Lord Ganesha is worshipped in various parts of India and abroad for his power, might, wisdom and intellect. Also referred to as the elephant head deity, Lord Ganesha not only showers blessings on his worshippers but also removes obstacles from their lives. On the occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi, the god is widely worshipped in different cities across India, especially in the state of Maharashtra. Here, discover more about the 5 must visit Ganesha Temples in Maharashtra.
Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple
No matter how many Ganesha Temples you may have visited in the past, you’ll never find one like the Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai. The temple that was built in the year 1801 is popularly referred to as the ‘Navasacha Ganpati’, which implies that Lord Ganesha always bestows blessings on his worshippers whenever they make a wish before him or seek the god’s blessings. The funds for building the temple were gathered from a childless female by the name of Deubai Patil. While, famous politicians and Bollywood celebrities frequent the temple, it also remains accessible to the locals of Mumbai and other worshippers from near and far off places.
Jalgaon’s Padmalaya Ganesha Temple
Jalgaon’s Padmalaya temple is another Lord Ganesh temple that you must visit at least once in your lifetime, especially if you’re a true Ganesha devotee. Regarded as one of the two and half Ganpati Peeths of the country, the temple boasts of unique architecture and atmosphere, which you may not have experienced before.
Pune’s Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple
This 7.5 ft. tall temple features a 4 ft. wide Ganesha idol that is beautifully embellished with almost 8 kgs of pure gold. It was built in the year 1893 after Dagdusheth Gadve, a wealthy businessman’s son died in an epidemic. This incident left Both Dagdusheth as well as his better half totally depressed and in order to overcome this state of depression, their sought their spiritual guru Shri Madhavnath Maharaj’s guidance and constructed a Lord Ganesha temple, which eventually led to the birth of Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple.
Ratnagiri’s Ganpatipule Ganesha Temple
This four hundred years old Ganesha temple boasts of ancient construction and architecture. Located at a hill’s base along the Kokan coastline, the temple is popular among tourists from across the globe. What makes this temple truly unique is the fact that the idol of the Ganpati located within its premises looks towards west, while all the diety’s in India face the eastern direction. It is widely believed that the Lord protects the Kokan coast’s Western Ghats from all sorts of dangers and calamities.
Ashtavinayaka Ganesh Temple
Located in Pune, the Ashtavinayaka Ganesh temples are basically eight different temples featuring unique idols of the lord. The yatra commences from Morgaon’s Moreshwar temple followed by Siddhatek’s Siddhivinayak temple, Pali’s Ballaleshwar temple, Mahad’s Varadavinayak temple, Chintamani temple at Theur, the Girijatmaj temple at Lenyadri, the Vighneshwar Temple at Ozar and the Mahaganapati temple in Ranjangaon.
Thus, devotees who look forward to pay their tributes to Lord Ganesha can either travel to each of these temples on their chosen or preferred days or pay a visit to them during the ten days Ganpati festival. The occasion is perfect for seeking Lord Ganesha’s or Ekdanta’s blessings and witnessing the celebrations, dance, music and processions that are carried out as part of the festival.
-Puja Bhardwaj