Shree Varad vinayak (Ashtavinayak Kshetra) — Attraction in Maharashtra

Shri Varadvinayak Mahad is one of the Ashtavinayak temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and success. It is located in a small village called Mahad, near Khopoli, in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. The temple is said to be built by Peshwa General Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar in 1725 AD.  The idol of Varadvinayak, which means the giver of boons, is self-originated (swayambhu) and was found in a nearby lake. The temple faces east and has a dome with a golden pinnacle and a carving of a cobra. The temple also has idols of Riddhi and Siddhi, the consorts of Ganesha, as well as Mushika, the mouse mount of Ganesha. There is a holy pond on the west side of the temple and a gomukh (cow’s mouth) on the north side that spouts holy water.

The temple has a rich history and legend associated with it. According to the legend, King Bhima of Koudinyapur and his wife were childless and sought the help of sage Vishwamitra, who gave them a mantra to chant. They were blessed with a son named Rukmaganda, who grew up to be a handsome prince. Once, he visited the ashram of Rishi Vachaknavi, whose wife Mukunda fell in love with him and asked him to fulfill her desires. Rukmaganda refused and left the ashram. Mukunda became lovesick and was visited by Indra, the king of gods, who disguised himself as Rukmaganda and made love to her. She gave birth to a son named Gritsamada, who later learned the truth about his birth and cursed his mother to become a thorny plant. Mukunda also cursed Gritsamada that he would have a demon son. They both heard a voice from heaven saying that Gritsamada was actually the son of Indra, but it was too late to undo their curses. Mukunda became a plant called Bhor and Gritsamada went to the Pushpak forest and prayed to Lord Ganesha for forgiveness. Ganesha was pleased with his penance and granted him a boon that he would have a son who would be invincible except by Shiva. He also asked Ganesha to stay in the forest permanently and bless his devotees. Gritsamada built a temple there and installed the idol of Varadvinayak.

The temple is visited by thousands of devotees throughout the year, especially during Maghi Chaturthi, which falls in January or February. It is believed that consuming the coconut received as prasad during this festival will bless one with a son. The temple also provides accommodation for pilgrims in its bhakta niwas (guest house). The temple is easily accessible by road from Pune or Mumbai and is part of the Ashtavinayak yatra (circuit) that covers eight temples of Ganesha in Maharashtra.

I hope you enjoyed reading this review of Shri Varadvinayak Mahad. If you are planning to visit this temple, I wish you a happy and safe journey. May Lord Ganesha shower you with his...

Varadvinayak Mandir in Mahad, one of the revered Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra, offers a deeply spiritual and serene experience. Nestled near Khopoli, the temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha as the "giver of boons" (Varadvinayak), and is known for its tranquil ambiance and simple yet powerful aura. The idol is considered Swayambhu (self-manifested) and was discovered in a lake nearby. The temple was originally built in 1725 by Subhedar Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar and has been maintained with devotion over the centuries. The structure is simple but well-kept, and the temple premises are clean and organized. Surrounding the temple, you’ll find small shops selling coconut, flowers, modaks, and other offerings. The local people are welcoming, and the overall vibe is very warm and positive. There's also a small pond nearby and a sacred lamp (Nandadeep) that is believed to have been burning continuously since the temple’s inception. The temple structure is modest but holds significant historical and religious importance. What makes it unique is that devotees are allowed to enter the sanctum sanctorum and touch the idol — a rare privilege in many temples today. The idol is self-manifested (Swayambhu), and the temple is believed to be built in the early 18th century by Peshwa era figure Subhedar Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar. The surroundings are peaceful, with a clean and well-maintained temple premise. There's ample space for devotees, and the queues are usually manageable, especially on weekdays. Local shops around the temple sell traditional offerings, prasad, and souvenirs, adding to the pilgrimage experience. Tips: Try visiting early in the morning or during non-peak hours to avoid crowds. Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the scenic Lonavala-Khandala stretch or Imagica theme park if you're on a day trip. Footwear storage and basic amenities are available near the entrance. Whether you're on a spiritual journey or simply exploring Maharashtra’s cultural heritage, Varadvinayak Mandir at Mahad is a peaceful and...

Morya! Delighted to review the 4th Shree Ganesha temple in the sacred Ashtavinayak circle. Varad Vinayak as the name suggests in the giver of boons to the devotees.

This temple is approximately 65 kms from Mumbai city(the closest Ashtavinayak temple to Mumbai) and it is easily accesible through train and road.

Enroute train mode, get down at either Khopoli station (approx 6 kms away) or Panvel station (approx 33 kms away), thereafter you may take state run buses or cabs or autos. Enroute road mode, you need to drive onto the Panvel Khopoli road.

The temple has a close proximity to the lake wherein Swayambhu Shree Ganesha idol of this temple was found. You can pay your tributes to the reverred Ganesh idol directly in the 'Gabhara'. The temple is huge but simple in architecture. Normal walled structure surrounded by the peaceful lake which was rebuilt us 17th century by a Peshva Subhedaar. The original place has received Shree Ganeshas blessings because of Indra's son Gritsamada's penance.

Before visiting the main Ganesha idol, you can visit the Gaondevi temple just outside the main temple. Before entering the main 'Gabhara' take darshan of the Shiv linga just besides it.

Post Shree Ganesha darshan, you can visit the Datta temple nearby which also houses a Shani dev, Rahu, Ketu and Hanumanji idol.

Both Magh and Bhadrapada festivals are celebrated with grandeur.

On weekends and major festivals expect atleast an hour long queue. But the queue is noticeably fast moving.

The prasad received here especially coconut prasad is reverred amongst devotees.

If you intend to stay here, you may opt for the Bhakt Niwas nearby.

When you visit this place you can buy the local veggies grown here (like drumsticks, Vaal Shenga, cucumber, variety of Papads etc). There is a Ukdiche (steamed) modak centre very close to temple premises.

Lots of hotels and shops are on the road leading to the temple. Do try the solkadhi there.

Visit this temple for a very divine and...