Celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi - A Hindu Festival
Ganesh Chaturthi is a lively holiday that honors Lord Ganesha with prayers, celebrations, and actions that are good for the environment.
Bhagwan Ganapati is a very sacred deity in Maharashtra. There are many Ganapati Temples in Maharashtra. Among the famous Ganesh temples in Maharashtra, eight important temples are known as Ashtavinayak Ganpati.
These Ganesha temples are located in different parts of the state. Ashtavinayak Yatra covers all these eight temples of Bhagwan Ganesha, and all the Ashtavinayak vigrahas or murti are considered Jagrut and self-created. Ashtavinayak Darshan tour is very popular in Maharashtra.
Among Ashtavinayak temples, Ballaleshwar Temple Pali is very special. Let us have detailed information about this temple.
About Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple Pali
Ballaleshwar Pali is one of the Ashtavinayak temples in the Sudhagad taluka of Raigad district. Like other Ashtavinayak temples, Ballaleshwar Pali is also considered a self-created idol of Bhagwan Ganesh. The temple has two parts – the inner one is 15 feet high, and the outer part is 12 feet high. There is a stone mouse in front of the idol.
In the inner part of Garbhgriha is the main Vigraha or idol of Bhagwan Ganesh, which is three feet tall. It resides on a throne carved in stone and with a silver backrest.
Ballaleshwar Temple Pali is crowded around the year, but there is a heavy rush on special occasions and festivals
Shri Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple
History Of Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple Pali
Pali Ganpati temple has a very captivating history.
There was a couple, Kalyansheth and his wife, who had a son named Ballal. He was a firm devotee of Bhagwan Ganesh. He used to go to the jungle to worship a large stone that he believed was Bhagwan Ganesha. Furious by his devotion, Kalyansheth rushed to the forest and started beating him. Even after this horrendous act, Ballal did not leave his devotion. Pleased with the utmost bhakti, Bhagwan Ganesh himself untied his knots and healed the wounds. Ballal requested Ganesha to stay in the forest forever. And Bhagwan agreed to his wishes. It is the reason; the deity is known as Ballaleshwar. The Ballaleshwar Temple Pali is sacred and very important.
Location Of Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple Pali
The temple of Pali Ballaleshwar is located in the town/village of Pali, at a distance of 57.1 km (via SH92) from Karjat in the Raigad district.
Pali Ballaleshwar is around 120 km from Pune city. The temple is in the Konkan region.
Best Time To Visit Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple Pali
Though one can find a significant crowd throughout the year, July to November are when there is a maximum crowd. It is because these months are considered auspicious in the Hindu religion. Also, the most important festival, the Ganesh Chaturthi in Bhadrapada, falls during these months. However, heavy rains sometimes become a great hindrance. It is important to ask about the current weather condition while booking Ashtavinayak Tour Package From Mumbai.
How To Reach Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple?
If you are booking Shastrokta Ashtavinayak Yatra, it covers all eight temples in two or three days, depending on your trip package.
Shri Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple
Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple Pali – Timings
Days Temple Darshan Session Darshan Timings
Daily Temple Opening Timing 05:30
Daily Temple Darshan Timings 05:30 to 22:00
Daily Temple Closing Timings 22:00
It is possible to book Ashtavinayak Darshan Online Booking nowadays to avoid inconvenience at the last moment.
Ballaleshwar Pali Temple Pooja Timings
Days Temple Pooja Session Pooja Timings
Daily Temple Opening Timing 05:30
Daily Temple Pooja Timings 05:30 to 22:00
Daily Temple Closing Timings 22:00
Ballaleshwar Pali Temple Pooja Timings Chaturthi Days
Days Temple Pooja Session on Chaturthi Days Pooja Timings
Daily Temple Opening Timing 05:30
Daily Temple Pooja Timings on Chaturthi Days 06:00 to 09:00
Daily Temple Closing Timings 22:00
Devotees must check the temple opening timings and pooja and darshan timings before going to Ballaleshwar Temple Pali. It is to avoid inconvenience.
