statue was once being carried to a nearby Shiva temple, but the wooden cart broke down, and the Nandi statue fell to the ground. Since that day, no one has been able to move it. The local people believe that it chose to stay here at the Mayureshwar Temple’s entrance. Was it just a coincidence or a divine event?

If you have extra time, visit the famous Jejuri temple, located nearby. It is dedicated to God Khandoba and is a powerful spiritual place.

Chintamani Temple of Theur

Nestled in a serene village, the Chintamani Temple is one of the most peaceful and soul-touching shrines on the Ashtavinayak Yatra route. The entrance of this temple is small, but when you step inside, you will discover that it is the largest temple among all the Ashtavinayak temples. The atmosphere inside this temple instantly calms you down. According to a legend, a battle for the divine jewel – Chintamani, started between a saint and a demon at this place. When the demon tried to grab the jewel, God Ganesha intervened. He slayed the demon and returned peace to the righteous saint. The saint was overwhelmed with gratitude and requested that God Ganesha stay here forever. Thus, God Ganesha came to be known as Chintamani – the remover of worries. It is also believed that God Brahma, the creator himself, came here to meditate and calm down his restless mind. God Ganesha granted stability to his thoughts, and so the village was named Theur, which means stable.

Sant Shri Morya Gosavi Maharaj often visited the Chintamani temple in Theur. The Peshwas of Pune also visited this temple regularly during the time of the Marathas. Inside the temple, you’ll find a striking European bell, offered by the Peshwas. This bell was taken from the Portuguese after they captured Vasai Fort, and it was offered here as a mark of victory over the invaders.

Do you like exploring temples? Check our Travel Guides for more spiritual journeys.

Siddhivinayak Temple of Siddhatek

The journey to reach Siddhatek temple is as beautiful and symbolic as the temple itself. On the way, you cross the Bhima River, with lush green scenery unfolding all around it. The Siddhivinayak Temple is perched on top of a small hill, close to the Bhima riverbank. There is no pradakshina marg (circumambulation route) from inside the temple. To complete one pradakshina (circumambulation), you must walk all around the entire hill, no shortcuts. It takes around 15 to 30 minutes, and the experience feels humbling and purifying.

The Ganesha Murti (idol) here is the most unique Murti (idol) in all the Ashtavinayak temples. The God Ganesha’s trunk turns towards the right direction, which makes it a rare form of God Ganesha. This form of Ganesha is known as Siddhivinayak – the giver of talents or enlightenment. This form of Ganesha is believed to be strict, difficult to please, but when worshipped with true devotion, he grants your wishes. This region of Siddhatek is considered as a Jagrut Kshetra – a living, awake temple where Ganesha actively listens to your prayers.

My personal experience: Something magical happened when I visited this temple. I spotted a caterpillar trying hard to come out of its cocoon. It was lying on the floor of the temple, its tiny wings still unfolding. The first thought when I saw it was – it looks weak, ugly, and it will die soon. But a few moments later, it struck me – it wasn’t dying. It was a rebirth, a painful transformation from a caterpillar to a butterfly. This moment was a reflection of my own life’s journey. Siddhivinayak gave me more than just darshan; he taught me patience and gave me the strength to move forward with confidence.

Do you like exploring temples? Check our Travel Guides for more spiritual journeys.

Mahaganpati Temple of Ranjangaon

The Mahaganpati temple of Ranjangaon is the most powerful temple of all Ganpati temples in the Ashtavinayak Yatra. You are welcomed by a grand, arched entrance, with 2 majestic life-sized elephant statues on both sides. Inside the Ranjangaon Mahaganpati temple, God Ganesha is seated on a lotus, radiating power and serenity. According to a legend, the original Murti (idol) of Mahaganpati is hidden in a secret chamber beneath the temple complex. The original Murti (idol) is believed to have 10 trunks and 20 arms – a divine form beyond the human imagination. This iconography symbolises God Ganesha’s cosmic energy in its most grand and breathtaking form. Moreover, at the back right corner of the main temple, there is a small chamber which has an ancient Shivalinga inside it. And behind the main Ranjangaon temple, there is an ancient stepwell, with another sacred Shivalinga inside it.

Devotees believe that just visiting Ranjangaon’s Mahaganpati Temple is equivalent to visiting all the Ashtavinayak Temples. And those who are unable to visit all 8 Ashtavinayak Temples, due to life’s limitations, often visit this temple believing that their Ashtavinayak Yatra is complete.

