History:

Varadvinayak Temple - Mahad in Maharashtra is an ancient Hindu temple and a popular pilgrimage site in India. It is one of the Ashtavinayak shrines that are dedicated to the god Ganesha. The temple is believed to have been built during the 8th century A.D. by Maratha King Pushpakaravarma. Every year, millions of devotees visit the temple to seek blessings from Varadvinayaka, the deity of the temple. The temple also houses a number of shrines dedicated to other gods, including Shiva, Vishnu, Durga, and others. Devotees flock to the temple to take part in various festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Shravana Vrat, and Bhadrapada Ekadashi. It is one of the best temple in Maharashtra which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Varadvinayak Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is located in Mahad, Raigad district, Maharashtra. 2. The temple is considered as one of the eight highly sacred Ganesha temples in India, also known as Ashtavinayak. 3. The idol of Lord Varadvinayak is made of black stone and is very attractive and beautiful. 4. This temple was built by Shri Madhavrao Peshwa in 1725 A.D. 5. The temple is located on an ancient pasana rock and is one of the most visited temples of Lord Ganesha in Maharashtra. 6. The temple is surrounded by lush green and dense trees and the source of income for the temple is from offerings of coconuts and flowers by devotees. 7. The temple's temple car is worshipped slightly differently than other Ganesha temples in Maharashtra. 8. The temple complex houses a hall, 108 marble steps and a spacious pond. 9. The huge temple complex is surrounded by thirty two gopuras (towers) and the main tower is located near the entrance of the temple. 10. The temple attracts a lot of devotees from all over Maharashtra and is considered as a Shaktipeetha. 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 most popular method of worshipping at Varadvinayak Temple in Mahad, Maharashtra is called 'Darshan'. Darshan involves offering prayers to Lord Ganesha, the main deity of the temple, by walking around the sanctum sanctorum in a clockwise direction and bowing down to it in reverence. The devotee then moves to other area of the temple such as the inner ceiling, sanctum sanctorum, and the four sides of the temple. After chanting holy mantras and offering flowers at these locations, the devotee stands before the idol of Lord Ganesha and offers prayers. This part of the Darshan ceremony also involves ringing the bell in the temple to awaken the god. After this part of the ceremony is completed, the devotee seeks the blessings of the Lord Ganesha by touching the feet of the idol and placing flower petals over the deity's feet. The final act of Darshan is a pradakshina or circumambulation around the temple. The devotee then leaves the temple feeling blessed and content. This most visited temple in Maharashtra

Opening Timing:

The temple is open from 06.00 am to 10.00 pm throughout the week. top temples in Maharashtra

How to reach:

By Air: The nearest airport is located in Mumbai, which is about 113 km from Varadvinayak temple. By Train: The nearest railway station is located in Pune, which is about 89 km from Varadvinayak temple. By Road: Varadvinayak temple is connected by road with major cities of Maharashtra like Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Satara. State run and private buses are available from these cities to Varadvinayak temple. The nearest major bus stand is located in Mahad, which is about 8 km from temple. famous temples in Maharashtra