Ashtavinayak Temples

The Mayureshwar Temple

Pilgrims on Ashtavinayak yatra both begin and end their pilgrimage at the Mayureshwar (or Moreshwar) Temple. It was here that Lord Ganesha, in the form of Mayureshwara appeared, riding a peacock, to defeat the demon Sindhu.
The Mayureshwar idol of Ganesha has its trunk turned to the left. A cobra (Nagaraja) stands protecting Ganesha, with his ‘hood’ open like an umbrella. With Ganesha stands the murtis of Siddhi (attainment) and Buddhi (intelligence).

The Siddhivinayak Temple

It was here that Lord Vishnu prayed to Ganesha before defeating the demons Madhu and Kaitabh. This form of Ganesh is named Siddhivinayak, because it is believed that Lord Vishnu achieved success after he prayed here.
The Siddhivinayak idol is 3 feet tall and 2.5 feet wide. The idol faces the north with its trunk turned to the right. The murtis of Riddhi (prosperity) and Siddhi (success) are sitting on his lap. This form of Ganesha is known as the "Successful Remover".

The Ballaleshwar Temple

It is here that a young boy named Ballala showed great devotion to Ganesha. Ganesha appeared to him and granted him a boon. Ballala asked Ganesha to “stay at this place and remove the miseries of the people, who come to you.” As Ballala requested, a part of Ganesha remains in this place.
The Ballaleshwar idol is sitting on throne carved like a Cyprus tree. His trunk is pointing to the left. There are diamonds embedded in his eyes and navel.

The Varadavinayak Temple

Varadvinayak Temple or Mahadcha Shri Varadavinayak Temple. Ganesha is said to reside here in the form of Varada Vinayaka, the giver of bounty and success. The idol was found in the adjoining lake (to Mr. Dhondu Paudkar in 1690AD), in an immersed position and hence its weathered look. Lord Ganesha is believed to have given darshan to Gruthsmadh, who performed penance to get rid of sins. He was granted what he wished and therefore the Varad Vinayak here is known as one who fulfills wishes.
The idol faces the east, has its trunk to the left. There is an oil lamp (Nandadeep), which is said to have been continuously burning since 1892.

The Chintamani Temple

Ganesha is believed to have retrieved the precious Chinatamani jewel from a greedy Guna, for sage Kapila at this spot. After the jewel was returned to the sage Kapila gave the beautiful jewel to Vinayaka (Ganesha).
Another legend says that Lord Brahma meditated here and called upon Lord Ganesh to help subdue his restless mind. His worries (chinta) were removed, so the idol is called Chintamani. Anyone in search of happiness, whose mind is wavering like Lord Brahma, should worship Shree Chintamani Vinayak (Ganesha), and he will get rid of all Chintas (worries).
This idol has a left-facing trunk, with carbuncle and diamonds as its eyes. The idol faces the east.

The Girijatmaj Temple

It is believed that the Goddess Parvati stayed at this place and performed penance before the birth of her son, Ganesha. The name Girijatmaj comes from the words Girija's (Parvati's) and Atmaj (son).
The idol faces north with its trunk to the left. This idol is different from the other Ashtavinayak idols because it is not as well designed or clearly carved as other idols. There are no electric lights in the temple. The temple is constructed so that during the day it is lighted by the sun. This temple sits among a cave complex of 18 Buddhist caves.

The Vighneshwa Temple

The King of Gods, Indra, created a demon called Vighnasur, to destroy the unworthy prayers of King Abhinandan. However, the demon continued his destruction and began to destroy all the people's prayers. The gods called on Ganesh, who quickly defeated him. However, the demon begged and pleaded with Ganesha to show mercy. Ganesha granted him his life, but on the condition that the demon should not go to any place where Ganesha worshipping is going on. The demon’s name, Vighnasur, comes from the Sanskrit word “Vighna” meaning “a sudden interruption of work due to some unforeseen event.”
This idol faces the east. Its trunk faces towards the left. There are rubies in its eyes, a diamond on the forehead and some jewel in the navel. Idols of Riddhi and Siddhi are placed on the two sides of the Ganesha idol.

The Mahaganapati Temple

Shiva is believed to have worshipped Ganesha at this place, before fighting the demon Tripurasura. This form of Ganesha is known as Tripurarivade Mahaganpati. Mahaganapati means ‘the Great’ Ganapati. A Mahaganapati murti has eight, ten or twelve hands. The Mahaganpati at Ashtavinayak is considered the most powerful representation of Lord Ganesha.
The idol faces east, with its trunk pointing to the left. He is seated in a cross-legged position with a broad forehead. It is said that the original idol is hidden in the basement, having 10 trunks and 20 hands and is called Mahotkat, however, the temple authorities deny existence of any such idol.

Visit these sites to learn more about Ganesha's Symbols:

• Ashtavinayak.net - www.ashtavinayak.net
• Ashtavinayak.info - www.ashtavinayak.info
• Ashtavinayak Temples - www.ashtavinayaktemples.com
• Ashta-Vinayak Temples - www.hindu-blog.com
• Wikipedia article - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashtavinayaka
• The Siddhivinayak Temple - www.siddhivinayak.org

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