Road trip to Ashtavinayaka - Our last minute plan

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Ashtavinayaka refers to the eight sacred temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha in the Indian state of Maharashtra. These temples are located around Pune and are highly revered by devotees who often undertake a pilgrimage to visit all eight in a specific sequence.

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With Christmas vacations starting for my son, Devansh, on December 23rd, and my annual leave beginning on December 25th, we initially planned to spend a relaxed holiday at home. However, the idea of staying home and doing nothing seemed dull, so we decided on a short road trip.

With my school reunion scheduled for December 28th, we had only three days (from the 25th to the 27th) for our getaway. The destination had to be close by, and Vidya quickly suggested the Ashtavinayak Darshan. The term "Ashtavinayak" means "eight Ganeshas" in Sanskrit and refers to a pilgrimage of eight Hindu temples in Maharashtra dedicated to Lord Ganesha in his eight different forms. These temples, located around Pune (six in Pune and two near Raigad), each have unique legends and histories. The idols in these temples are believed to be "Swayambhu," meaning self-manifested.

Since it was a short trip, we didn’t need extensive preparations—just packed our bags and were ready to go. Still, mindful of our ever-hungry son and the multiple stops ahead, we carried some snacks and bottles of mineral water.

With the help of our trusty friend, Google Maps, we mapped out our plan—a 720-kilometer journey over the next three days.

As always, we began our journey early in the morning at 6:30 AM. The weather was a chilly 20°C when we set off, but we had come prepared with plenty of warm clothes to keep us comfortable in the cold.

The moment I started the car, Devansh enthusiastically shouted, "Ganpati Bappa Morya! Mangal Murti Morya!"—a devotional chant invoking Lord Ganesha’s blessings and expressing his joyful devotion.

1. Home to Shri Varad Vinayak Temple

Without taking any breaks along the way, we reached our first destination, the Shri Varada Vinayak Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temple, around 8:30 AM after a 94-kilometer journey that took approximately two hours.

Located 3 kilometers off the Pune-Mumbai highway near Khopoli, the Varada Vinayak idol is a swayambhu (self-originated) and was discovered immersed in an adjoining lake in 1690 AD. The temple itself was built in 1725 AD by Subhedar Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar. Set on one side of a serene pond, the idol faces east, with its trunk turned to the left.

This temple is also known for its perpetually burning oil lamp, said to have been lit continuously since 1892. Alongside the main shrine, the premises feature idols of Mushika (Ganesha’s vehicle), the Navagraha Devatas, and a Shivalinga. The temple is guarded by four elephant idols positioned at its four sides. A unique aspect of this Ashtavinayak temple is that devotees can enter the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and offer prayers directly to the idol.

Devansh was brimming with excitement to see the Ganpati idol. Despite the long queue, we managed to have darshan in about 20 minutes. Inside the temple, Devansh sincerely offered prayers and chanted his mantras with devotion.

After a quick stroll around the temple, we stopped for breakfast at one of the nearby restaurants.

• I chose vada usual, a flavourful street food combining vada (fried lentil or potato fritters) with usual (a spicy sprouted lentil curry), topped with a mix of crunchy garnishes.

• Vidya opted for misal pav, an iconic and spicy curry made with sprouted legumes, served with soft pav (bread rolls), and topped with crunchy toppings for added texture.

• Devansh stuck to his all-time favourite, dosa, the thin, crispy South Indian crepe served with tangy chutneys and savory sambar.

With satisfied tummies, we left at 9:30 AM for our next destination: Shri Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple.

2. Shri Varad Vinayak Temple to Shri Ballaleshwar Ashtvinayak Temple

Our second destination was the Shri Ballaleshwar Ashtavinayak Temple, one of the shortest routes of the trip—just 38 kilometers, which took us about an hour to reach. By 10:30 AM, we were at the temple premises. Luckily, we managed to find a parking spot despite the growing holiday crowd.

The Shri Ballaleshwar Temple, located in the village of Pali in Raigad district, is one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. What sets this temple apart is that it is the only one named after a devotee of Ganesha, Ballal. Nestled between Fort Sarasgad and the Amba River, the temple is steeped in history and devotion.

The original wooden temple was built by Moreshvar Vitthal Sindkar in 1640, a key contributor to the works of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. His dedication to Ganesha and his contribution to the temple’s development are legendary. In 1760, the temple was reconstructed in stone, replacing the wooden structure. The new temple was designed in the shape of the Sanskrit letter "Shri" and was built using lead mixed with cement for durability. Its architecture is uniquely aligned to allow the first rays of the rising sun to illuminate the idol.

The temple complex is beautifully tiled and features two lakes. It has two sanctums: an inner sanctum, 15 feet high, and an outer sanctum, 12 feet high. The outer sanctum contains a striking idol of a rat holding a modak, facing Lord Ganesha. The main hall is an impressive 40 feet long and 20 feet wide, supported by eight cypress-like pillars.

