Where Devotion Meets Forms: Ganpati Bappa and Ashtavinayak
-Bhoomee Vats
As all states of India thrive on surplus amounts of temples, Maharashtra, like any other Indian state, is also full of temples where various Gods and Goddesses are worshipped, but one of the most important ones in the state is Ganpati Bappa himself, whose day is celebrated like a brilliant festival itself. The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi in Maharashtra is famous and popular in the whole world. The whole essence of Maharashtra resides in the festival and in the gathering of a huge number of people on the streets, roofs, balconies, and windows of their houses just to get a glimpse of the idol of Ganpati Bappa during this festival. The chants of “Ganpati bappa morya, Pudhchya warshi lavkar ya” can be heard all over the state as they fill the hearts and nourish the souls of everyone with peace, calm, and spirituality. This is the heartfelt plea of all the devotees of the Lord, referring to him as Lord and father of all, and requesting him to return soon next year and fill their lives with beauty and prosperity again. The worship of Bappa in Maharashtra is not just a physical activity but also something that has a spiritual and emotional effect on all the devotees and even the non-devotees.
The version of Ganesh Chaturthi that is celebrated today was popularized by one of the most prominent freedom fighters, Pandit Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, in the late 19th century as a way to unite people and also promote nationalism during the period of colonialism. Therefore, it can be rightly stated that “Ganpati in Maharashtra is not just a religious symbol but a cultural icon that brings people together in celebration, devotion, and community spirit”. Supporting the importance of this festival in Maharashtra, the temples are strewn across the state as a physical form of this devotion and bhakti. Some of the most famous temples include Siddhi Vinayak Temple, Mumbai, Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple, Pune, and the Ashtvinayak Temples.
Ashtavinayak Temples in Maharashtra
The term “Ashtvinayak” comes from the Sanskrit Language and is also a part of the Marathi language. It refers to the eight forms of Lord Ganesha, where asht means eight and Vinayak is a name for Lord Ganesha.Owing to this, Maharashtra has eight temples of Lord Ganesha, all of which are dedicated to the eight forms of Lord Ganesha. The pilgrimage called the Ashtvinayak yatra includes the custom of visiting all eight of these temples in a specific manner and sequence. All eight of these Ashtvinayak Temples in Maharashtra are associated with a specific idol and form of Lord Ganesha and have their own legend and significance. Following are the names of these Ashtvinayaka temples of Maharashtra, and also the stories behind them, in the specific sequence in which they should preferably be visited:
1. Mayureshwar (Morgaon):
The Mayureshwar Ganpati Temple is located in the Pune district of Maharashtra. The significance of this Ganpati temple lies in the story, which states that Lord Ganesha took the form of Mayureshwar (riding a peacock) to defeat the demon named Sindhu. This temple is considered the most important and is therefore the starting point of the Ashtavinayak Yatra.
2. Siddhivinayak (Siddhatek):
The second temple to be visited in the sequence of the Ashtvinayak yatra is Siddhatek, which is located in Ahmednagar. The story of this temple revolves around Lord Vishnu, who, with the blessings of Lord Siddhivinayak, defeated the demons who were named Madhu and Kaitabha. The Siddhatek temple is located on a small hill and is popularly known for granting success and Siddhi (spiritual power).
3. Ballaleshwar (Pali):
The third Ganpati temple in line of the Ashtvinayak yatra is Ballaleshwar Temple in Pali, Raigad. According to the stories, this temple is named after the devotee Ballal, who, as a young boy, was deeply devoted to Ganesha. It is believed that Ganesha appeared in front of Ballal in response to the devotions of his prayers and took the name Ballaleshwar. Being named after a devotee himself is what makes this temple unique.
4. Varadvinayak (Mahad):
It is the next Ganpati temple of the Ashtvinayak Yatra, which is located in Mahad, Raigad district. The story behind this Ganpati temple revolves around a king named Rukmangada, who was transformed into a leper. He was cured by a sage’s curse being lifted after worshipping Varadvinayak. The temple is known for granting boons and fulfilling desires.
5. Chintamani (Theur):
Next in the Ashtvinayak yatra is Chintamani Ganpati Temple located in Theur, Pune district. The story of this Ganpati temple is associated with the sage Kapila and the Chintamani jewel, which was believed to be able to help the owner get rid of all his worries, i.e, chinta..The demon king Gana stole the jewel from Kapila, but Ganesha retrieved it. The temple was then named Chintamani, after the jewel as well as it is believed to relieve all worries.
6. Girijatmaj (Lenyadri):
Next in Maharashtra’s famous Ashtvinayak yatra is Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple, which is in Lenyadri, Pune district. This temple is situated within a series of caves and is believed to be the place where Mata Parvati (mother of Lord Ganesha) performed penance to have Ganesha as her son. The temple is one of its kind as it is carved out of a single stone and is located in a cave complex.
7. Vighneshwar (Ozar):
Next in line of these eight Ganpati temples is Vighneshwar Ganpati Temple in Ozar, Pune district. As per the legend, this temple is associated with the story of Lord Ganesha defeating the demon Vighnasur, who caused obstacles and difficulties. Ganesha vanquished the demon and hence is known as Vighneshwar, the remover of obstacles.
8. Mahaganapati (Ranjangaon):
The final stop in this Ashtvinayak yatra is the Mahaganpati temple in Ranjangaon, Pune district. This temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva worshipped Ganesha before fighting the demon Tripurasura. It is considered the most powerful of all the Ashtavinayak temples. A visit to this temple marks the completion of this fulfilling journey of the Ashtvinayak Ganpati temples of Maharashtra and is believed to fill the lives of devotees who complete this yatra with success, peace, and wealth.
