“We are invited to make a pilgrimage–into the heart and life of God.”
Dallas Willard
Ashtavinayak Temples – Road Trip Day 1
Ganesha or Ganapati, meaning Lord of the Gana (Lord Shiva’s attendants) is most loved in the southern parts of India, more so in Maharashtra. The entire state hosts the 10 day Ganapati festival with much pomp. To add to this, Maharashtra also pays exclusive obeisance to him with temples of importance found throughout.
The temple of SiddhiVinayak in Mumbai is one such. But the most important pilgrimage the devout do for Ganesha is the Ashtavinayak (Eight Ganapati) circuit. These are eight self-manifested Ganapati (another of his names being Vinayak) idols dotting the state of Maharashtra, around Pune city.
Ashtavinayak Yatra (Pilgrimage)
Devotees undertake the Ashtavinayak yatra to get their wishes fulfilled. The practice is to visit these temples in two days in a particular order. There is no history or religious tenet behind the origin of this ritual, but that’s how it’s been going on for centuries. The current temples, except for the one in Siddhatek, were all established in the 18th century under the Peshwa rule. The Peshwas being Brahmins from the Konkan region held a deep faith in Ganesha, and to further this belief, built these temples.
These temples are within a hundred-kilometre radius from Pune and include (in order of visit) Moreshwar in Morgaon, Siddhivinayak at Siddhatek, Ballaleshwar at Pali, Varadvinayak at Mahad, Chintamani at Theur, Girijatmaj at Lenyadri, Vighnahar at Ozar, and Mahaganapati in Ranjangaon.
Beginning of the Road Trip Day 1
As per the pilgrimage practice, the first day covers four of the eight temples. Most undertaking the journey keep Pune as the base and take the road. The total distance to be covered is ~500 km. From Pune, the first destination is Morgaon, which is ~70 km away. Mayureshwar (or Moreshwar) means Lord of the peacocks. The temple is the seat of the Ganapatya sect of worshippers and is of special importance since the Ashtavinayak Yatra begins and ends here.
From Morgaon, the next visit is to Siddhivinayak at Siddhatek in Ahmednagar District ~70 km away. Ahilyabai Holkar, the great ruler of the Holkar dynasty, erected this temple in the 17th century. Sitting on a hillock next to the banks of river Bhima, this temple gives Siddhi (spiritual power) to a devotee who does seven circumambulations around the temple.
In man-made idols, the practice is to design the trunk to face the left side. But at Siddhatek, the trunk of the idol turns to the right. This unusual occurrence in a self-manifested idol makes the devotees consider Siddhivinayak Ganapati as more auspicious and powerful.
The Culmination of Day 1
Pali, our next in the circuit, is in Raigad district ~235 km away, just on the outer limits of Mumbai and takes around 5½ to 6 hrs of driving from Siddhatek. One has to manoeuvre through the Western Ghats to reach here. The Ballaleshwar (Lord of Ballal) Ganapati takes the name of a young child devotee with unshakeable faith in the Lord. The stone construct is from the 18th century, before which a wooden temple existed. It is a vast complex, with an inner and outer courtyard. Apart from the chief deity, pilgrims also worship the Dhundi Ganapati here.
From Pali, our last stop of the day is at Mahad, ~40 kms away. The Varadvinayak Ganapati is facing the east and bestows bounty and success in all endeavours. Devotees believe the coconut offering received during the auspicious month of Magh will bless them with a son.
With this, Day 1 of the tour ends. From here, Pune is ~86 km away, and that is our night halt. The total journey time, including temple visits and breaks, is around 14-15 hours. The last leg comprises considerable driving in the Western Ghat section, which could take longer. Keeping this in mind, it is advisable to start early.
