'Shri Ballaleshwar Ashtavinayak Temple' is in Raigad, Maharashtra. It is considered a holy place for devotees of Lord Ganesh. Being one of the eight important forms of Lord Ganesh, and a unique feature that the temple holds, it is a must place to visit.

Districts/Region

Raigad District, Maharashtra, India.

History

Surrounded by a pleasing and picturesque landscape, the Ballaleshwar Ashtavinayak Temple is one of the eight major temples of Lord Ganesh in Maharashtra. The temple makes up for the divine Ashtavinayak (Eight Vinayakas - a form of Ganesha) temples of Maharashtra. This temple is the only form of Lord Ganesh known and worshipped by the name of its devotee, and the idol is dressed like a Brahmin; this feature makes it unique from other temples of Ganesh.
The legend says a child named Ballal, son of a businessman named Kalyan and his wife Indumati forgot everything, even his pain for the worship of Lord Ganesh. Moved by the child's devotion Lord Ganesh himself appeared and blessed the child saying the people shall revere Ganesh by taking his name as Ballaleshwar, the Lord of Ballal. 
The temple was originally a wooden structure but was renovated in 1760 by Shri. Fadnis into a stone temple. This new temple was created in the shape of the letter 'Shri' by mixing lead and cement during its construction. It was designed and constructed east facing in such a way that as soon as the Sun rises the first rays of the Sun will fall on the idol of Lord Ganesh. The temple also has a bell that was brought back by 'Chimaji Appa' of Peshwas after his defeat of the Portuguese in Vasai and Sasti. The chief hall of the temple is 12 meters long and 6.1 meters wide. It carries eight pillars resembling cypress trees. The temple houses two sanctums. An inner sanctum is 4.6 meters high and an outer sanctum is 3.7 meters high. The premise also has two lakes.
This is believed to be the self immersed idol of the Lord Ganesha. This place is located on an ancient trade route connecting western seaports with commercial centres on Deccan Plateau.

Geography

The Ballaleshwar Ashtavinayak Temple is in Sudhagad taluka of Pali village in the Raigad district.

Weather/Climate

The prominent weather in the region is rainfall, the Konkan belt experiences High Rainfall (ranges around 2500 mm to 4500 mm), and the climate remains Humid and warm. The temperature reaches up to 30 degrees Celsius during this season.
Summers are hot and humid, and the temperature touches 40 degrees Celsius.
Winters in Konkan is the comparatively milder climate (around 28 degrees Celsius), and the weather remains Cool and Dry

Things to do

The entire premise of the temple is a devotee's heaven. Apart from the main hall, one should visit:
The two lakes and two sanctums. If one is visiting during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi (celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesh), then many events, competitions are held for the people to enjoy

Nearest tourist places

There are many places for people to enjoy 
Local market nearby the temple 
Sudhagad Fort (11 KM)
Unhere Hot Water Spring (45 KM)
Buddhist Caves at Thanale (14 KM)
Buddhist Caves at Khadasamble (17 KM)
Alibag (55.1 KM) 
Lonavala Hill station ( 56.6 KM)
Raigad Fort (67.6 KM)

Special food speciality and hotel

Authentic Maharashtrian food at an affordable price is easily available. Local speciality Ukadiche Modak is traditionally associated with lord Ganesha.

Accommodation facilities nearby & Hotel/ Hospital/Post Office/Police station

The Pali Bhakta Niwas offers good accommodation facilities for the people who come to visit the temple. Other hotels and basic amenities are also available. 

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit

Photography is strictly prohibited in the temple. 
The timing of the temple is from 5:30 A.M. to 10.00 P.M. The best month to visit is from August to March.

Language spoken in area 

English, Hindi, Marathi