The Ashtavinayak Yatra

Those who follow the Hindu religion will tell you that it is absolutely essential to visit the Ashtavinayak temple in Maharashtra at least once in your life. There are eight temples, and thus the name “Ashtavinayak”. They are all dedicated to Lord Ganesha. But remember, the temples are not within one complex. In fact, they are spread out between 25 and 115 kilometers from Pune. These temples are located in the towns of Siddhatek, Theur, Morgaon, Ozar, Ranjangaon, Pali, Mahad and Lenyandri. These temples are all dedicated to different episodes in the ancient Indian puranas and in other legends. Five of these temples are in Pune district, two are in Raigad, and the one at Siddhatek is in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. But all of them are closer to the city of Pune.

Also remember, you cannot just visit them according to your convenience. Hindu shastra tells us about the precise order of visit. First visit the temple at Morgaon, then the one at Pali, followed by Mahad, Theur, Lenyandri, Ozar, Ranjangaon, and finally Morgaon once more. This is how the Ashtavinayak Yatra is to be completed. Obviously, almost everybody follows this schedule religiously. Pilgrims cannot return home before visiting all of them, once they have started the yatra. It is also necessary to complete the yatra in two days.

Visiting the Temples

Pune is the best place from where the Ashtavinayak yatra can be started. Of course you can do all the traveling in your car, and many people prefer to do this as well. But you should know about another popular option. There are travel agents who arrange this two-day tour on air-conditioned buses or other vehicles, depending on the size of the group. They take people to the eight temples. The service is quick because the logistics are pre-planned. Breakfast and meals are served. The group leaves Pune early in the morning and returns to the city late in the evening on day two.

Pilgrims visit the first four temples at Morgaon, Pali, Mahad, and Theur on day one, irrespective of whether they are traveling in their own car or with an agent. There is the option of returning to Pune, as the city is just 50 kilometers away from Theur. Or the pilgrims can stay at a hotel or dharmasala. The last four temples are on the second day.

This is a journey of spirituality that is impossible to forget. Thousands go on the Ashtavinayak yatra every year, making it one of the biggest events in the state.