Famous Ganesh Temples in India
The history of India's major Ganesh temples — Siddhivinayak Mumbai, Maharashtra's Ashtavinayaka circuit, Dagdusheth Halwai Pune, and Kanipakam in Andhra Pradesh.
Ganesh temples are found across India, and in Maharashtra a whole pilgrimage tradition has grown up around them. Here's a look at some of India's most significant Ganesh temples.
Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai (Maharashtra)
One of Mumbai's most famous temples, it was built in 1801 by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil. The idol's trunk curves to the right, considered especially auspicious but also traditionally requiring stricter worship rituals. The temple's popularity surged in the latter half of the 20th century, and today it draws thousands of daily visitors, from film stars to ordinary devotees, with especially long queues on Tuesdays.
Ashtavinayaka — Maharashtra's Eight Ganesh Temples
Centred around Pune, the Ashtavinayaka Yatra is one of Maharashtra's most celebrated pilgrimage traditions, covering eight ancient Ganesh temples:
| Temple | Location | District |
|---|---|---|
| Moreshwar | Morgaon | Pune |
| Siddhivinayak | Siddhatek | Ahilyanagar |
| Ballaleshwar | Pali | Raigad |
| Varadvinayak | Mahad | Raigad |
| Chintamani | Theur | Pune |
| Girijatmaj | Lenyadri | Pune |
| Vighneshwar | Ojhar | Pune |
| Mahaganpati | Ranjangaon | Pune |
Tradition holds that the yatra begins at Morgaon, and after visiting the remaining seven temples, pilgrims return to Morgaon once more to complete the circuit.
Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune (Maharashtra)
This temple was established in 1893 by Dagdusheth Halwai, a sweet-maker who had lost his son to a plague epidemic, and installed a Ganesha idol as an act of devotion and solace. Freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak was, around this same period, promoting the public celebration of Ganeshotsav at several locations across Pune, helping popularise the tradition further. The temple's main idol stands about 7.5 feet tall and 4 feet wide, adorned with roughly 8 kilograms of gold and assorted gems.
Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple (Andhra Pradesh)
Located in Kanipakam, Chittoor district, the temple was originally built in the early 11th century by Chola emperor Kulottunga I, and expanded in 1336 under Vijayanagara rule. It carries a distinctive legend — three brothers, mute, deaf and blind respectively, were digging a well when their tool struck a hard object and blood began to flow from it. Their lost senses were miraculously restored, and a Ganesha idol was discovered at the spot. Its base has never been found — it remains permanently submerged in a water-filled well. A further, well-known belief holds that the idol has been growing larger over time — armour that reportedly fit it fifty years ago no longer does.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Siddhivinayak Temple established?
In 1801, by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil.
How many temples make up the Ashtavinayaka Yatra, and where does it start?
Eight temples, located mainly across Pune, Raigad and Ahilyanagar districts. The yatra begins at Morgaon, and pilgrims return there at the end to complete it.
Why was the Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple established?
Sweet-maker Dagdusheth Halwai installed the idol in 1893 as an act of devotion after losing his son to a plague epidemic.
What is the belief surrounding the Kanipakam temple's idol?
It is believed to be growing larger over time, and remains permanently submerged in a water-filled well whose base has never been found.
Who built the Kanipakam temple?
It was originally built by Chola emperor Kulottunga I in the early 11th century, and expanded under Vijayanagara rule in 1336.