Theur lies near the meeting point of the Mula and Mutha rivers, not far from Pune city, which makes it one of the more easily reached AshtaVinayak temples. The temple complex includes a large, shaded courtyard with old trees, giving it a peaceful feel even though it is close to the city.
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Chintamani Temple in Theur, close to Pune city, is the fifth stop of the AshtaVinayak Yatra. Chintamani refers to a wish-fulfilling gem in the legend connected with this temple, and the site is closely associated with the Peshwa rulers of Pune, several of whom worshipped here.
The Story of Chintamani
The story behind this temple centres on a precious gem called the Chintamani, believed to grant any wish to its keeper. A sage named Kapila is said to have owned this gem.
A greedy prince is said to have taken the gem from the sage by force. Kapila prayed to Ganesha for help, and Ganesha is said to have recovered the gem and returned it to the sage.
Rather than keep the gem, the sage is said to have offered it back to Ganesha out of gratitude, and Ganesha placed it around his own neck. This is why the deity here is known as Chintamani, and why the wish-fulfilling gem is linked so closely to this temple's story.
FACT: A WISH-FULFILLING LEGACY
Because of its link to a wish-fulfilling gem, many devotees visit this temple specifically to pray for the fulfilment of a long-held wish. The old trees and calm courtyard add to the sense that this is a place meant for quiet, personal prayer.
मुदाकरात्तमोदकं सदा विमुक्तिसाधकं ।
कलाधरावतंसकं विलासिलोकरक्षकम् ॥
अनायकैकनायकं विनाशितेभदैत्यकं ।
नताशुभाशुनाशकं नमामि तं विनायकम् ॥
Transliteration: Mudakarattamodakam Sada Vimuktisadhakam, Kaladharavatamsakam Vilasilokarakshakam, Anayakaikanayakam Vinashitebhadaityakam, Natashubhashunashakam Namami Tam Vinayakam.
Meaning: I bow to Vinayaka, who happily holds a sweet modaka in his hand, who always helps devotees toward true freedom, who wears the crescent moon as an ornament, who protects the joyful world, who alone leads the leaderless, who destroyed the elephant demon, and who quickly removes the troubles of those who bow to him.
Source: Ganesha Pancharatnam, the five-verse hymn composed by Adi Shankaracharya. This is its opening verse, fitting for a temple built around a story of a wish granted.
Temple Facts
- Deity form: Chintamani, associated with the wish-fulfilling gem
- Idol: Faces east, seated in a small mandapa within a spacious temple complex
- Historical link: Closely associated with the Peshwa family of Pune, who supported and expanded the temple
- Position in yatra: Fifth stop of the AshtaVinayak pilgrimage
DID YOU KNOW?
Because of its link to a wish-fulfilling gem, many devotees visit this temple specifically to pray for the fulfilment of a long-held wish. The old trees and calm courtyard add to the sense that this is a place meant for quiet, personal prayer.
How to Reach Chintamani Temple
- Location: Theur, Haveli taluka, Pune district
- Distance from Pune: About 25 km, under an hour by road in normal traffic
- How to reach: Easily reached by road from Pune city, close to Hadapsar and Loni Kalbhor
- Best time to visit: Any time of day; being close to Pune, it suits both morning and evening visits
- Note for senior pilgrims: Being the nearest AshtaVinayak temple to Pune, this is often a good first or last stop for those with limited travel time
Detail |
Information |
Location |
Theur, Haveli taluka, Pune district |
Distance from Pune |
About 25 km (under an hour by road in normal traffic) |
How to reach |
Easily reached by road from Pune city, close to Hadapsar and Loni Kalbhor |
Best time to visit |
Any time of day; being close to Pune, it suits both morning and evening visits |
Note for senior pilgrims |
Being the nearest AshtaVinayak temple to Pune, this is often a good first or last stop for those with limited travel time |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does the name Chintamani mean?
A. Chintamani refers to a legendary wish-fulfilling gem. The temple's story tells how Ganesha recovered this gem for a sage and then wore it himself.
Q. How far is Theur from Pune city?
A. Theur is only about 25 km from Pune, making it one of the easiest AshtaVinayak temples to reach from the city.
Q. What is the Peshwa connection to this temple?
A. The Peshwa rulers of Pune were devoted patrons of this temple and helped expand and maintain it over the years.
Q. Is this a good temple to visit with limited time?
A. Yes, its closeness to Pune makes it a convenient stop, often combined with other nearby sightseeing.
Q. Is the temple courtyard shaded and comfortable for elderly visitors?
A. Yes, the courtyard has old trees that provide shade, which is helpful during a leisurely visit.
A Closing Thought
As you leave Chintamani 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 5 of 8
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