Shri Vighnahar Ganpati - Ozar

To the north of Pune, in Junnar taluka is situated the Vighnahar temple on the banks of the Kukadi river. There was once an asur or demon called Vignasur whose job was to create obstacles in all activities. He had been appointed by Lord Indra to ruin the yagna of King Abhinandana as the latter had not made any offering to Indra. Vignasur went a step further and started meddling in the religious & spiritual pursuits of sages and other people. It was at this time that Lord Ganesha was requested to intervene. He defeated the demon and made him promise that he will never trouble the devotees of Ganesha and only be present at places where Ganapati was not revered. Till today, this form of Ganesha is believed to remove obstacles and problems from the lives of the devotees. The temple spire was decorated with gold by Chimaji Appa after he conquered the Vasai fort. The idol is decorated with diamonds, rubies and other jewels and the images of Riddhi and Siddhi who are believed to be the consorts of Ganesha are seen on either side.

Ashtavinayak Temples; Ozar Ganpati Mandir,