Architecture Of Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple
Pali Ballaleshwar temple is a highly spiritual temple that has a unique structure. This east-facing temple has two sanctums or sections. The outer one is 12 feet high and made from stone. The mouse made out of stone is a big attraction. The inner section is 15 feet high, where the main idol of Bhagwan Ganesh is there
Significance Of Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple Pali
The main idol of Lord Ganpati of Ballaleshwar Pali temple is known as Ballaleshwar in the name of Bhakta Ballal.
The temple faces east and is constructed so nicely that sun rays fall on the main idol during the Dakshinayana (part of the year when the sun moves southward). If you are booking an Ashtavinayak Yatra tour, ask about the time to reach Ballaleshwar. You can see this phenomenon if it is a sunny day.
Legends Of Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple
Legend of this Ashtavinayak is associated with the devotion of a boy called Ballal to Bhagwan Ganesh. He invited his friends for pooja. They got engrossed in pooja so much that they refused to return home. Annoyed parents of other kids complained to the parents of Ballal. They went to the place of pooja and got angry. The parents threw the Ganesha murti and beat him up severely.
Seriously injured, Ballal prayed to Bhagwan Ganesh, who appeared in front of him and blessed him. His wound got healed instantly. Bhagwan Ganesh assured that he would stay there forever, and the name of Bhakta Ballal would know as Bhagwan Ganesh.
Festivals And Events At Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple
Like all other Ashtavinayak Temples, Ganesh Chaturthi in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada is also celebrated with joy and devotion in Ballaleshwar Pali. It is a five-day festival that begins from Bhadrapad Shudh Pratipada to Panchami.
The Magh Utsav is also an important event. Here, the celebrations are held from Magh Shudh 1 to Magh Shudh 6.
Similarly, in the Jyeshtha month, a five-day festival known as Dhundi Vinayak Utsav is celebrated from Jyeshtha Shudh Pratipada to Panchami.
In the Sravan month, Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated with Joy. A Dahi Handi event is organized in which an earthen pot filled with curd, sweets, and gifts is hung at a height, and people break it by making a pyramid structure by climbing on the shoulders of other participants.
The colorful festival of Holi is celebrated in Falgun month. Apart from these, Dusshera, Deepawali, and Kartik Poornima are also celebrated. The temple is crowded with devotees from around the world gathering at Ballaleshwar Temple Pali.
Where To Stay Near Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple?
The Ballaleshwar Temple charitable trust runs a Dharamshala or Bhakta Nivas. Here, devotees can stay at very nominal rates. There are 2 choices available in the Bhakta Nivas 24 Rooms & 2 common Halls.
Since Pali is an important pilgrimage place, several accommodation choices are available to meet the requirements of devotees. They are low-cost dharmshala, mid-range hotels, and high-end accommodations.
If you book Ashtavinayak Tour From Pune, you don’t have to worry about accommodation. These tours have a night halt in Pune.
Where To Eat Near Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple?
Since it is a popular religious place, several eateries, and restaurants exist in and around Pali. The most popular cuisine is Maharashtrian cuisine. So, one can get very good Maharashtrian food at a reasonable rate.
Devotees can also get a meal coupon from the temple office for ten rupees (timing: till 1.30 p.m.).
Tourist Attraction In And Around Pali
You can explore some good places near Ballaleshwar Temple Pali.
Sudhagad Fort and the hot springs are famous.
There is a temple of Bhorai Devi on the fort. And there is the Ashram of Bhrigu Maharshi also.
Around ten kilometers from the temple, there is the temple of Gramdevata Vardayini. Uddhar is a place that is around 14 kilometers from the temple, where you can find a sacred pond. There are hot springs in the pond.
One ancient temple of Bhagwan Shiva is located around 3 kilometers from the main temple. It is over 350 years old.
All these places are nearby the main Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple.
Pali To Other Ashtavinayak Temples Distance
It is possible to cover all these eight temples in a round trip. For that, you should book Ashtavinayak Yatra By Car.
Tips On Visiting Ballaleshwar Ganpati Temple
The Dhundi Vinayak temple, located at the main temple’s backside, is also very important and sacred. It faces west, which is a peculiar thing.