Visiting all the 8 Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temples in Maharashtra is considered one of the most powerful pilgrimages for Lord Ganesha devotees. Each temple has its own legend, history, and unique significance. I recently completed this divine journey in just 2 days, covering 1000+ km on my bike starting from Badlapur. Here’s my travelogue.
Mahaganapati of Ranjangao,Pune, Ashtavinayak Ganpati Temples |
Ashtavinayak yatra in 2 days by bike from Badlapur covering Girijatmaj Lenyadri, Ozar Vighneshwar, Ranjangaon Mahaganpati, Theur Chintamani, Morgaon Moreshwar, Siddhatek Siddhivinayak, Mahad Varadvinayak and Pali Ballaleshwar.
Day 1 – Covering 5 Temples in Sahyadri Region
1. Girijatmaj Ganpati, Lenyadri
- Route Taken: Badlapur → Murbad → Malshej Ghat → Junnar → Lenyadri.
- Distance: ~150 km | Time Taken: 3 hours (5 AM – 8 AM).
Starting Steps of Girijatmaj Ganpati, Lenyadri |
Highlights:
- This is the only cave temple among Ashtavinayak, situated on Lenyadri hills (283 steps climb).
- The idol is carved into the cave wall and faces north.
- Surrounded by scenic Sahyadri mountains.
- Darshan Timing: 6 AM – 6 PM.
After darshan at 8 AM, I started at 10 AM for the next temple.
2. Vighneshwar Ganpati, Ozar
- Route: Lenyadri → Ozar (Junnar Taluka).
- Distance: 15 km | Travel Time: 30 minutes.
Selfi from out side of Vighneshwar Ganpati, Ozar |
- Highlights:
- Known as Vighnaharta (remover of obstacles).
- Temple has a gold-plated dome and deepmalas.
- Surrounded by Junnar forts & caves region.
3. Mahaganapati, Ranjangaon
- Route: Ozar → Narayangaon → Shirur → Ranjangaon.
- Distance: ~95 km | Travel Time: 2.5 hours.
Entry big gate of Mahaganapati, Ranjangaon |
- Highlights:
- Here Lord Shiva worshipped Ganesha before defeating Tripurasura.
- The idol is huge, facing east, known as Mahaganapati.
- Easily accessible on Pune–Ahmednagar highway.
4. Chintamani Ganpati, Theur
- Route: Ranjangaon → Pune → Theur.
- Distance: ~50 km | Travel Time: 1.5 hours.
premises of Chintamani Ganpati, Theur |
- Highlights:
- Known as Chintamani, remover of worries.
- Peshwa rulers were patrons of this temple.
- Located near the confluence of Mula, Mutha & Bhima rivers.
5. Moreshwar Ganpati, Morgaon
- Route: Theur → Jejuri → Morgaon.
- Distance: ~65 km | Travel Time: 2 hours.
inside premises of Moreshwar Ganpati, Morgaon |
Highlights:
- The first temple of Ashtavinayak Yatra.
- Idol is seated on a peacock (Moor), hence called Moreshwar.
- Temple has a stone boundary wall like a fort.
- End of Day 1: Reached around 9 PM.
- Stay: Took a homestay near temple at ₹500 and had dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Day 1 Summary: 5 Temples → 400+ km ride → Stayed at Morgaon.
Day 2 – Long Journey to Complete the Darshan
6. Siddhivinayak, Siddhatek
- Route: Morgaon → Daund → Bhima River → Siddhatek.
- Distance: ~90 km | Travel Time: 2 hours.
Entry of Siddhivinayak, Siddhatek ganapati |
Highlights:
- Known for fulfilling wishes.
- Lord Vishnu worshipped Ganesha here.
- Situated on a small hillock beside the Bhima river.
⏱️ Left at 7 AM, reached at 9 AM.
7. Varadvinayak, Mahad
- Route: Siddhatek → Pune → Khopoli → Mahad.
- Distance: ~200 km | Travel Time: 7 hours (due to bike repair, halts & Pune traffic).
Varadvinayak, Mahad front entry |
- Highlights:
- Here devotees can enter the Garbhagriha (sanctum).
- Idol is swayambhu (self-manifested).
- Surrounded by green valleys of Raigad.
- Reached: 5 PM.
8. Ballaleshwar, Pali
- Route: Mahad → Pali.
- Distance: 38 km | Travel Time: 1 hour.
Highlights:
- Named after a child devotee Ballal, symbol of pure devotion.
- First temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha by devotees.
- Beautiful east-facing temple with golden dome.
- Reached: 7 PM.
Day 2 Summary: 3 Temples → ~600 km ride → Reached Badlapur home at 11 PM.
Final Summary of Ashtavinayak Darshan
- Total Distance Covered: ~1000 km
- Duration: 2 days (solo bike ride)
- Spiritual Vibes: Unmatched!
- Travel Highlights: Malshej Ghat ride, Junnar caves, Pune–Ahmednagar stretch, and Raigad valleys.
Completing the Ashtavinayak Yatra in 2 days on bike was challenging yet deeply satisfying. Each temple had its unique aura and legends, making the journey both spiritual and adventurous.
Stay prepared with our PDF guides.
🧳 Free Travel Checklist Downloads
Checklist Download Domestic Travel Checklist (India) ⬇ Download 0 downloads NRI Travel Checklist (Visiting India) ⬇ Download 0 downloads Weekend Trekking Checklist (India) ⬇ Download 0 downloads
💡 Tip: Save all three PDFs as your Travel Toolkit for India – one click, and you’re always travel-ready! For more guides & itineraries, visit: lets2gether.blog
Checklist | Download |
---|---|
Domestic Travel Checklist (India) | ⬇ Download 0 downloads |
NRI Travel Checklist (Visiting India) | ⬇ Download 0 downloads |
Weekend Trekking Checklist (India) | ⬇ Download 0 downloads |
💡 Tip: Save all three PDFs as your Travel Toolkit for India – one click, and you’re always travel-ready! For more guides & itineraries, visit: lets2gether.blog
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