This Mahad is a small town in Raigad district, in the hill region on the road between Pune and the Konkan coast. It should not be confused with the larger town of Mahad near the Konkan highway further south. The temple is modest in size but is known for its calm, welcoming atmosphere and a small lamp that devotees believe has stayed lit for a very long time.
QUICK ANSWER
Varadavinayak Temple in Mahad, Raigad district, is the fourth stop of the AshtaVinayak Yatra. Varada means one who grants boons, and this form of Ganesha is worshipped as a giver of blessings and wishes fulfilled.
The Story of Varadavinayak
One old telling of this legend speaks of a sage who performed deep penance in this area, seeking Ganesha's grace, and was rewarded with a vision of the Lord as a giver of boons.
In gratitude, the sage is said to have asked Ganesha to remain in this spot permanently in this gracious, boon-giving form, so that other devotees could also receive his blessings.
The idol here is regarded as self-formed, appearing near a small local water body, and the temple grew around this sacred spot over time.
FACT: THE LAMP THAT NEVER GOES OUT
Devotees believe a small oil lamp inside the temple sanctum has remained lit continuously for a very long time, and it is a point of reverence for visitors who come to see it.
ॐ नमस्ते गणपतये ।
त्वमेव प्रत्यक्षं तत्त्वमसि ।
त्वमेव केवलं कर्तासि त्वमेव केवलं धर्तासि त्वमेव केवलं हर्तासि ।
त्वमेव सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्मासि ॥
Transliteration: Om Namaste Ganapataye, Tvameva Pratyaksham Tattvamasi, Tvameva Kevalam Kartasi Tvameva Kevalam Dhartasi Tvameva Kevalam Hartasi, Tvameva Sarvam Khalvidam Brahmasi.
Meaning: Salutations to you, O Ganapati. You alone are the visible truth. You alone are the doer, the sustainer, and the one who withdraws all things. You alone are everything, the ultimate reality.
Source: Opening lines of the Ganapati Atharvashirsha, a Ganesha-centred Upanishad text, often recited when seeking blessings before beginning something important.
Temple Facts
- Deity form: Varadavinayak, meaning giver of boons
- Idol: Swayambhu, facing east, seated with the trunk turned left
- Special feature: A small oil lamp inside the temple, which devotees believe has remained lit continuously for a very long time
- Position in yatra: Fourth stop of the AshtaVinayak pilgrimage
DID YOU KNOW?
Many pilgrims believe that sincere prayers made at this temple are answered generously, in keeping with the meaning of the name Varadavinayak. Because of this belief, devotees often visit before starting new ventures such as a business, a wedding, or an important family decision.
How to Reach Varadavinayak Temple
- Location: Mahad, Khalapur taluka, Raigad district
- Distance from Pune: About 85 km, roughly 2.5 hours by road
- How to reach: By road via Khopoli, close to Pali; nearest railway station is Khopoli
- Best time to visit: Morning hours; the town is small and easy to cover in a short visit
- Nearby stop: Often combined with Pali (Ballaleshwar), as the two are close together
Detail |
Information |
Location |
Mahad, Khalapur taluka, Raigad district |
Distance from Pune |
About 85 km (roughly 2.5 hours by road) |
How to reach |
By road via Khopoli, close to Pali; nearest railway station is Khopoli |
Best time to visit |
Morning hours; the town is small and easy to cover in a short visit |
Nearby stop |
Often combined with Pali (Ballaleshwar), as the two are close together |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does the name Varadavinayak mean?
A. Varada means one who grants boons or blessings, so Varadavinayak refers to the Ganesha form here as a giver of wishes fulfilled.
Q. Is this the same Mahad as the well-known town near the Konkan coast?
A. No, this is a smaller Mahad in the hill region of Raigad district, distinct from the larger coastal-route town of the same name.
Q. What is special about the lamp inside the temple?
A. Devotees believe a small oil lamp inside the sanctum has remained lit continuously for a very long time, and it is a point of reverence for visitors.
Q. Can Pali and Mahad be visited on the same day?
A. Yes, the two towns are close together and are commonly visited back to back by AshtaVinayak pilgrims.
Q. How far is Mahad from Pune?
A. It is about 85 km from Pune, usually a journey of around two and a half hours by road.
A Closing Thought
As you leave Varadavinayak 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 4 of 8
Previous Temple: Ballaleshwar | Next Temple: Chintamani | Back to AshtaVinayak Hub Page