Celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with a Journey to the Ashtavinayaks
Ganesh Chaturthi is here, bringing families, communities, and devotees together in vibrant joy! As the remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesha is worshipped with deep devotion, and his presence is cherished in homes, mandaps, and temples. While the festive spirit is contagious, there’s another way to immerse yourself in the blessings of Ganpati—a spiritual road trip to visit the Ashtavinayaks.
The Ashtavinayaks are eight unique and sacred temples of Lord Ganesha, each home to a distinct idol with its own history. These temples are scattered across Maharashtra and are revered as power centers of Ganpati. What's more? Each Ganesha idol has a unique form, particularly distinguished by the direction in which its trunk is curved. The best part is that this journey can be completed in just three days!
The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Your Ashtavinayak Yatra
If you’re ready to go for this yatra, here’s a three-day itinerary that’ll help you explore all eight temples without feeling rushed. And to add a relaxing twist, you can recharge amidst the scenic beauty of Lonavala!
Day 1: Pune to Morgaon, Siddhatek, and Theur
Start your journey from Pune, as it is centrally located for the Ashtavinayak circuit.
Stop 1: Mayureshwar Temple, Morgaon
Distance from Pune : 65 km (1.5 hours)
Reach Pune and start your pilgrimage at Mayureshwar (Morgaon), the first Ashtavinayak. Lord Ganesha is said to have defeated a demon named Sindhu here. This temple’s idol has a leftward trunk, symbolizing wisdom and balance.
Stop 2: Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek
Distance from Morgaon : 70 km (1.5 hours)
Head to Siddhivinayak (Siddhatek), a peaceful location by the river. This temple houses an idol with a rightward trunk, representing power and strength. Legend has it that Lord Vishnu himself worshipped this form of Ganesha.
Stop 3: Chintamani Temple, Theur
Distance from Siddhatek : 90 km (2 hours)
This temple is associated with the mythological story of Lord Ganesha bringing back the Chintamani jewel for a sage. The idol’s trunk curves towards the left, and the temple is renowned for soothing the minds of its visitors.
Stay Overnight
Theur is about an hour away from Pune, so you can either return for the night or stay in a nearby location.
Day 2: Pune to Ranjangaon, Lenyadri, and Ozar
The second day will be a mix of short and medium-distance drives, culminating in two hilltop temples and peaceful surroundings.
Stop 4: Mahaganpati Temple, Ranjangaon
Distance from Pune : 50 km (1 hour)
Begin the day by heading to the Mahaganpati Temple in Ranjangaon which is considered the most powerful of the Ashtavinayaks. The idol here has a trunk pointing to the left.
Stop 5: Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri
Distance from Ranjangaon : 100 km (2 hours)
Next, head to Lenyadri, a temple nestled in caves. The idol is said to be the child form of Ganesha, and the trunk bends to the left. It’s also believed to be the spot where Goddess Parvati meditated to bring Ganesha into the world.
Stop 6: Vighnahar Temple, Ozar
Distance from Lenyadri : 15 km (30 minutes)
Just a short drive away is the Vighnahar Temple in Ozar. This temple tells the tale of Lord Ganesha defeating a demon named Vighnasur, thus earning his title as the vanquisher of troubles. The idol here has a leftward trunk.
Stay Overnight in Lonavala:
After visiting Ozar, you can choose to drive to Lonavala – it’s about 3 hours away. The temples for the next day are easily accessible from Lonavala and you also get to stay in the serene Sahyadri hills. You can check into one of our cozy villas at Retrofusion, perfect for a restful night after a fulfilling day of temple visits.
Day 3: Lonavala to Pali and Mahad
Your final day will take you to the remaining two temples before returning to Moreshwar and finishing your journey in the beautiful surroundings of Lonavala.
Stop 7: Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali
Distance from Lonavala : 45 km (1.5 hours)
Wake up amidst the beauty of Lonavala and get ready for your last day of the trip. Start your day with a visit to Ballaleshwar Temple in Pali. Known for its serene environment, this temple is named after a devoted boy named Ballal who won Lord Ganesha’s heart. This idol's trunk leans to the left.
Stop 8: Varadvinayak Temple, Mahad
Distance from Pali : 35 km (1 hour)
Next, visit the Varadvinayak Temple in Mahad, where Lord Ganesha grants the wishes of his devotees. Its idol, with its left-leaning trunk, is said to bless devotees with the fulfillment of their desires.
Stay Overnight
After visiting these temples, head back to your Lonavala villa which would be about an hour away, for much needed rest and relaxation.
Rest & Recharge at Our Lonavala Airbnb
When you’re booking your Lonavala accommodation, consider Retrofusion. After three days of long drives and temple visits, treat yourself to a night of rest at our serene Airbnb in Lonavala. Our spaces at Retrofusion offer the perfect balance of peace and comfort. We have the Retro Villa, a Bollywood-themed vibrant villa; and the Neo Retro, an art gallery villa where you can immerse yourself in art and culture. You can rest, relax and savour the beauty of Lonavala when you stay with us! After Chinese symbolizing—spirituality and some well-deserved relaxation!
This Ashtavinayak pilgrimage, done over three days, not only brings you closer to the divine but also gives you a perfect chance to explore Maharashtra’s cultural and natural treasures.