History:

is a Hindu temple located in the village of Mahad, Maharashtra, India. It is one of the Ashtavinayak shrines dedicated to the god Ganesha, the elephant-headed divinity. The temple architecture is distinct with some features unique to this temple. The Vimana is of Nagara style and is square in plan. The temple grounds include a large lake known as 8 (Ashta)Vinayaka Talao or the lake of 8 Vinayakas, near which is the famous Hanuman Temple. There are small shrines built in the South Indian and Chalukya styles. The temple also has two pillars made by sculptor carved out of a single stone. This temple is believed to be more than 1000 years old and was first constructed by Subhedar of King Shivaji called ‘Hamirrao Pawar’. It is one of the best temple in Maharashtra which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Varadavinayak Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Located in the village of Mahad, Maharashtra, India, it is one of the eight most revered and sacred temples for devotees of Lord Ganesha. 2. It is believed that the shrine was consecrated and founded by Sage Bhrugu and Goddess Shivai during the time of the Ramayana. 3. The Varadavinayak Temple is a classic example of Hemadpanti architecture and dates back to the 11th century. 4. According to a legend, Saint Shri Dattatreya – an incarnation of Lord Vishnu once visited the temple for offering prayers and stayed here for three nights. 5. The temple is located in a peaceful and calm environment surrounded by lush green hills covered with dense forest. 6. The temple is open all days of the week and the best time to visit is during the festive season like Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali, when the place is overfilled with devotees who come from different parts of Maharashtra to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. 7. The main deity that is worshipped here is Ganapati, and devotees can also worship idols of Navagrahas in the temple. In addition, the temple includes shrines of saints such as Narada, Gorakshanatha and Kala Bhairav. 8. The temple organizes events each year on the day of Ganesh Jayanti for the benefit of devotees. Here are some facts about the Maharashtra temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Maharashtra

Worship Method:

The Varadavinayak temple in Mahad, Maharashtra, is one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple's worship method and rituals are similar to other Ashtavinayak temples. Standard pujas such as Ganesh Abhishek, Shodashopachar puja and Palki Soharas are performed. According to ancient scriptures, Ganapati is believed to have taken the form of Varadavinayaka in a forest called Varadvinayak near Mahad. It is believed that the deity is a cosmic being, and has a power to grant wishes. The Varadavinayak temple is built on two levels. The first level contains an inner sanctum and the second level contains an assembly hall and sanctum dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple priests conduct worship ceremonies daily. The most important ritual performed at the Varadavinayak temple is the offering of coconuts. Devotees offer a coconut each time they pray and make a wish. They tie a thread around the coconut before offering it. Once the prayers are completed, they break the coconut and distribute it among the beggars present nearby. The Varadavinayak temple also has an annual fair that lasts five days, starting from the fourth day of the month of Magh (January–February). During the fair, devotees buy idols of Ganesha and offer special pujas to the deity. Other rituals such as puja, music, dance, and food exhibitions are also held during this time. This most visited temple in Maharashtra

Opening Timing:

The Varadavinayak Temple at Mahad, Maharashtra is open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day. top temples in Maharashtra

How to reach:

Varadvinayak temple is located in the small village of Mahad, Maharashtra. The nearest major railway station is Karjat railway station, located around 86 km from Mahad. From Karjat station, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple. The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai, located at a distance of 132 km from Mahad village. From Mumbai airport, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the temple. famous temples in Maharashtra