Varadvinayak

Varadvinayak Temple

The Varadvinayak Temple, also known as Varadavinayaka, is a significant Hindu shrine located in Mahad village, within the Raigad District of Maharashtra, India. It holds a prominent place as one of the Ashtavinayak temples, a group of eight revered Ganesha shrines. The temple is situated in Khalapur taluka, near the towns of Karjat and Khopoli.

Legend and Origin

According to legend, the idol of Varadavinayaka is 'swayambu,' meaning it is self-originated. It was discovered submerged in the adjoining lake in 1690 AD. The temple itself is said to have been restored by Subhedar Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar in 1725 AD. The temple's origin is also tied to the sage Gritsamada, who, after a series of divine interventions and curses, prayed to Lord Ganesha in a forest. Pleased by his penance, Ganesha granted him a boon and agreed to reside permanently in the forest, where Gritsamada built a temple and installed the idol known as Varadavinayaka. This forest is now known as Bhadraka.

Temple Features and Worship

The temple's idol faces east and has its trunk turned to the left. A unique feature of the shrine is an oil lamp that is said to have been burning continuously since 1892. The temple complex also houses idols of Mushika (Ganesha's vahana), Navagraha Devatas, and a Shivalinga. Four elephant idols stand guard at the four corners of the temple. A notable aspect for devotees is the ability to enter the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) and offer prayers directly to the idol. The temple attracts large crowds, especially during festivals like Magha Chaturthi and Maghi Utsav, with a belief that consuming the prasad during Maghi Chaturthi can bless devotees with a son.