Vighneshwar Temple of Ozar

The Vighneshwar Temple is built in the classic Maratha style of architecture. The Kukadi river gently flows nearby, adding tranquil vibes to the temple’s atmosphere. At the entrance of the temple, there are two tall and elegant Deepstambh (lamp towers). I couldn’t help but imagine how magnificent they must look when lit with hundreds of oil lamps in ancient times or during festivals.

“Vighneshwar” means the God who removes obstacles. Once, a fierce demon named Vighnasura created chaos in the world. He often disrupted the sacred rituals and pujas, the peaceful life of people and placed hurdles in every good deed. So the people prayed to the Gods, and it was God Ganesha who came to their rescue. A great battle ensued between God Ganesha and the demon Vighnasura. Realising that he could not win against God Ganesha, Vighnasura finally surrendered. He requested that his name be remembered. So, it was decided that Vighnasura would only reside where God Ganesha is not worshipped. Even today, the Hindus begin every auspicious task by worshipping God Ganesha first, to ensure that all obstacles (Vighna) are removed from their path of success.

Related post: Why is God Ganesha worshipped first?

Girijatmaj Temple of Lenyadri

Out of all the Ashtavinayak temples, Girijatmaj of Lenyadri is my absolute favourite. This Ganesha temple is inside the ancient Lenyadri caves, perched on top of a Sahyadri mountain. The name Girijatmaj translates to “Mountain born”, and to reach inside the temple, you have to climb some steep stone steps. The Ganesha temple is inside Cave No. 7, which was carved into the rock during the 1st century AD.

The Lenyadri caves are a part of a group of 28 rock-cut Buddhist caves. They are linked to the other Buddhist caves in this region, such as Karla, Bhaja and Bedse caves. If you have more time and stamina, you can also explore Cave No. 6 and Cave No. 14 in this group of caves. The sculptures inside these caves are amazing, but reaching them can be a bit challenging.

The panoramic view of the surrounding farmlands visible from the top of this mountain is breathtaking. Despite the physical efforts, there is a serene joy in reaching inside the cave of Girijatmaj Temple. For senior visitors or those who cannot climb, there is a Doli service (palanquin), where devotees are carried to the temple in a seated chair – a beautiful tradition of seva and accessibility.

Varadvinayak temple of Mahad

The story of the Varadvinayak Temple begins with Gritsamada, son of Lord Indra. Gritsamada was full of grief because his own mother had cursed him that a cruel demon would be born to him. He retreated into the Pushpak forest and prayed devotedly to God Ganesha. Moved by his penance, God Ganesha granted him a boon – his son could only be defeated by God Shiva himself, which means he will attain Moksha (liberation).

As a gesture of gratitude, Gritsamada requested God Ganesha to stay in this forest forever, so that all devotees could come here and worship him. This forest was later named ‘Bhadraka Van.’ Even today, the God Varadvinayak bestows blessings to all visitors. The present-day Ganesha Murti (idol) was found inside a tranquil lake beside the temple. A sacred oil lamp inside this temple has been burning continuously since 1892. The Varadvinayak temple is a special place for couples or newlyweds. It is believed that eating the coconut prasad here on Maghi Chaturthi brings the blessing of a child to the couple.

Do you like exploring temples? Check our Travel Guides for more spiritual journeys.

Ballaleshwar Temple of Pali

This is the only temple where God Ganesha is named after his devotee – ‘Ballal’.

The story goes that a group of children led by the deeply devotional Ballal would worship stones as forms of Ganesha in the Pali village. One day, they found a large rock and began offering prayers to it. They were completely immersed in devotion while listening to the Ganesh Purana. All the worried parents sent Ballal’s father to bring the children back. When he arrived and saw the children worshipping the stone with such intensity, he was furious. All the kids ran away, but Ballal stayed deep in devotion.

Enraged, his father beat him, tied him to a tree and smashed the rock they were worshipping. Wounded, starving, and still tied up, Ballal kept chanting God Ganesha’s name with unwavering faith. Moved by his pure bhakti (devotion), God Ganesha appeared in the form of a saint. He untied Ballal, healed his wounds, and offered him one boon. Ballal humbly replied, “May I always remain your devotee, and may you always stay here in this village.”

And thus, God Ganesha manifested here as Ballaleshwar, the divine form named after his devotee.

