Hindu Ashrams/Organizations
Photos/Wallpaper
Hindu Ashrams/Organizations
Holy Destinations of India
Ashtavinayak Temples (Ganesha Temples)
Ashtavinayak literally means "eight Ganeshas" in Sanskrit. Ganesha is the Hindu deity of prosperity and learning. The term also refers to a pilgrimage to the eight temples in Maharashtra state of India that house eight distinct idols of Ganesh, in a pre-ascertained sequence.
The Ashtavinayak tour covers the eight ancient holy temples of Lord Ganesha which are situated around Pune. Each of these temples has its own individual mythology and history, as distinct from each other as the idols in each temple.
The position of each idol, and its trunk are some of their differentiating aspects.
Everybody should visit the Ashtavinayak in Maharashtra at least once in a life time. According to Shastra, first you have to visit Moreshwar of Moregaon. Then visit Siddhatek,Pali, Mahad, Theur, Lenyandri, Ozar, Ranjangaon and then again Moregaon will end you Ashtavinayak Yatra.
Vinayaka is another name of Lord Ganesh. Lord Ganesh is the protector of his devotees. Eight idols found among the nature, sculptured by nature have been housed in the temples created ages ago at the places where the idols were first identified. These 'Swayambhu' idols. Now the sacred idols, is the famous "Ashta Vinayak." Each of these temples has its own individual mythology and history, as distinct from each other as the idols of the Lord in each temple. Special S.T. buses ply between Pune and all the Ashta Vinayak temples. Ashta Vinayak Temples are within the range of only 20 to 110 Kms.