Ashtavinayak Varad Vinayak temple is one of the eight pilgrimage temples of Ganapati / Ganesha from Maharashtra. These temples surround themselves with several mythological stories associated with the Lord Ganesha.

Districts/Region

Raigad District, Maharashtra, India.

History

Vinayaka is one of the benevolent forms of Ganesha or Ganapati. During the late medieval period (18th century) the cult of Vinayaka gained popularity during the Peshwa period. Many of the Eight Vinayaka (AshthaVinayaka) emerged during this period. These Ashtavinayaka are located on the ancient trade routes and are believed to be the protector of the travellers in the ancient period.
The Temple of VaradaVinayaka at Mahad is one of the famous temples of Vinayak. The present structure is an enlargement of the older structure. The temple structure is simple and not so ornamented with sculptures or paintings. The image VaradaVinayak is believed to be self-originated and was discovered in the adjoining lake. In the year 1690 CE, Shree DhonduPaudkar found the swayambhu idol of Shree Varadvinayak in the lake. This idol was kept in a nearby goddess temple for some time. The famed VaradVinayak temple was built in 1725 by PeshavaSubhedarRamjiMahadevBiwalkar and he gifted this to the village. The temple is still on the bank of a beautiful lake where the idol was discovered. A unique feature of MahadVaradvinayak Temple is a lamp (Nandadeep) that has been burning continuously since 1892.
This temple also has the idols of Mushaka (The mouse, believed to be the mount of Ganesha), NavagrahaDevatas (images of nine planetary gods) and Shivalinga. Four elephant idols are guarding the four sides of the temple. In this Ashtavinayak temple, devotees can enter the garbhagriha and pay their homage and respect to the idol personally. Devotees visit the Varadvinayak shrine throughout the year. Thousands of devotees pay a visit during festivals like the MaghiChaturthi.

Geography

VaradVinayak Temple is off the Mumbai-Pune highway, in a Mahad Village. The village is located just before the beginning of the BhorGhat, an ancient pass linking the Mumbai region with Pune.

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

As this temple is a religious place, one may visit here for peace and explore one of the temples from the chain of Ashtavinayak.

Nearest tourist places

There many tourist places around Ashtavinayak Mahad:

• Lohagad Fort (30.9 KM)
• Bhushi Dam (25.2 KM)
• Karla Buddha Caves (32.4 KM)
• Rajmachi Fortress (32.5 KM)
• Bedse Caves (47.6 KM)
• Lonavala Hill station (26 KM)

Special food speciality and hotel

The local place is known for its authentic Maharashtrian cuisine. One can experience the taste of Maharashtrian delicacies here.

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

The availability of hotels and restaurants are quite there around the vicinity of the temple.
Khopoli Police Station is the nearest Police Station (7 KM)
ShriParvati Hospital Khopoli is the nearest Hospital (7.4 KM)

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit

• The temple is suitable for visiting any time of the year. Best time to visit during the festive season.
• The temple is open from 5:30 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.

Language spoken in area 

English, Hindi, Marathi