Shri Varadvinayak Ganpati - Mahad

This temple is located near the hill station of Karjat in Khalapur taluka. The temple was renovated by Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar in 1725 AD. The legend regarding the origin of the temple is quite interesting. The childless King Bhima of Koudinyapur and his queen were blessed by Maharshi Vishwamitra to have a son whom they named Rukmagandha. Once on a hunting trip, the handsome prince met Rishi Vachaknavi’s wife Mukunda who fell in love with him. The prince refused the illicit call of Mukunda and by deceit God Indra bore a child to Mukunda who was named Gritsamada. When Gritsamada learnt about the story of his birth, he cursed his mother to become the thorny tree called “bhor” and in return his mother cursed him saying that a cruel demon will be born from him. After this unfortunate incident, Gritsamada went into the forest and worshipped Lord Ganesh who was appeased. This led him to establish the temple of Varada Vinayak which we see today. The temple is east facing and the swayambhu Ganapati idol is left trunked. This is the only temple where devotees are allowed to enter the sanctum and offer puja to Ganapati. Maghi Chaturthi is a special festival here and it is believed that Lord Ganesha fulfills all wishes during this time.

Ashtavinayak Temples; Mhad Ganpati Mandir,