In the picturesque vista of Mahad, a place rooted in the
historical and the socio-cultural narrative of the state, resides He who grants
the wishes of his devotees, Lord Varadvinayak. This shrine is the fourth in the
famed AshtaVinayak circuit. The idol of this temple is a 'swayambu' and was
found immersed in the adjoining lake in 1690. This temple is said to be built
in 1725 by Subhedar Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar. The temple trust's decision to cast
away the damaged old idol and install a new one was objected by the devotees,
with the matter pending in the court. So, the Varadvinayak Temple now has both
the old and new idol.
Location Maharashtra, Raigad, Mumbai
Legend
Prince Rukmaganda once rejected the advances of Mukunda,
wife of Rishi Vachaknavi. Lord Indra, who took the form of Rukmaganda came to
Mukunda and they had a son named Gritsamav. When Gritsamav learned of the
circumstances of his birth, he cursed his mother. Mukunda, in turn, cursed
Gritsamav, that a cruel demon will be born to him. Gritsamav, departed to the
Pushpak forest where he meditated to Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha was pleased by
Gritsamav's penance and offered him a boon that his son will be defeated by
only Shiva. Gritsamav urged Ganesha to stay there permanently and installed a
Ganesha idol there.
This Temple is part of famous Ashtavinayak Yatra
Architecture
The shrine of Varadvinayak faces east and the Lord sits with
his trunk to the left. He is flanked by Riddhi and Siddhi. The perpetual oil
lamp is said to be glowing unceasingly since 1892. The four sides of the temple
are decked with four elephant sculptures. The dome of the temple shines bright
with a golden tip. The Varadvinayak Temple also has idols of Mooshika(mouse),
Navagrahas and Shivalinga. A holy pond is situated on the west side of the
temple.
Pic courtesy templesinraigad.blogspot.com
Culture
Picturesque scenery and pleasant climate has made Mahad a
popular tourist destination. A sparsely populated village, Mahad is a peaceful
locale for people to meditate.
Darsan Info
The Varadvinayak Temple performs Sahastravartan and
Ekadashan rituals on behalf of devotees. Holy ash and Prasad are then sent by
post.
Darsan Dresscode
Devotees are advised to wear clean and conservative attire
while visiting Varadvinayak Temple.
Famous Festival
January - Magha Chaturthi (Jan/Feb)
September - Ganesh Chathurthi
October - Vijayadashami
Temple Rituals
Shri Varadvinayak is worshipped thrice a day, morning, noon
and evening. In this Ashta Vinayak Temple, devotees can enter the Garbagriha
and pay their homage and respects to the idol personally
Special Rituals
Devotees who pay INR 31,000 are allowed to worship at the Varadvinayak Temple and
perform pooja to the deity for an entire day every year without any
disturbances.
Additional Info
Eateries near Varadvinayak Temple :
Sai Ganesh restaurant
Puranmal Food Hub
Supermarket : Available
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