Bhagwan Ganesh or Ganpati is worshipped and respected all over India, but the state of Maharashtra has a special connection with him. The ten-day-long Ganesh Utsav is celebrated with tremendous joy and enthusiasm in Maharashtra.
The most recognized ten temples known as Ashtavinayak are very special. People visit them in one go in the form of two or three days. This pilgrimage is called the Ashtavinayak Yatra.
Whether you go from Mumbai or Pune, it is possible to cover the ashtavinayak temples in three days. However, it is more convenient if you go from Pune because all these temples are located around Pune City.
What is so special about these temples? One is that they are mentioned in the legendary Puranas. And all these idols are self-incarnated. They are not constructed or built by anyone. This is the reason; they have immense divine powers of fulfilling the wishes of their devotees.
Are you planning to go to the Ashtavinayak Yatra? If yes, then read the blog properly. You will get a complete idea about the tour.
Nowadays, the original Phot ID is required everywhere. Therefore, you need to carry it with you. It has to be from the list of approved photo identity documents by the Government of India. You should keep two or three photocopies of the same.
Since there is a lot of crowd during the festive season or on special occasions, many people book the Darsha in advance. If you have also done that, then do not forget to keep a printed copy of the receipt of the booking.
Are you driving your own vehicle? Even if you are going by rented vehicle, it is essential to keep all the required documents in their original. You should keep the papers of your vehicle. Keep your original Driving License and PUC certificate. If you are from any state other than Maharashtra, then you need to keep any relevant document required at the time of crossing the state border.
It is a two- or three-days tour, so you need not do much preparation. As far as clothing is concerned, you should keep light cotton clothes. They are comfortable in every season. Try to keep modest and decent clothes. Normally, full or half-sleeved kurtis, full pants, or simple sarees will do. Ensure that the attire is conservative.
If you are going in the winter season, then it is better to keep light woolen clothing. It will make the journey comfortable. The temperature during the daytime is not very low even in winter. Hence, heavy woolen clothes are not needed.
You will be walking a lot during the journey. Also, you need to remove your footwear before entering temples many times. Hence, choose footwear that is comfortable and easy to remove
It is not recommended to wear shoes with laces as they are uncomfortable to remove and put on. The best thing is to wear chappals or sandals. They can be removed without any hassle.
You should carry all necessary personal toiletry kits. Typically, it should include a toothbrush and toothpaste, moisturizer, and sunscreen lotion. The sunscreen is essential because you will be walking in bright sunshine during the trip.
Other essential items are hand sanitizer for cleanliness and mosquito repellent cream. They are required because there can be mosquitoes in the evening. And hand sanitizer will be important for maintaining cleanliness.
For ashtavinayak tour from Mumbai you should keep only essential medicines. It is a short trip. Hence, do not bother yourself by keeping unnecessary and unwanted stuff. It may not be required at all.
Common medicines for cough and cold, fever, headache, or indigestion and acidity should be kept in the First Aid Box.
Most importantly, you should carry the regular medicines prescribed by your medical practitioner. Remember, the places are not big, so you may not get any specific medication in the nearby medical shops.
As far as safety essentials are concerned, you should carry all valuable belongings with you throughout the journey to prevent loss or theft. The best thing is not to carry any unwanted valuables stuff, or jewelry. You should be mindful of your personal safety and avoid activities that may compromise it.
The best thing is to prepare a Travel Checklist for Ashtavinayak Darshan. Thus, you will not forget any essential or required item
Like any other Ganapati Temple, you need to carry the favorite items of the deity. Coconut, Durva Grass, Laddus, or Modak are the essential items. You can buy them from the respective temple.
If you want to perform any specific pooja or Abhishek, then you need to carry the required stuff. Nowadays, temple management arranges it on behalf of devotees.
In most of the temples, you will get Mahaprasad after the pooja, Abhishek, or hawan.
The temples of Ashtavinayak are amongst the must-visit pilgrimages in Maharashtra. They are situated around the cultural capital of Maharashtra, which is Pune. These Swayambhu Ganesh idols are not created by humans, but they are self-created or self- incarnated.
There is no special preparation required for this tour because the temples are near Pune. Also, the tour happens mostly in urban areas. Therefore, you do not have to carry much luggage
You can go by personal vehicle or hire an Ashtavinayak Darshan Program with any reputed tour operator. It will be a two- or three-days-long journey based on your preference.
Some people start very early in the morning from Pune city and cover all eight temples in one day. But it is a cumbersome and tiring journey. You will return late at night.
So, the most practical option is to cover four temples in one day.
If you choose a three-day tour, then it is very relaxing. Also, you can cover one or two other important religious places on the tour. Typically, such tours are preferred and boked by elderly people.