Inside, we took our time to offer prayers to Lord Ganesha, as the queue was relatively short.

Afterward, we enjoyed a quick coffee to recharge from the early morning start. By 11:30 AM, we were back on the road, heading to our next destination—Shri Chintamani Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temple in Theur.

3. Shri Ballaleshwar Ashtvinayak Temple to Shri Chintamani Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temple

Our third and final destination for the day was Shri Chintamani Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temple in Theur. The 113-kilometer journey was expected to take around 2.5 hours, but given the Christmas holidays, we anticipated delays. The route passed through Lonavala, a picturesque hill station in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra. Known for its lush green valleys, misty hills, waterfalls, and pleasant climate, Lonavala is a popular retreat for travelers from Mumbai and Pune. It’s also famous for its chikki, a traditional sweet made from jaggery and nuts, as well as its scenic viewpoints.

We reached Lonavala around 1:30 PM and decided to break for lunch. We stopped at Bombay Food Kitchen, a newly opened restaurant that exceeded our expectations. Since we were visiting another temple, we stuck to vegetarian dishes: garlic bread and a flavorful vegetable gravy, while Devansh indulged in his favorite—pizza.

After a quick, satisfying lunch, we resumed our journey and reached Shri Chintamani Temple by 5:00 PM. Finding a parking spot was a challenge, but after some patience and wandering, we managed to secure one.

Shri Chintamani Temple, located about 25 kilometers from Pune, is one of the largest and most renowned of the Ashtavinayak shrines. It holds immense significance due to its association with a legend in which Lord Ganesha retrieved the wish-fulfilling jewel, Chintamani, for his devotee, the sage Kapila, from the greedy king Gana. The temple also has ties to Lord Brahma, who meditated here to calm his restless mind, and to the revered Ganapatya saint, Morya Gosavi (13th–17th century). While the temple is believed to have ancient origins, its current structure was either built or renovated by Morya Gosavi or his descendants. The Peshwa rulers, especially Madhavrao I, also contributed to its development.

The temple is famous for celebrating three major festivals:

• Ganesh Prakatotsav, which coincides with Ganesh Chaturthi in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada.

• Maghotsav, held in the month of Magha to mark Ganesha Jayanti.

• Rama-Madhav Punyotsav, commemorating the death anniversary of Madhavrao I and his wife, Ramabai, who performed Sati on his funeral pyre.

As we entered the temple, we were greeted by a long queue of devotees, hundreds of whom were already waiting. I told Vidya that we’d likely be standing for at least an hour. Time passed quickly, though, as Devansh kept asking questions about the Ashtavinayak temples and admiring the temple’s beautiful architecture, including the outer wooden hall built by the Peshwas. After a little over an hour, we finally had darshan of Lord Ganesha.

Following the darshan, we spent some time exploring the temple premises before heading to our hotel for the night.

Stay at Hotel Majestique

Our accommodation for the night was at Hotel Majestique, located about 5 kilometers from the temple. Being in a village area, we had modest expectations, but the newly built hotel exceeded them in every way. The facility was spacious, well-maintained, and managed by friendly staff. The rooms were tastefully decorated, equipped with all necessary amenities, and provided a cozy retreat after a long day.

After freshening up and relaxing for a while, we headed to the hotel’s restaurant around 8:30 PM for dinner. Just like the hotel, the restaurant was an absolute delight. It boasted a welcoming ambiance, attentive staff, and excellent food. The service was so exceptional that, for the first time, I found myself asking to meet the chef to personally appreciate his work!

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll around the serene hotel premises, enjoying the calm and peaceful atmosphere. Feeling relaxed and content, we headed back to our room to call it a night, preparing ourselves for the adventures that awaited us the next day.

4. Shri Chintamani Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temple to Shri Mayureshwar Ashtavinayak Temple Morgaon

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, after which we set off for our next destination—Shri Mayureshwar Ashtavinayak Temple in Morgaon. We left by 9:00 AM, and the 60-kilometer journey took us just about an hour, thanks to the lack of traffic. The smooth, well-maintained tar roads were a pleasant surprise, making the drive enjoyable for both us and the car. Most of the route was straightforward, with just one right turn leading to the temple.

As soon as we arrived at the parking lot, we were greeted by fortune tellers offering to predict our future. While I respect their profession, I firmly believe in living in the present and embracing the future as it comes. Politely declining their services, we made our way toward the temple.

Shri Mayureshwar Temple, also known as Shri Moreshwar Mandir, is located in Morgaon, about 65 kilometers from Pune city. According to Hindu legend, the temple marks the site where Ganesha vanquished the demon Sindhura. Though the exact date of the temple's construction remains unknown, the Ganapatya saint Moraya Gosavi is closely associated with it. The temple thrived under the patronage of the Peshwa rulers and the descendants of Moraya Gosavi.

