Ashtavinayak Yatra is a pilgrimage tour of eight ancient and holy temples of Lord Ganesha located in and around Pune, Maharashtra. The word “Ashtavinayak” means “eight Ganeshas,” and the pilgrimage route covers a distance of around 800 km. In this article, we will provide you with the sequence of the Ashtavinayak temples, their route map, and significance.
The Eight Ashtavinayak Temples
| Temple Name | Location | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Moreshwar Temple | Morgaon, Pune District, Maharashtra | August to February |
| Siddhivinayak Temple | Siddhatek, Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra | January to February and September to December |
| Ballaleshwar Temple | Pali, Raigad District, Maharashtra | November to March |
| Varadvinayak Temple | Mahad, Raigad District, Maharashtra | October to March |
| Chintamani Temple | Theur, Pune District, Maharashtra | August to February |
| Girijatmaj Temple | Lenyadri, Pune District, Maharashtra | September to February |
| Vighnahar Temple | Ozar, Pune District, Maharashtra | August to February |
| Mahaganapati Temple | Ranjangaon, Pune District, Maharashtra | August to February |
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- Note: It’s important to note that these are just general recommendations for the best time to visit each temple, and it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast and local events before planning a visit. Additionally, these temples are often busiest during major festivals and holidays, so it’s best to plan accordingly to avoid crowds.
- Moreshwar Temple, Morgaon: The first temple on the Ashtavinayak Yatra is the Moreshwar Temple in Morgaon. It is believed to have been built in the 14th century and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, also known as Mayureshwar. The temple is said to be the starting point of the Ashtavinayak Yatra.
- Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek: The second temple on the Ashtavinayak Yatra is the Siddhivinayak Temple in Siddhatek. The temple is believed to have been built during the time of the Peshwas and is located on the banks of the Bhima River. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Ganesha, also known as Siddhivinayak.
- Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali: The third temple on the Ashtavinayak Yatra is the Ballaleshwar Temple in Pali. The temple is believed to have been built in the 17th century and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, also known as Ballaleshwar. The temple is unique as it is the only temple where Lord Ganesha is worshipped by the name of his devotee.
- Varadvinayak Temple, Mahad: The fourth temple on the Ashtavinayak Yatra is the Varadvinayak Temple in Mahad. The temple is believed to have been built in the 18th century and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, also known as Varadvinayak. The temple is located on the banks of the river Savitri.
- Chintamani Temple, Theur: The fifth temple on the Ashtavinayak Yatra is the Chintamani Temple in Theur. The temple is believed to have been built in the 17th century and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, also known as Chintamani. The temple is located on the banks of the river Mula-Mutha.
- Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri: The sixth temple on the Ashtavinayak Yatra is the Girijatmaj Temple in Lenyadri. The temple is unique as it is the only Ashtavinayak temple that is located on a mountain. The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Ganesha, also known as Girijatmaj.
- Vighnahar Temple, Ozar: The seventh temple on the Ashtavinayak Yatra is the Vighnahar Temple in Ozar. The temple is believed to have been built during the reign of the Yadava dynasty and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, also known as Vighnahar.
- Mahaganapati Temple, Ranjangaon: The eighth and final temple on the Ashtavinayak Yatra is the Mahaganapati Temple in Ranjangaon. The temple is believed to have been built during the time of the Peshwas and is dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Temple Details, Distances, and How to Reach
Distances are approximate and calculated from Pune or between temples, based on common road routes. Travel times assume a private car or taxi, with early morning starts to avoid traffic. Below is a suggested 2–3 day itinerary.
Day 1: Pune → Morgaon → Siddhatek → Pali → Mahad
- Mayureshwar Temple, Morgaon
- Distance from Pune: ~65 km
- Route: Pune → Hadapsar → Saswad → Morgaon (via Pune-Solapur Road)
- Travel Time: ~1.5 hours
- How to Reach: Take NH65 (Pune-Solapur Highway) to Saswad, then local roads to Morgaon. Regular MSRTC buses and private taxis are available from Pune.
- Notes: The temple is the starting and ending point of the yatra. The idol’s trunk turns right, unique among Ashtavinayak temples. Open 5 AM–10 PM.
- Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek
- Distance from Morgaon: ~93 km
- Route: Morgaon → Baramati → Daund → Siddhatek
- Travel Time: ~2 hours
- How to Reach: From Morgaon, take local roads to Daund, then head to Siddhatek via SH67. The temple is on a hill near the Bhima River. Limited bus services; private vehicles are recommended.
- Notes: The Ganesha idol’s trunk turns right, a rare feature. Circumambulation involves walking around the hill (15–30 minutes). Open till 10 PM.
- Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali
- Distance from Siddhatek: ~221 km
- Route: Siddhatek → Daund → Hadapsar → Shivajinagar → Lonavala → Khopoli → Pali
- Travel Time: ~4–5 hours
- How to Reach: Take Solapur Highway back to Pune, then NH48 (Pune-Mumbai Highway) via Lonavala and Khopoli to Pali. Buses from Pune/Khopoli to Pali are available.
- Notes: The idol is named after devotee Ballal. The temple faces east, open till 10 PM.
