'Ashtavinayak of Theur' popularly also known as the 'Chintamani temple of Theur' is a Ganesh temple located in Theur, Maharashtra. Being one of the important incarnations of Lord Ganesh and having strong religious beliefs of people connected with it, the temple is a peace provider to the mind of the visitor.

Districts/ Region

Pune District, Maharashtra, India

History

Theur is a small township located not far from Pune. It is known for the Vinayaka (a form of Ganesha / Ganapati) temple known as Shree Chintamani Vinayaka Temple. In the Ashtavinayak Temple Pilgrimage of Maharashtra, Theur Chintamani is said to be the fifth temple to be visited. Chintamani Ganesh is the 'God who brings peace of Mind'. 'Morya Gosavi', a saint in Ganpatya tradition, was the person who built the current temple. It is said that he used to visit the temple quite often during his trips from his hometown to another village Morgaon. He used to visit the temple on every fourth lunar day after the full moon. There is a central shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesh along with numerous smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and his wife Goddess Laxmi, Lord Hanuman and more in the same premises. It also contains a wooden Sabha-Mandapa which was built by Madhavrao Peshwa in the 18th century. The temple also holds a black stone water fountain in it. One of the very interesting features of the Idol of Lord Ganesh here is that it is self-emanated and is facing eastward. The idol is sitting in a cross-legged position. Precious diamonds take their place in his eyes. Another intriguing fact is that not only the deity but the place itself has great significance. Theur is located on the bank of river Mula-Mutha. The great Peshwa Madhavrao I, spent his last days at this place. His wife Ramabai Peshwe entered into the ritual fire alive as a part of ritual called ‘Sati’, after the death of Madhavrao Peshwa. Her memorial is located not far from this temple on the bank of the river

Geography

Located in the village of Theur, taluka Haveli, 24 KM away from Pune District in Maharashtra.

Wetter/Klima

The region has a hot-semi arid climate year-round with an average temperature ranging from 19-33 degrees Celsius. April and May are the hottest months in the region when the temperature reaches up to 42 degrees Celsius. Winters are extreme, and the temperature can go as low as 10 degrees Celsius at night, but the average daytime temperature is around 26 degrees Celsius. The annual rainfall in the region is around 763 mm.

Things to do

While at the temple, after seeing the main shrine, one should definitely pay homage to: The Lord Mahadev (shiva) temple Lord Vishnu-Laxmi temple Lord Hanuman temple Visit the local market in the area and small museum in the temple premises If a person is visiting during the time of Ganesh Chaturthi, a huge event and amazing fair is organized for visitors to enjoy

Nearest tourist place

One can visit a number of tourist destinations while paying a visit to the temple. ● Ramdara Temple - 13.2 KM, 35 min from the temple ● Aga Khan palace - 20.8 KM, approximately 40 min from the temple ● Mahadji Shinde Chhatri - 22.6 KM, around 44 min from the temple

Special food speciality and hotel

Authentic Maharashtrian Cuisine can be found in restaurants present nearby.

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

Accommodation options fitting everyone's pocket with good services are in easy reach.

● Sayyad Hospital is the nearest Hospital at a distance of 0.3 KM .

● Shikrapur Police Station is the nearest Police Station at a distance of 13.7 KM.

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to

● Visitors must keep in mind that photography is prohibited in the temple.

● There is a parking fee depending on the vehicle you own around INR 20-30.

● The temple has a fixed timing from 6:00 A.M to 1:00 P.M and 2:00 P.M to 10:00 P.M .

● The best month to visit the temple is after August, although one can visit it at any time of the year.

Language spoken in area

English, Hindi, Marathi