Ashtaganapathy visits PUNE

Ashtaganapathy visits: (Part I)

Introduction:
The attached map shows (not to scale) the locations of the 8 Ganesha sthaapanas collectively called Ashtaganapathy. Additionally, we included in the itinerary Bhimashankar Jyotirlingam and Nasrapur (duplicate Tirupathy Venkatesha). We made Pune as HQ and launched out to different places by hiring a taxi covering roughly 1050 Kms totally in 3 days time viz. roughly averaging 350 kms a day. Each day we took off @ 7 AM and reached back home by 6.PM avoiding driving in the dark. The tariff was Rs.6.50 per km for a non a/c Tata Indigo. The toll taxes (quite heavy with several tolls enroute, but well maintained highways by Private entrepreneurs) and parking fees were to be borne by us. Of course we did tip handsomely the driver for his excellent service. We totally avoided (except for tea/coffee) eateries outside as there were none worth mentioning near the temples. So our 4 layered Tiffin carrier with home made food and bottles of water came in handy. As there are no good choultries we decided not to stay overnight any where but came home to rest at night. At the end of the trip none of us fell sick nor any one felt fatigued. All in all… a satisfying ennobling experience. One of our Maharashtrian friends wrote out slokas for recitation at each place.
I shall cover in parts the entire trip.
First day:
Ozar: (Pune Dist.) 85 kms from Pune (via Narayangaon; travel direction North).
Shree Vighneswar idol faces east, trunk towards left with Riddi & Siddi, Other idols are SUN, Shiva, Vishnu, and Devi. The only one with Golden dome & pinnacle, huge dwaara paalakas in granite; built
1785. River Kukadi flows nearby.
Sloka:
Bhaktanugrahe Gajamukho Vighneswaro Brahmapam
Nana Murti Dharop: naijamahima Khanda Sadatma Prabhu
Sweccha Vighnahara sadasukhakara sidha kallo swayepum
Ksehtre cha Ozarke namostu satatam tasme parabrahmane.

(Let my mind be concentrated on the God, who is elephant headed, benignant and remover of obstacles. He had defeated demon Vighnasur. He himself is Brahma. His greatness is undisturbed in
his different forms. He is the greatest artist, he gives happiness to his devotees, He who abodes at Ozar.)

Lenyadri: (Pune Dist.)100 kms from Pune (via Narayangaon, Junnar on Pune-Nasik high way. Srigirijaatmaja idol facing east tucked away in the 8th cave amongst 18 Buddhist caves. The idol is 7
feet high. It is quite a tough climb...307 steep steps…Parvathi is said to have consecrated the Ganesh idol when she performed penance inside the cave. Puja can be performed on your own.
Sloka:


Mayesh Bhuvaneswari Shivasati Dehashrita Sundari
Vighnesham Sutamaptukam sanhita Kurvetapo Dushkaram
Takhya Bhutprakat Prasanna Varado tishtathaya sthaapitam
Vande Girijaatmaja Parmaj tam Lekhanadri sthitham.

(Mother of universe, beautiful wife of Lord Shiva Goddess Parvati performed long penance of Shri Ganesh & at last obtained Shri Ganesh as her son. I salute Girija Parvati's son Girijatmaj who stays on
mountain Lekhanadri (i.e.Lenyadri)

Bhimashankar: 110 kms from Pune in Sahyadri ghat section is one of the 12 Jyotirlingams. This temple is closely associated with the legend of Shiva slaying Tripurasura. Shiva is said to have taken abode in the Bhima form, upon the request of the Gods, on the crest of the Sahyadri hills, and the sweat that poured forth from his body after the battle is said to have formed the river Bheemabharathi. Temple dates back to 18th century. The Sikhara of the temple was built by Peshwa Nana Phadnavees. The great Maratha ruler Shivaji is also said to have made endowments to this temple to facilitate the carrying out, of worship services. As with other Shiva temples in this area, the sanctum is at a lower level.


