The Eight Ganpati Temples
Ashtavinayak Temples — The Eight Sacred Ganpati Shrines
The Ashtavinayak are eight revered temples of Lord Ganesha spread across Maharashtra, mostly around Pune. Together they form one of the state’s most beloved pilgrimages, each shrine with its own self-manifested idol and legend.
The eight Ashtavinayak temples
Each of the eight shrines enshrines a swayambhu (self-manifested) idol of Ganesha and is associated with its own legend. The traditional yatra visits them in a set sequence, beginning and ending at Moreshwar (Morgaon).
- Mayureshwar (Morgaon) — the starting and ending point of the yatra, in Pune district.
- Siddhivinayak (Siddhatek) — in Ahmednagar district, on the banks of the Bhima.
- Ballaleshwar (Pali) — in Raigad district, the only shrine named after a devotee.
- Varadvinayak (Mahad) — in Raigad district.
- Chintamani (Theur) — in Pune district.
- Girijatmaj (Lenyadri) — set in a hillside cave in Pune district.
- Vighnahar (Ozar) — in Pune district, on the Kukadi river.
- Mahaganpati (Ranjangaon) — in Pune district, on the Pune–Ahmednagar road.
Planning the Ashtavinayak yatra
Most of the temples lie within a few hours of Pune, and the full circuit is usually completed over two to three days by road. The traditional order starts and finishes at Morgaon; a private vehicle makes the driving between shrines far easier. October to March is the most comfortable season.
Plan your Ashtavinayak Darshan
We arrange the complete eight-temple yatra with a private vehicle, in the traditional sequence, around your dates.
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FAQ
Ashtavinayak Temples — FAQs
The Ashtavinayak are eight revered Ganesha temples in Maharashtra — Mayureshwar, Siddhivinayak, Ballaleshwar, Varadvinayak, Chintamani, Girijatmaj, Vighnahar and Mahaganpati — each with a self-manifested idol.
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