- Varadvinayak Temple, Mahad
- Distance from Pali: ~42 km
- Route: Pali → Mahad (via local roads)
- Travel Time: ~1 hour
- How to Reach: Short drive from Pali via NH66 (Mumbai-Goa Highway). Regular buses from Khopoli or Pali.
- Notes: The temple is always open. Devotees can enter the sanctum to worship directly. Overnight stay at Bhakta Niwas in Mahad is recommended.
Day 2: Mahad → Theur → Lenyadri → Ozar
- Chintamani Temple, Theur
- Distance from Mahad: ~116 km
- Route: Mahad → Khopoli → Express Highway → Shivajinagar → Hadapsar → Theur
- Travel Time: ~2.5 hours
- How to Reach: Take NH48 to Pune, then local roads via Hadapsar to Theur (25 km from Pune). Frequent buses and taxis from Pune.
- Notes: The temple is one of the larger Ashtavinayak shrines, with a north-facing gate and east-facing idol. Open till 10 PM.
- Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri
- Distance from Theur: ~120 km
- Route: Theur → Hadapsar → Nagar Road → Lonikand → Manchar → Narayangaon → Junnar → Lenyadri
- Travel Time: ~3 hours
- How to Reach: Take NH60 (Pune-Nashik Highway) to Narayangaon, then local roads to Junnar and Lenyadri. The temple is 12 km from Narayangaon. Limited bus services; private vehicles preferred.
- Notes: Located in a cave (No. 7) on a Sahyadri mountain, requires climbing ~283–350 steps (1–1.5 hours round trip). Closes at 6:30 PM.
- Vighnahar Temple, Ozar
- Distance from Lenyadri: ~15–18 km
- Route: Lenyadri → Ozar (via local roads)
- Travel Time: ~30 minutes
- How to Reach: Short drive from Lenyadri on local roads. Buses from Junnar or Narayangaon available.
- Notes: The temple is near a river with scenic surroundings. Open till 10 PM. Bhakta Niwas at Ozar is ideal for overnight stays.
Day 3: Ozar → Ranjangaon → Morgaon → Pune
- Mahaganapati Temple, Ranjangaon
- Distance from Ozar: ~127 km
- Route: Ozar → Narayangaon → Rajgurunagar → Pabal → Shikrapur → Ranjangaon
- Travel Time: ~2.5–3 hours
- How to Reach: Take local roads to Narayangaon, then NH60 via Rajgurunagar to Ranjangaon (50 km from Pune). Buses from Pune or Shirur available.
- Notes: The idol is believed to be powerful, with a hidden murti rumored to have 10 trunks and 20 arms. Open till 10 PM.
- Return to Mayureshwar Temple, Morgaon
- Distance from Ranjangaon: ~108 km
- Route: Ranjangaon → Nagar Road → Magarpatta → Hadapsar → Saswad → Morgaon
- Travel Time: ~2–2.5 hours
- How to Reach: Take NH65 via Hadapsar and Saswad to Morgaon. Buses or taxis from Pune.
- Notes: Revisit Morgaon to complete the yatra, as per tradition.
- Return to Pune
- Distance from Morgaon: ~65 km
- Travel Time: ~1.5 hours
- How to Reach: Same route as Day 1, via Saswad to Pune.
Total Distance and Duration
- Total Distance: ~750–850 km (Pune to all temples and back).
- Duration: 2–3 days, depending on pace and time spent at each temple.
- Best Time: October to March for pleasant weather. Avoid monsoons (June–September) due to road blockages. Ganesh Chaturthi (August–September) is festive but crowded.
How to Reach
- By Car/Taxi: Most efficient, costing ₹8,000–₹15,000 for a 2–3 day trip from Pune/Mumbai (includes fuel, tolls, and driver charges). Book through operators like OntimeCars or Right Cabs.
- By Bus: MSRTC buses connect Pune to most temples, but schedules are limited for remote locations like Siddhatek and Lenyadri. Organized bus tours (e.g., Ashtavinayak Dot Net) cost ₹5,000–₹6,500 per person for 3 days, including meals and stays.
- By Train: Nearest railway stations are Pune, Talegaon (for Lenyadri/Ozar), or Khopoli (for Mahad/Pali). Combine with buses/taxis for last-mile connectivity.
- Starting from Mumbai: Add ~120–150 km (2–3 hours) each way via NH48 (Mumbai-Pune Expressway). A suggested route starts at Mahad or Pali to optimize travel.
Travel Tips
- Accommodation: Stay at Bhakta Niwas (budget, ₹10–20 meals) in Ozar, Mahad, or Ranjangaon. Pune offers budget hotels to luxury resorts. Book in advance.
- Food: Temple trusts provide lunch (12–2 PM, ~₹10). Carry snacks for remote areas like Siddhatek.
- Timing: Start early (5–6 AM) to avoid traffic and cover more temples. Lenyadri closes at 6:30 PM; plan accordingly.
- Other Notes: Carry a dry coconut from Morgaon to offer at each temple, consuming it as prasad after the yatra. Wear comfortable shoes for Lenyadri’s steps.