Mahad Varadvinayak Temple Guide: History, Legends, Rituals & Travel Tips

Location

Village: Mahad, in Khalapur Taluka
District: Raigad, Maharashtra
Nearby Towns: Karjat and Khopoli
Access: Well-connected by road from Mumbai and Pune; part of the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage circuit

Deities and Subshrines

Temple Significance

Ashtavinayak Legacy: One of the eight sacred Ganesha temples in Maharashtra, each linked to a unique legend and form of Ganapati.
Name Meaning: “Varad” means boon-giver, and “Vinayak” refers to Ganesha—symbolizing fulfillment of wishes.
Historical Patronage: Reconstructed in 1725 CE by Peshwa General Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar.
Spiritual Belief: Devotees believe that sincere prayers here lead to wish fulfillment, removal of obstacles, and peace of mind.
Architectural Note: The temple has a simple stone structure, with a dome-shaped sanctum and minimal ornamentation, emphasizing devotion over grandeur.

History

Established: 1725 CE by Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar, a Peshwa general and Brahmin scholar.
Era: Peshwa period, reflecting the Maratha patronage of Ganesha temples.
Purpose: Built as a devotional center for Varadvinayak, the boon-giving form of Ganesha, and later became one of the Ashtavinayak temples.

Legend

King Bhima of Koudinyapur and his wife were childless and performed penance in the forest.
They met Sage Vishwamitra, who gave them the Ekashar Gajana Mantra.
Their son Rukmaganda was born and grew into a handsome prince.
A woman named Mukunda, enamored by Rukmaganda, was blessed by Ganesha to bear a son through divine intervention—Gritsamada, who became a great sage.
Ganesha later manifested as Varadvinayak to bless devotees with wisdom and fulfillment.

Architecture

Style: Simple stone structure with a dome-shaped sanctum.
Sanctum Access: Uniquely, devotees can enter the garbhagriha and directly touch the idol.
Idol Orientation: The Swayambhu idol faces east and is placed in a stone niche.
Temple Tank: A sacred pond is located behind the temple, used for ritual cleansing.
Surroundings: Includes shrines for Shiva and Hanuman, and a meditation hall.

Daily Rituals

Darshan Access: Uniquely, devotees can enter the sanctum and directly touch the idol of Lord Varadvinayak.
Abhishekam: The idol is bathed with milk, water, and honey, followed by sandal paste and flower offerings.
Aarti and Archana: Performed multiple times a day, especially during morning and evening hours.
Lighting Lamps: Devotees light ghee lamps in the temple premises, symbolizing inner illumination and wish fulfillment.

Major Festivals

Celebrated with vigorous devotion, including special pujas, processions, and cultural programs.
The temple sees a surge in pilgrims from across Maharashtra and beyond.

Observed with fasting and evening moonrise darshan, believed to remove obstacles.

Beliefs and Devotee Sentiments

Boon-Giving Power: Lord Varadvinayak is revered as the giver of blessings—“Varad” means boon, and “Vinayak” refers to Ganesha.
Obstacle Removal: Devotees seek his grace to overcome personal, financial, and emotional challenges.
Wish Fulfillment: Pilgrims often tie threads or offer coconuts with prayers for marriage, children, exams, or career success.
Self-Manifested Idol: The Swayambhu murti is believed to radiate divine energy, especially when touched with devotion.
Circuit Completion: As one of the Ashtavinayak temples, visiting Mahad is essential for completing the sacred pilgrimage.

Temple Hours

Opening Time: 5:30 AM
Closing Time: 9:00 PM
Darshan Access: Devotees can enter the sanctum and touch the idol, a rare privilege among Ashtavinayak temples.

Getting Here