Ashtavinayaka Temples

Ashtavinayaka Temples

The Sanskrit word ashta means eight and Vinayak is another name for Lord Ganesha. Ashtavinayaka means eight Ganeshas. Ganesha personifies unity, success and learning as well as removal of hurdles. Ashtavinayak Temples refers to the eight temples of Ganesha located at eight places in the Indian state of Maharashtra.

The Ashtavinayaka Yatra covers the eight primeval holy temples of Ganesha located around Pune district. Each of them has its own legend and historical importance. All the idols vary from each other in terms of bodily features. The form of each idol of Ganesha and his trunk stand different from the others. The devotees of Lord Ganesha, especially local residents of the states, believe that one must visit all the eight temples once in a year as blessings of Ashtavinayak fulfills all the spiritual and material wishes of worshippers.