Ashtaganapathy visits: (Part II)

Backdrop:
Before I proceed with the second day of our travel, I thought I will share with you some pieces of information I gathered here and there. What we notice as Lord Ganesha's idol of today, with all
specifications, came into being, people say when Ganapati Atharvasheersha was written. We do see different moods and modes of Ganesh idols since 6th century. In the beginning Lord Ganesha had
only two hands, there after Ganesha came out with 4 hands with Gajamukh and a big belly. Rarely, Ganesha is seen with his trunk twisted on the right side, otherwise it is twisted on left side. Ganesha with right side trunk is supposed to be very rigid in application.
All temples are open from 5.30 AM to 11 PM all days.

Mahad: (Raigarh Dist.), 24kms from Karjat, 6 kms from Khopoli or 120 kms from Pune.
Varadavinayaka as known here, idol facing east, trunk twisted to left, with Riddi & Siddi, 25ft high dome with pinnacle. In the temple of Varadvinayak, one Nandadeep (lamp) is lit and burning for last 107
years. Mahad has beautiful surroundings. In the ancient period it was called as Bhadrak or Mahad & so many sages & sects had resided in this place. In 1725 A.D. Varadvinayaka's temple was built by peshava
sardar Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar & he gifted this to the village. There is a Gomukh towards north. Holy water (tirth) comes out of this Gomukh. Devotees can perform Pooja on their own. …………..Sloka:
Bhaktabhimani Ganaraj Ekam|
Kshetre MadhaKhye Varadam Prasanam|
Yastishtati Shree Varado Ganesham|
Vinayakasta Pranamami BhaktamII
(I salute Ganaraj who is leader of Ganas, who is proud of his devotees & who abodes at
Mahad & has pleasant appearance.)

Pali: (Raigarh Dist.), From Pune via Lonavla & Khopoli, Pali is at a distance of 111 kms. 30 kms. from Karjat. From Mumbai via Panvel & Khopoli, Pali is at a distance of 124 kms. Shree Ballaleshwar's original wooden temple was renovated & a new stone temple was built in 1760 A.D. by Peshwa Fadnis. Shape of the stone temple is in the form of letter "Shree" & faces east. During Dakshinayan at sun-rise, the sun rays falls exactly on the Vinayaka. Idol of Vinayaka sitting on stone throne faces east & its trunk is left turned. Temple complex has a big bell made in Europe. Afterdefeating Portuguese in Vasai, Chimaji Appa brought the bell here.
Village Pali is situated between fort Sarasgad & river Amba flowing on the other side. On being pleased by devotion of Ballal, Shri Ganesh remained in the stone worshipped by Ballal & hence is
called as Ballaleshwar of Pali. Among Ashtavinayakas, Pali's Ballaleshwar is the only Vinayak who is famous by his devotee's name & who is dressed up as Brahmin. Since Vinayaka gave his darshan in
the guise of Brahmin, idol of vinayaka at Pali is dressed up as Brahmin. This place is very famous & spiritually awakened. It is said that in Peshva regime justice was done by taking kaul (answer to the
question asked in the form of flower, leaves etc.) from Ballaleshwar. ……………..Sloka:

Vedo Sanstuvaibhavo Gajmukho Bhaktabhimaniyo |
Ballaleravya Subhaktapal Narat; Khyat Sada Tishtati ||
Kshetre Pallipure Yatha Krityuge Chasmistha Laukike |
Bhakterbhavite Murtiman Ganapati Siddhiswar Tam Bhaje ||

(I worshipped God Ganesh, who is elephant headed, who has been praised in vedas, who is popular by the name of his devotee (Ballal),who take care of his devotees & in this kritayuga who abodes
is Pallipur or Pali.)

