Pali is a town in Raigad district, in the hill country between Pune and the Konkan coast. The Ballaleshwar Temple faces east and is built with a large open courtyard, giving it a spacious feel that is comfortable for pilgrims to walk around.
QUICK ANSWER
Ballaleshwar Temple in Pali, Raigad district, is the third stop of the AshtaVinayak Yatra. It is the only one of the eight temples named after a devotee rather than after Ganesha's own form, honouring a young boy named Ballal whose devotion is central to its story.
The Story of Ballaleshwar
According to local tradition, a boy named Ballal in this area was so devoted to Ganesha that he spent much of his time in worship, gathering other children to join him and neglecting his other duties.
His father did not approve and, in anger, is said to have driven Ballal away and damaged the idol the boy was worshipping, hoping to end this devotion.
Moved by the boy's faith, Ganesha is said to have appeared before Ballal, blessed him, and agreed to stay on in that place forever, taking the name Ballaleshwar in honour of the boy's devotion. This is why, uniquely among the eight temples, the deity carries a devotee's name rather than one of Ganesha's own titles.
FACT: THE ONLY TEMPLE NAMED AFTER A DEVOTEE
This is the only AshtaVinayak temple named after a human devotee rather than a form or title of Ganesha himself. Many parents share this story with children to teach that sincere devotion is valued and protected, regardless of a devotee's age or standing.
एकदन्ताय विद्महे वक्रतुण्डाय धीमहि ।
तन्नो दन्तिः प्रचोदयात् ॥
Transliteration: Ekadantaya Vidmahe Vakratundaya Dheemahi, Tanno Dantih Prachodayat.
Meaning: We seek to know the one with a single tusk. We meditate upon the one with the curved trunk. May that tusked Lord guide our understanding.
Source: Ganesha Gayatri Mantra, found in the Taittiriya Aranyaka and later Ganapati Upanishad tradition, a meditation verse well suited to a temple built on a devotee's steady focus and faith.
Temple Facts
- Deity form: Ballaleshwar, named after the devotee Ballal
- Idol: Faces east, with large diamond-like eyes set into the forehead
- Special feature: The temple bell is said to have been brought from Portuguese Goa and gifted to this temple long ago
- Position in yatra: Third stop of the AshtaVinayak pilgrimage
DID YOU KNOW?
This is the only AshtaVinayak temple named after a human devotee rather than a form or title of Ganesha himself. Many parents share this story with children to teach that sincere devotion is valued and protected, regardless of a devotee's age or standing.
How to Reach Ballaleshwar Temple
- Location: Pali, Sudhagad taluka, Raigad district
- Distance from Pune: About 110 km, roughly 3 hours by road
- How to reach: By road via Khopoli; nearest railway station is Khopoli, about 38 km away
- Best time to visit: Morning or early evening; Pali sits in a hilly, green region that is pleasant outside the midday heat
- Nearby sight: Sudhagad and Sarasgad hill forts, visible from the town
Detail |
Information |
Location |
Pali, Sudhagad taluka, Raigad district |
Distance from Pune |
About 110 km (roughly 3 hours by road) |
How to reach |
By road via Khopoli; nearest railway station is Khopoli, about 38 km away |
Best time to visit |
Morning or early evening; Pali sits in a hilly, green region pleasant outside the midday heat |
Nearby sight |
Sudhagad and Sarasgad hill forts, visible from the town |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why is this temple named after a devotee instead of Ganesha's own form?
A. Local tradition holds that Ganesha took the name Ballaleshwar to honour the devotion of a boy named Ballal, making this the only AshtaVinayak temple named after a devotee.
Q. What is special about the temple bell here?
A. Tradition says the large bell at this temple was brought from Goa and gifted to the shrine, and it remains a notable feature for visitors today.
Q. How far is Pali from Pune?
A. Pali is about 110 km from Pune, usually reached by road in around three hours.
Q. Is Pali well suited for a day trip?
A. Yes, many pilgrims combine Pali with a visit to nearby Mahad, the fourth AshtaVinayak temple, since the two towns are close to each other.
Q. What should senior citizens know before visiting?
A. The temple courtyard is open and level, making movement easy, though the surrounding region is hilly, so comfortable travel arrangements are recommended.
A Closing Thought
As you leave Ballaleshwar Temple, carry forward the sense of peace this place offers. Each stop on the AshtaVinayak Yatra adds its own blessing to the journey ahead.
AshtaVinayak Yatra — Temple 3 of 8
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