Travel Checklist for Ashtavinayak Darshan : What to Carry
Bhagwan Ganesh or Ganpati is worshipped and respected all over India, but the state of Maharashtra has a special connection with him.
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Bhagwan Ganesh is the most popular deity in India. He is worshipped first in any auspicious ceremony because he removes obstacles and blesses us with wisdom and knowledge.
The meaning of "Ashtavinayak'' is "eight forms of Vinayak,". These eight Ganesh Temples are considered very sacred and pure.
Therefore, these eight temples are visited by many devotees not only from Maharashtra, but from all entire India.
The trip to these eight divine temples is called the Ashtavinayak Yatra. It is a circular trip that begins from Morgaon and ends at the same place.
The distance of these temples from Pune and Mumbai is quite convenient to travel, and the roads are okay.
The entire Yatra can be completed in two or three days, depending on the convenience of the traveler.
The blog talks about Ashtavinayak Darshan in 2 Days.
As said before in the blog, the meaning of Ashtavinayak means a set of “Eight temples of Bhagwan Ganesh”. They are so special because the idols in these temples are not made by humans but are self-originated or Swayambhu. Each temple has a unique significance.
The first temple is the Moreshwar of Morgaon. This is considered very auspicious, and Yatra begins from this place and ends here. Bhagwan Ganesh rode a peacock and defeated Sindhu Asur.
The temple of Siddhivinayak of Siddhatek is special because Bhagwan Vishnu worshipped Bhagwan Ganesh here for strength.
The temple Ballaleshwar of Pali gets its name after a devotee named Ballal. He was a great bhakta and Bhagwan Ganesh gave him Darshan and assured him that he would always be there to bless devotees.
The temple Varadvinayak of Mahad is famous because Bhagwan Ganesh grants boons or Vardaan to his devotees and fulfills all the desires.
Chintamani of Theur was visited by Peshwa Madhavrao quite frequently. He renovated the temple and also built the Sabha Mandap.
Girijatmaj of Lenyadri is special because it is a cave temple. According to legends, Devi Parvati performed penance at this place.
Vighneshwar of Ozar is famous because Bhagwan Ganesh removes all obstacles once a devotee takes a Darshan.
Mahaganapati of Ranjangaon is special because the idol is the largest among all eight Ganesh temples.
If you plan a two-day trip to the Ashtavinayak temples, then it is a convenient and comfortable journey.
You will visit four temples per day. The night stay will happen in Pune. It means you will have to return to Pune.
Pune to Morgaon (Mayureshwar), then Siddhatek and Pali -followed by Mahad. You may decide to stay at Mahad so that, the next day, you can go to Theur. Then, you will go to Lenyadri, Ozar and then Ranjangaon. From that, you will come back to Pune.
Alternatively, you can visit temples that are close to Pune. Morgaon, Siddhatek, Theur, and Ranjangaon will be visited on the first day. On the second day, you should go to Pali, Mahad, Lenyadri, and Ozar. These four temples are far away from Pune.
The best time to go to Ashtavinayak Darshan is during the winter months, i.e., November to March. It is because the temperature is moderate during this time.
In the months of April, May, or June, the temperature will be high.
The rainy season will not be the right time because there could be heavy rain, and travel will be difficult.
People visit Ashtavinayak Temples to get many spiritual benefits.
The first and the biggest one is to get mental peace and divine blessings of Bhagwan Ganesh. It is believed that by visiting holy temples and taking baths in holy rivers, one can erase negative karma from the past and present lives. So, going to these temples performs purification and karmic cleansing.
Then there is another important benefit. The temples bring mental clarity and inner peace. The serene surroundings. Sounds of Vedic chanting and mantras help in reducing stress and increasing emotional balance.
Visiting Ashtavinayak Temples will bring spiritual awakening and self-discovery, and it will establish a connection with the Divine.
Not only that, but these temples also give a unique cultural experience also. There are various fairs and religious activities performed in the temples. They will give you a glimpse of the culture and traditions.
The Ashtavinayak Ganesh temples hold a very special position in the spiritual tapestry of Sanatan Dharma followers. It is because Bhagwan Ganesh has the honor of being worshipped first during any religious ceremony or special occasion.
In Maharashtra, Bhagwan Ganesh has a more important place because he is the most beloved deity. The whole state celebrates a ten-day long festival in the Bhadrapada Month of the Hindu calendar.
Ashtavinayak Temples are very special; eight temples located around the city of Pune. These are eight very powerful and divine temples. People across the country visit them every year. The whole pilgrimage forms a circuit where devotees start from Morgaon and, after visiting all the temples again come to Morgaon to seek the blessings of Bhagwan Ganesh. The round trip can be completed in two or three days, depending on personal preference.