The temple complex was bustling with devotees, and the queue for darshan was quite long—an hour’s wait at least. To save time, we opted for a direct entry pass, allowing us to complete the darshan in less than five minutes.

By 10:30 AM, we were done with our prayers and ready to continue our journey. Without delay, we set off for our next destination—Shri Siddhivinayak Mandir in Siddhatek.

5. Shri Mayureshwar Ashtavinayak Temple Morgaon to Shri Siddhivinayak Mandir Siddhatek

The 58-kilometer journey to Shri Siddhivinayak Mandir in Siddhatek took us about an hour, thanks to the excellent road conditions. The two-lane highway was smooth and well-maintained, allowing me to comfortably cruise at 100 km/hr. By 11:30 AM, we arrived at the temple premises.

The temple is located on the northern bank of the Bhima River in Siddhatek, in the Karjat taluka of Ahmednagar district. Siddhatek is accessible from the small village of Shirapur in Pune district, on the southern bank of the river. From there, one can either take a boat across the river or use the newly constructed bridge to reach the temple.

The temple stands atop a hillock, surrounded by a dense grove of Babul trees. It is located about 1 kilometer from the heart of Siddhatek village. A unique aspect of this temple is the pradakshina (circumambulation) ritual performed by devotees. The path for the circumambulation encircles the entire hillock and stretches through thorny shrubs, with no paved road, making it a testament to the devotion and endurance of worshippers who complete this seven-round ritual.

The Ganesha idol here is distinctive, with its trunk turned to the right, unlike most Ganesha idols where the trunk is turned to the left. This right-trunked Ganesha, known as Siddhi-Vinayaka, is considered very powerful but also more challenging to please. The temple is revered as a jagrut kshetra—a site where the deity is believed to be especially potent. Worshipping this form of Ganesha is said to grant siddhi (success and accomplishments), including supernatural powers.

Fortunately, the temple was not too crowded, and we had our darshan within 10 minutes. After spending some time exploring the peaceful surroundings and soaking in the serene atmosphere, we were ready to move on to our next destination—Shri Mahaganapati Temple in Ranjangaon.

6. Shri Siddhivinayak Mandir Siddhatek to Shri Mahaganapati Ranjangaon

Around 12:00 PM, we set off for Shri Mahaganapati Ranjangaon, with an 80-kilometer drive ahead of us. The journey was a mix of good and bad roads, but we managed to maintain a steady speed of around 80 km/h. About halfway through, we stopped at Hotel Vaibhav, a modest restaurant run by local people. Since we were passing through rural areas, we didn’t expect anything fancy, but the manager recommended their specialty dish, which turned out to be excellent. Vidya, who was observing upwas (a fasting ritual), had sabudana khichdi, while Devansh and I enjoyed the dish with jeera rice.

After lunch, we continued our journey and reached Shri Mahaganapati Ranjangaon by 2:30 PM.

The Ganpati idol at this temple was unveiled and gifted by the Khollam family, renowned goldsmiths from Ranjangaon. The temple itself was constructed between the 9th and 10th centuries, with the main structure dating back to the Peshwa era. The temple is crowned with a Nagarkhana (musical chamber) above the entrance gate. It faces east and features an impressive and grand entrance.

During the reign of Madhavrao I, a room was created in the temple’s basement to house the idol of Lord Ganesha. Later, Sardar Kibe of Indore renovated the temple. The idol of Ganesha here is known as Mahotkat, a unique form with 10 trunks and 20 hands.

Like at Shri Mayureshwar Ashtavinayak Temple, we purchased a direct entry pass here as well to bypass the long queue and were able to complete our darshan in about 5 minutes.

After the darshan, we took a stroll through the temple’s surrounding shops. Vidya and I relaxed with a coffee, while Devansh enjoyed some freshly squeezed juice. We also picked up a pack of yellow pipe fryums, a popular Indian snack known for their hollow cylindrical shape and crispy texture. Made from a mixture of wheat flour, rice flour, or tapioca, they are typically fried or air-fried until they puff up into golden, crispy treats.

While Shri Mahaganapati Ranjangaon was supposed to be our final stop for the day, we were ahead of schedule. Deciding to make the most of the time, we chose to visit the next temple on our itinerary, originally planned for Day 3—Shri Vighnahar Ganapati Mandir, Ozar.

7. Shri Mahaganapati Ranjangaon to Shri Vighnahar Ganapati Mandir, Ozar

At 3:30 PM, we set off for Shri Vighnahar Ganapati Mandir, Ozar. The 60-kilometer drive took us about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The temple is located about 85 km from Pune, off the Pune-Nashik highway, and around 9 km north of Narayangaon. Situated on the banks of the Kukadi River near the Yedagaon Dam, Ozar is in the Junnar Taluka of Pune district.

