Ranjangaon Ganpati (Ashtavinayaka) – Pune

Ranjangaon Ganpati is one among the Ashtavinayak (eight Ganeshas). Ashtavinayaka or eight Ganeshas are located in Maharashtra. Maha Ganapati Temple is the eighth Ganesha Temple to be visited during the Ashtavinayaka yatra (eight Ganeshas pilgrimage)

 History of the temple

According to the history the temple was built in between 9th and 10th century. Temple is constructed in such a way that the rays of the Sun fall directly on the idol (during the southward movement of the sun). Madhavrao Peshwa made a room in the basement of the temple to keep the idol of the lord Ganesh. Later on Sardar Kibe of Indore renovated it. Nagarkhana is situated above the entrance gate. Main temple looks like temple from Peshwa’s period. Mahaganapati is portrayed, seated on a lotus, flanked by his consorts Siddhi and Riddhi. Temple facing east has huge & beautiful entrance gate which recently constructed.

Legends

Mahaganapati at Ranjangaon is believed to have come to the aid of Shiva in destroying the strongholds of the demon Tripurasura. It is after praying this form of Ganpati that Shiva vanquished the demon Tripurasura and so he is also known as ‘Tripurarivade Mahaganpati’.

The Maha Ganapati at Ashtavinayak is the most powerful representation of Lord Ganesha. It is amazing to know that the idol of this lord Ganesh is also named as ‘Mahotkat’, and it is said that the idol has 10 trunks and 20 hands.

Read about my trip to ‘Ranjangaon Mahaganapati Temple‘

 Location

The shrine is located in Shirur taluka at Ranjangaon and 50 kms away from Pune on the way to Ahmednagar.