India /Maharashtra /Raigad /Pachad
Sight Address : Varadvinayak temple is located at Mahad. It is situated near to Pune City about 85 Kms. Edit
Detail InformationEdit
Shri Varadvinayak Temple or Varad Vinayak Temple is one of the eight Ashtavinayak Temples in Maharashtra located in the Mahad village of Raigad District. Dedicated to Lord Vinayaka, the One Who Grants All Wishes, Varadavinayak Temple is set in the hilly region of Konkan which was known as Bhadrak or Madhak in ancient times. Varadvinayak Temple is the only Ashtavinayak temple where Ganapati devotees are permitted to personally pay their homage and respects to the Lord Ganesh idol (Varad Vinayaka). Shri Varad Vinayak Temple is about 20 km from Khandala, on the Pune – Mumbai Highway. This Ashta Vinayak shrine faces east (Purvabhimukh). The statues of elephants decorate the four sides of the temple. The dome of the temple is about 25 feet high with golden pinnacle. A Gomukh (meaning face of a cow) is seen on the north side of the temple from which flows the holy water. A holy pond is situated on the west side of the temple. The idol of Varad Vinayaka faces east and is enshrined in the sitting posture, with his trunk turned towards the left. The stone idols of Riddhi and Siddhi are seen in the sanctum. A unique feature of Mahad Varadvinayak Temple is a lamp that is glowing continually for over a hundred years.
HistoryEdit
According to a mythology, a sage named Vachaknavi was visited by a king called Rukmangada. During his visit, the wife of the sage, Mukunda, felt attracted and expressed her love to the king. The king distorted her down and made her mad, in anger. Later, Lord Indra, the king of the Devas, came down to the earth, in the form of Rukmangada. He accepted her and an illegal son, Grutshmadha was born. The son who got to know the story of his birth prayed to Ganesha in Bhadrakavana for relieving him from the sins and the Lord granted his prayers. It is believed that Varadvinayaka fulfills all the desires of his devotees.
Must SeeEdit
Must See
Visiting TimeEdit
N.A.
Closed OnEdit
N.A.
Best Season to VisitEdit
October to March
Best Time To VisitEdit
Morning, Afternoon, Evening.
Time Required for SightseeingEdit
Minimum 30 minutes.
Ticket Required : No Edit
Individual National Adult Rs. : N.A.
Kids Rs. : N.A.
Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : N.A.
Kids Rs. : N.A.
Still Photo Camera Rs. : N.A.
Video Camera Rs. : N.A.
Guide Required : No Edit
Approximate cost: N.A.
Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit
Dress Require: N.A.
Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit
How to ReachEdit
Taxi : Taxis are another way to get around town. They can be hired from nearby cities and used for local transport as well. Taxis charge around Rs 1500 per day. A/C taxis and SUV’s such as Toyota Qualis are also available.
BUS : Shri Varad Vinayak Temple at Mahad is 63 km from Mumbai, 25 km from Karjat and 6 km from Khopoli. The temple is 3 kms off the Mumbai – Pune Highway. Mahad Bus Station, operated by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), connects the place with other major towns such as Khopoli, Mahabaleshwar, Karjat, Alibag, and Shivthar Ghal. Mahad can also be reached via Mumbai – Panvel – Khopoli road.
Train : Khed Railway Station connecting Panvel – Chiplun railway line is the nearest railway station. Matsyagandha Express, Konkan Kanya Express, and Mandavi Express are the main trains passing through Khed Railway Station. Chiplun Railway Station is the nearest major railhead.
Air : Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, which is 187 km away from Raigad, is the nearest airport. All the major airlines have service from Mumbai to all major cities in India and many cities abroad including Singapore, Hong Kong, Colombo and gulf countries. Taxis are available from Mumbai to Raigad and costs about Rs 3,000.
Others : Auto Rickshaw : Autos are available extensively and these are a good option. They are quick and cheaper than taxis. Prices have to be negotiated as they may not be metered and there are no night fares.
Things to CarryEdit
- Carry Camera & Plenty of Water.
Safety / WarningEdit
- Keep your phone on silent mode inside the temple.
HelplineEdit
- Fire – 101
- Police Control Room – 100/ (02141) 222100/ 100
- Ambulance – 102