Ozar is a village near Junnar, close to the sixth temple at Lenyadri, which makes the two easy to visit together. The temple sits on the bank of the Kukadi river and has a spacious courtyard with gold-plated domes that catch the light.
QUICK ANSWER
Vighnahar Temple in Ozar, on the bank of the Kukadi river near Junnar, is the seventh stop of the AshtaVinayak Yatra. Vighnahar means one who removes obstacles, and the temple's legend tells of Ganesha defeating a demon called Vighnasura at this spot.
The Story of Vighnahar
According to local tradition, a demon named Vighnasura once troubled sages and disrupted their religious rites in this region, creating obstacles wherever he went.
The sages appealed to Ganesha for protection, and Ganesha is said to have defeated Vighnasura in this place.
Before leaving, the demon is said to have pleaded for mercy and asked that his name be remembered alongside Ganesha's. Ganesha is said to have granted that his name, Vighnahar or Vighneshwar, meaning remover of obstacles, would be linked forever to this very place, so devotees would always associate this temple with the clearing of difficulties.
FACT: THE GOLDEN DOMES OF OZAR
Over time, devotees contributed gold plating to the domes above the sanctum, which now catch the light and are a well-known feature of this temple.
गजाननं भूतगणादिसेवितं कपित्थजम्बूफलसारभक्षितम् ।
उमासुतं शोकविनाशकारकं नमामि विघ्नेश्वरपादपङ्कजम् ॥
Transliteration: Gajananam Bhutaganadisevitam Kapitthajambuphalasarabhakshitam, Umasutam Shokavinashakarakam Namami Vighneshvarapadapankajam.
Meaning: I salute the lotus feet of the elephant-faced Lord, served by his attendant beings, who relishes the fruit of the wood-apple and rose-apple, the son of Uma (Parvati), who destroys sorrow. I bow to the Lord who removes obstacles.
Source: Sankashtanashana Ganesha Stotra, found in the Narada Purana, chosen for this temple because it directly names Vighneshwara, the remover of obstacles.
Temple Facts
- Deity form: Vighnahar or Vighneshwar, meaning remover of obstacles
- Idol: Seated on a wide platform, with jewelled eyes and a gold crown
- Special feature: Golden domes above the sanctum, visible from a distance
- Position in yatra: Seventh stop of the AshtaVinayak pilgrimage, close to Lenyadri
DID YOU KNOW?
Because the very name of this temple means remover of obstacles, many devotees visit here in particular when facing a difficult period in life, whether in health, family matters, or work, trusting in the temple's core promise of clearing away hurdles.
How to Reach Vighnahar Temple
- Location: Ozar, near Junnar, Pune district
- Distance from Pune: About 85 km, roughly 2.5 hours by road
- How to reach: By road via Rajgurunagar and Narayangaon, close to Lenyadri
- Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon; the riverside setting is pleasant outside peak heat
- Nearby stop: Often paired with Lenyadri and, further on, Ranjangaon, as part of one day's travel
Detail |
Information |
Location |
Ozar, near Junnar, Pune district |
Distance from Pune |
About 85 km (roughly 2.5 hours by road) |
How to reach |
By road via Rajgurunagar and Narayangaon, close to Lenyadri |
Best time to visit |
Morning or late afternoon; the riverside setting is pleasant outside peak heat |
Nearby stop |
Often paired with Lenyadri and, further on, Ranjangaon, as part of one day's travel |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What does Vighnahar mean?
A. Vighnahar means the one who removes obstacles, referring to Ganesha's role in this temple's legend of defeating the demon Vighnasura.
Q. Why does the temple have golden domes?
A. Over time, devotees contributed gold plating to the domes above the sanctum, which now catch the light and are a well-known feature of this temple.
Q. Is Ozar close to Lenyadri?
A. Yes, both temples are near Junnar and are commonly visited together in one trip.
Q. What river flows near this temple?
A. The Kukadi river flows close to Ozar, adding to the temple's peaceful setting.
Q. Why do many devotees visit this temple during difficult times?
A. Because the temple's very name means remover of obstacles, many pilgrims come here specifically while seeking relief from a current difficulty.
A Closing Thought
As you leave Vighnahar 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 7 of 8
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