There is one more temple near the main Ballaleshwar temple – the Dhundivinayak Temple. This temple houses the original rock that the children had worshipped in the above story. As per tradition, you must first visit the Dhundivinayak temple and then seek blessings at the main Ballaleshwar temple. A signboard outside reminds devotees of this tradition. The main temple complex has two beautiful water kundas (rock-cut water ponds).

Mayureshwar Temple of Morgaon (again)

The Ashtavinayak Yatra comes full circle to this temple. There is no mistake here – the Ashtavinayak Yatra begins and ends at the same temple – the Mayureshwar temple of Morgaon. According to the Ashtavinayak tradition, this sacred pilgrimage remains incomplete unless you return to Morgaon. You must take blessings from the Mayureshwar Ganpati of Morgaon one more time and end the Ashtavinayak Yatra here.

Do you like exploring temples? Check our Travel Guides for more spiritual journeys.

Ashtavinayak Yatra’s Coconut Tradition

It is believed that during the Ashtavinayak Yatra, one should offer a dry coconut to God Ganesha at each of the eight temples, and later eat it as Prasad once you return home. Instead of carrying eight separate coconuts and adding to the weight, I followed a simpler yet equally heartfelt tradition. I bought one dry coconut at the Mayureshwar temple in Morgaon – the starting point of the Ashtavinayak Yatra – and carried it with me throughout the entire two-day journey. At every temple, I offered the same coconut with devotion to God Ganesha.

If you’re travelling as a big family, you can offer a separate coconut at each temple, bring home eight sacred dry Coconuts and make prasad from them. But for solo travellers or smaller groups, this way felt more meaningful and manageable—less about quantity, more about the intention.

Locations of Ashtavinayak Temples near Pune

• Mayureshwar Temple, Morgaon – https://maps.app.goo.gl/s6sipRdCF7VJ9spB8
• Chintamani Temple, Theur – https://maps.app.goo.gl/CsQodds8cYWtCRG39
• Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek – https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hg3vDy3pFKrjmH35A
• Mahaganpati Temple, Ranjangaon – https://maps.app.goo.gl/MBw9vuTyvsfdqUxt7
• Vighneshwar Temple, Ozar – https://maps.app.goo.gl/xn8mUyL7uv6QDGmo9
• Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri – https://maps.app.goo.gl/ibErPBqd6fjEPXwq8
• Varadvinayak temple, Mahad – https://maps.app.goo.gl/z6vmRZXUvj3jQfYo8
• Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali – https://maps.app.goo.gl/tZyptJRimkcRmejbA

Listen to the Marathi Folk Song about this Journey: https://youtu.be/F3HqzoJVQZ4?si=Xw3YYHXsrhBowt20

Plan your Ashtavinayak Trip from Pune

• How many days does it take to visit the Ashtavinayak temples near Pune?
  • A Quick Trip: 2 days (4 temples per day)
  • Balanced Pace: 4 days (2 temples per day)
  • Deep Spiritual Journey: 8 days (1 temple per day)
• Best Time to Visit: Avoid peak seasons, Ganesh Chaturthi, weekends or public holidays. Visit in off-season times like post monsoon (Oct to Nov). The Sahyadri’s nature, farmlands and rivers are more beautiful in monsoon and post-monsoon. If you find yourself visiting during a peak day, or there is a huge queue, consider taking a VIP ticket for fast and easy darshan.
• How to travel: Pune city is usually the starting point for this journey. You can book a pre-planned tour from Pune city, and they take you to all the temples and bring you back to Pune city. Or you can take your own vehicle and visit the Ashtavinayak temples at your own pace.
• Where to stay: Basic homestays, budget hotels and upscale guesthouses can be found near all the Ashtavinayak Temples. Depending on your pace and where you are at the end of the day, you can plan to spend the night near one of the temples.

My Experience of Ashtavinayak Trip

I am from Pune city, and I have a very special connection with God Ganesha. Whenever life feels overwhelming or challenging, I turn to Ganesha, asking for strength, clarity, direction and stability of thoughts. It calms my doubts and fills me with confidence, as if Ganesha is gently removing the obstacles not just from my path, but from my heart. I did the Ashtavinayak Yatra during Diwali of 2019, and almost all the temples had no queues or crowds. It felt like I had VIP darshan of all the Ashtavinayak Temples. I did the Ashtavinayak Yatra with a tour operator from Pune city. It was a comfortable journey, where I didn’t have to think much about which temple to visit next, driving and following Google Maps, or managing anything. But I would have loved a little more flexibility and stops along the journey. Nevertheless, my journey was comfortable and transformational.