The fourth stop of the Ashtavinayak Yatra, whose self-originated idol was discovered in a nearby lake in 1690 and installed in a temple built in 1725, with an oil lamp said to hav…
The fourth stop of the Ashtavinayak Yatra, whose self-originated idol was discovered in a nearby lake in 1690 and installed in a temple built in 1725, with an oil lamp said to have burned continuously since 1892.
The temple was constructed in 1725 by Subhedar Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar following the discovery of the idol in the adjoining lake decades earlier, and the site has maintained continuous devotional activity since, including the notable Nandadeep, an oil lamp burning without interruption since 1892.
The temple features four elephant sculptures positioned in the four cardinal directions, an east-facing sanctum, and the distinctive weathered appearance of the idol reflecting its discovery in the adjacent lake.
Varadvinayaka, meaning "Ganesha the giver of boons," is understood to grant wishes and blessings to devotees who visit with sincere faith — the idol's weathered look, distinct from the more polished Ashtavinayak murtis elsewhere, is attributed to its long history submerged in the nearby lake before its 1690 rediscovery.
Darshan | Start | End | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Temple opening | 5:30 AM | — | Open | Daily opening with Kakad Aarti |
Morning Darshan | 5:30 AM | 12:00 PM | Open | Morning worship and darshan |
Midday Pooja | 12:00 PM | 12:30 PM | Limited | Naivedyam and temple rituals |
Afternoon & Evening Darshan | 12:30 PM | 9:00 PM | Open | Continuous darshan throughout the day |
Temple closing | — | 9:00 PM | Closed | Daily closing after Shej Aarti |
Aarti | Time | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Kakad Aarti | 5:30 AM | Free | Early morning awakening ceremony of Lord Ganesha |
Morning Pooja | 8:00 AM | Free | Daily worship with Vedic chanting |
Madhyahna Aarti | 12:00 PM | Free | Midday Naivedyam and special prayers |
Dhup Aarti | 7:00 PM | Free | Evening incense offering and devotional chanting |
Shej Aarti | 8:45 PM | Free | Final worship before temple closing |
Darshan | Price | Waiting Time | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
General Darshan | Free | 15–45 min | Walk-in |
Special Darshan | Free | Minimal | Walk-in |
Archana | ₹100 onwards | Immediate | Temple Counter |
Special Poojas | Varies | Advance Booking | Temple Office |
Seva | Time | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
Ganapati Abhishekam | Morning | ₹300 onwards | Sacred bathing ceremony of Lord Varadvinayak |
Sahasranama Archana | Morning & Evening | ₹100 onwards | Chanting of the thousand names of Lord Ganesha |
Ganapati Homam | By Booking | Varies | Sacred fire ritual for success, prosperity, and removal of obstacles |
Sankashti Pooja | By Booking | Varies | Special worship performed on Chaturthi days |
Sankalp Pooja | By Booking | Varies | Personalized prayers performed by temple priests |
Festival | Month | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Ganesh Chaturthi | August–September | The temple's largest annual celebration with elaborate decorations, special Abhishekams, devotional music, and thousands of devotees. |
Maghi Ganesh Jayanti | January–February | Birth celebration of Lord Ganesha with Maha Abhishekam, processions, and special prayers. |
Sankashti Chaturthi | Every Month | Monthly observance featuring special evening worship, moonrise rituals, and large gatherings of devotees. |
Angarki Sankashti | Varies | One of the busiest days of the year with extended darshan, special Homams, and continuous devotional chanting. |
Vinayaki Chaturthi | Every Month | Monthly Ganesh festival celebrated with special Archana, Abhishekam, and Modak prasadam. |
Diwali & Kartik Purnima | October–November | Temple illuminated with thousands of lamps, special poojas, Deepotsavam, and devotional programs. (Department of Tourism Maharashtra) |
Prasadam | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
Modak | ₹30–₹80 | Traditional sweet offered to Lord Ganesha |
Laddu | ₹30–₹80 | Freshly prepared temple prasadam |
Coconut Prasadam | ₹30–₹60 | Blessed coconut offering |
Durva Grass Blessing | Free | Sacred offering associated with Lord Ganesha |
Charanamrit | Free | Holy water distributed after worship |
Nearest airport: Mumbai (~120 km) or Pune (~130 km). Well connected by road from both cities.
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📍 Shri Varadvinayak Temple, Mahad, Khalapur Taluka, Raigad, Maharashtra 410201
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Sarasgad Fort, the nearby Ballaleshwar temple at Pali, and the wider Ashtavinayak circuit are all within reach.
