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The Ashtavinayak Yatra
Ashta Vinayaka
अष्टविनायक
The eight self-manifested Ganesha kshetras of Maharashtra — each with its own legend, glory and place in the sacred circuit.
The Ashtavinayak is a pilgrimage to eight ancient Ganesha temples of Maharashtra where the Vighnaharta abides in self-manifested (svayambhū) form. The traditional yatra begins at Morgaon and is completed by returning once more to Morgaon. Each kshetra carries its own Puranic legend and distinct glory.
Mayureshwar · मयूरेश्वर
Morgaon, Pune
The ādi (first and final) kshetra of the yatra. Riding a peacock, Ganesha slew the demon Sindhurāsura here; the murti faces east with a serpent canopy.
Visit templeSiddhivinayak · सिद्धिविनायक
Siddhatek, Ahmednagar
The only Ashtavinayak on the north bank of the Bhīmā. Here Vishnu gained siddhi to vanquish Madhu–Kaiṭabha; the trunk turns auspiciously to the right.
Visit templeBallaleshwar · बल्लालेश्वर
Pali, Raigad
The only Ganesha named after a devotee — the boy Ballāla whose devotion the Lord honoured. He is worshipped here in a Brahmin's form.
Visit templeVaradvinayak · वरदविनायक
Mahad, Raigad
The bestower of boons (vara). A ghee lamp, the Nandādīp, is said to have burned here continuously since 1892; devotees may enter the sanctum themselves.
Visit templeChintamani · चिन्तामणि
Theur, Pune
Remover of all worry (chintā). Ganesha recovered the wish-giving Chintāmaṇi jewel from Guṇa here; it is the beloved seat of the saint Morayā Gosāvī.
Visit templeGirijatmaj · गिरिजात्मज
Lenyadri, Pune
'Son of Girijā (Pārvatī)'. The only Ashtavinayak on a mountain, set within an ancient rock-cut cave reached by some 300 steps.
Visit templeVighneshwar · विघ्नेश्वर
Ozar, Pune
The remover of obstacles who subdued the demon Vighnāsura. The shrine is crowned by a golden dome and spire, the murti's eyes set with rubies.
Visit templeMahaganapati · महागणपति
Ranjangaon, Pune
The most powerful form. Shiva is said to have worshipped Ganapati here before vanquishing Tripurāsura; the murti sits cross-legged, broad-browed and serene.
Visit templeExplore the thirty-two divine forms of Ganapati.
The 32 Forms of Ganapati