The temple was renovated by Chimaji Appa, the younger brother and military commander of Peshwa Baji Rao I, after he captured the Vasai Fort from the Portuguese. He covered the temple's shikhara (spires) with gold in gratitude. The temple was also renovated in 1967 by the Ganesha devotee Appa Shastri Joshi.

We arrived at the temple by 5:00 PM. This was by far the most spacious temple we had visited so far. There was ample parking with a wide approach road to the temple, and plenty of space for people to move around. The temple wasn’t crowded, so we managed to get our darshan quickly and without any hassle.

With some time to spare and our hotel being within walking distance from the temple, we decided to explore the area. And, of course, when you’re traveling with a child, there’s always something he wants to buy—even if he may not use it later! We also picked up some vada pav to munch on at the hotel.

Our stay for the night was at Hotel Aryaa Regency, a 2-star hotel near the village. While it wasn't luxurious, the staff was friendly and helpful, and the hotel served its purpose for a one-night stay. For dinner, we chose to dine at the hotel’s own restaurant, Hotel Aryaa Regency Restaurant. The food was excellent, with great local dishes that made us feel right at home.

As we were heading to our room, the hotel’s bellboy offered to wash my car in the morning for a small fee. I agreed, and he did an excellent job—adding an unexpected touch of service to our stay.

8. Shri Vighnahar Ganapati Mandir, Ozar to Shri Girijatmak Lenyadri Gangapati Ashtavinayak, Pune

Our final day began with the shortest drive of the trip—Shri Girijatmak Lenyadri Ganapati Ashtavinayak. The 15-kilometer drive took us only 20 minutes to reach the temple. The temple had ample parking space, and we quickly parked and made our way to the entrance.

The temple is believed to be the place where Parvati (Shiva’s wife) performed penance to beget Ganesha. The temple's name, Girijatmak, refers to the son of Girija (Parvati). It is one of the 18 Buddhist caves, with the Ganapati temple located in the 8th cave, also known as Ganesh Leni. The temple is carved into a single stone hill and is accessed via 307 steps, making it the only temple in the Ashtavinayak group where visitors must climb the mountain.

As Vidya and I aren’t particularly fit, we had a bit of a struggle climbing the stairs. However, Devansh, ever the thoughtful son, stayed behind to support his mom and make sure she had the moral encouragement to reach the top. In about 30 minutes, we made it to the top. Visitors need to be cautious as monkeys are known to snatch bags, especially if they have snacks inside. As we approached the temple, Devansh spotted a monkey eating snacks and immediately offered it a bottle of water, showing his kind nature.

Upon entering the temple, we were greeted by a huge hall, 53 feet long, 51 feet wide, and 7 feet high, with no supporting pillars carved into the mountain. The Ganesh idol sat opposite the entrance, and the atmosphere was serene. With only a short wait in the queue, we had a peaceful darshan and spent some time sitting in the hall, soaking in the tranquil surroundings.

After offering our prayers, we descended the mountain, and Vidya and Devansh took some time to explore the nearby shops. We spent about 30 minutes browsing, and Devansh couldn’t resist picking up a few souvenirs.

With our final visit completed, we began our journey back home, reflecting on the spiritual experiences and cherished memories from the trip.

Girijatmak Lenyadri Gangapati Ashtavinayak, Pune to Home

We had two options for our return journey: take the Nashik Expressway or go via Lonavala. Both routes would take approximately 5 hours, but since we usually travel via Lonavala, we decided to explore the Nashik Expressway this time. We anticipated a slightly longer journey due to ongoing road work, but it turned out to be worse than expected. The roads went from bad to worse, with some stretches having no proper roads at all.

Once we entered Bhiwandi, the traffic became bumper-to-bumper, which caused even more delays. Our journey was slowing down considerably, and we were losing time fast.

By the time it was 3:00 PM, we decided it was best to halt for lunch. We stopped at The Bombay Dhaba, a newly opened restaurant just before Thane. After a satisfying meal, we resumed our journey, hoping the roads would improve. Despite the delays, we eventually reached home at around 5:00 PM.

Exhausted from the long drive, we quickly freshened up and decided to rest for the day, reflecting on the wonderful experiences of the trip.

Conclusion:

A trip that had been on our minds for quite some time, this last-minute plan turned out to be incredibly satisfying, offering a perfect blend of devotion, exploration, and family bonding. From the serene atmosphere of the Ashtavinayak temples to the scenic roads and unique cultural experiences, every moment was a reminder of the beauty of our surroundings and the joy of travel.

Despite the road challenges on our return journey, which added a bit of frustration, the overall experience was worth every bit of effort. We discovered new places, made lasting memories, and strengthened our connection as a family. It was truly a fulfilling adventure that will stay with us for a long time.