Ashtavinayak darshan

Legend

Eight of the temples in Maharashtra which have Swayambhu (self-existant) idols form the Ashtavinayak circuit. These temples have respective myths related to their origin. The Ashtavinayak Vandana in the Mangalashtak mantra encompasses these eight temples in the Ashtavinayak Yatra and talks about the holiness in  paying obeisance here. Over years, following the route specified in the mantra and visiting these temples became sacred and shaped into a popular pilgrimage of Ganesha devotees.

Deity - Temples

Deity:- Lord Ganesha

Temples Covered in Ashtavinayak Yatra :-

Morshwar Temple, Moregaon
Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek
Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali
Varadvinayak Temple, Mahad
Chintamani Temple, Theur
Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri
Vigneshwara Temple, Ozar
Mahaganapati Temple, Ranjangaon

Area Covered

Maharashtra

Languages spoken: Marathi, Hindi

Auspicious Days

Ganesh Chathurthi during the month of Bhadra (August-Sept), Ganesh Jayanthi during the month of Magha (Jan-Feb) and Karthik Purnima during the month of Karthik (Nov-Dec) are the major festivals in all the temples. Palanquin processions, special pujas and celebrations take place during these days.

Best time to Travel

Any time of the year, though rainy season should be avoided.
The month of Kartik is considered highly auspicious for the Ashtavinayak Yatra.

Darshan Info Clock Duration

3 to 4 days, from Mumbai or Pune.

Yatra Preparations

The Ashtavinayak Yatra once started has to be finished in one go. It is considered inauspicious to go home without finishing the entire circuit. While planning, it is prudent to make sure that you will be able to complete the journey.

Pooja Samagri

The accessibility to good quality pooja articles in today's adulterated world as well as availability of all the items required is a major concern for many devotees. Please check out our P-STORE page for various high quality Pooja Samagri for your Pilgrimage or mail us :- [email protected] or call us directly on Mobile :- +919619899406.

Climate

Climate is pleasant throughout the year though summers tend to be hot and humid with temperatures in the high thirties. Rainy season is best avoided for the Yatra.

Must Haves

Use light cotton clothing during the journey and traditional attire for the temple visits.
Some of the shrines require men to wear dhotis to enter the inner sanctums.

Dehydration salt packets, water bottles, light snacks, essential medicines should be carried in the daypack.

Health Awareness

Some of the temples are in rural areas which might not have proper medical facilities. Be sure to carry all the special medications that you might need for the entire duration of journey.

Travel Method

All of the temples in the Ashtavinayak Yatra can be reached by a combination of train/bus or private vehicle.

However, to reach the Grijatmaj temple, Lenyadri, one has to scale around 300 steps. Palanquins are available for those who cannot climb.

Crowd Expected

Heavy crowds can be expected during Ganesh Chathurthi and the month of Kartik (November-December).

Festivals

Ganesh Chathurthi during the month of Bhadra (August-Sept), Ganesh Jayanthi during the month of Magha (Jan-Feb) and Karthik Purnima during the month of Karthik (Nov-Dec) are the major festivals in all the temple. Palanquin processions, special pujas and celebrations take place during these days.