Temple

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.

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

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

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.

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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