Ranjangaon: On Pune-Ahmednagar Highway via Shikrapur, Ranjangaon is 50 kms. from Pune. Idol facing east is in a crossed legged sitting position with broad forehead & the trunk turned towards the left. Riddhi & Siddhi are installed. It is said that, original idol of Mahaganapati is hidden in a cellar in the basement; has 10 trunks & 20 hands. Meditating on that idol is called Mahaganapati Dhyaanam
Mahaganapati means powerful Ganapati. Mahaganapati has eight, ten or twelve hands. Lord Shiva could conquer Tripurasur (demon) on worshipping Mahaganapati. Therefore it is called Tripurari Varado
Mahaganapati. (Lord Shiva is called as Tripurari after his victory over Tripurasur)………Sloka:

Shree Shambhuvarprada Sutapasa Namna Sahastra Swakam |
Datwa Shree Vijay padam shivkar Tasme Prasanna Prabhu ||
Ten Sthapit Eva Sadgunavapu Kshetre Sadatishtati |
Tam vande Manipurke Ganapati Devam Mahant Mudra ||


(Shiva obtained a boon by propitiating Ganesha who stays at Manipur, who gave boon to Mahadev, whose appearance is beautiful & pleasing & who is statue of good qualities.)

Ashtaganapathy visits: (Part III)

Background:
There have been many interpretations of Ganesha body. Mudgala Purana seems to explain some. The elephant head denotes wisdom and its trunk represents Om, the sound symbol of cosmic reality. His twisted trunk represents the zigzag path to wisdom. It reminds us that there is no direct path, that we must turn right and left in the search for truth thus adding to the Ganesha sculpture a symbolic meaning about the position of his trunk. One priest told us, if it is turned towards left, it denotes success in the world which is associated with house holders. If it is towards the right, it stands for moksham, good for
those who renounce the material world. In lighter vein, when one chooses a Ganesha sculpture, the trunk position be kept in mind as per your requirement. And yes a prayer to Ganesh is invariably
accompanied by smashing a coconut, symbolic of smashing the undesirable forces inherent in one self. The significance of the mouse (muushhaka…strangely the Sanskrit word sounds the same) as the vehicle of Ganesha is explained by the Mudgala Purana, although a form called Heramba-Ganapati is depicted as riding a lion. There are also rare references to the peacock as the vehicle in some texts. (ref; Moreswar @ Moregaon described below)

Third Day: We started a little early. We had to accommodate Nasrapur (not Narsapur) as well apart from the 3 Ganesha sthalams.
Theur: is the nearest Ashtavinayaka from Pune. (Distance of 25 km from Pune, Theur is situated on the confluence of the Mula, Mutha & Bhima rivers on Pune Solapur highway, after Hadapsar and Loni, at a distance of 3kms.from Loni, a small road to the left leads to Theur. Don't miss this turning. Idol facing east is swayambhu and has a left side trunk. There are carbuncle and diamonds in the eyes of Vinayaka. Glowing all the time. Lord Brahma meditated here to subdue his wavering mind. As his worries (chinta) were removed the idol is called Chintamani. The place is called Sthar (stable) or Theur.
Sloka:
Brahma Srushtyadisakta Sthirmatirahittam Pidito Vighnasandhe |
Aakranto Bhutirakta Krutiganrajasa Jeevita Tyaktu Mischina ||
Swatmanan Sarvyakta Ganapatimamal Satyachintamaniyam |
Mukta cha stapayant sthirmatisukhadam sthavare dhudhi Midhe ||

(The one who is in search of happiness, whose mind is wavering like Lord Brahma, who is in the midst all calamities should go to Sthavar means Theur & worship Shree Chintamani & get rid of all Chintas
(worries) & calamities.)

Siddhatek: Situated on the banks of river Bhima, in Ahmednagar district. Take Pune - Solapur road via Daund (Daund is 78 kms from Pune and Daund-Siddhatek is another 18kms). Here the roads
were bad-real bad. Siddhatek is situated on the banks of river Bhima. Sage Vyasar had performed yagnya
(sacrifices) here. It is said that, years ago there was a heap of ashes from this sacrificial fire. However, this place is now covered by water. The swayambhu idol of Shree Siddhivinayaka is placed in brass frame. Brass idols of Jay and Vijay are placed on both sides of Siddhivinayaka. In the sanctum itself there is Shivapanchayatan and goddess Devi's small temple. The idol is swayambhu. facing north with his trunk turned right. Idol is Gajmukh; however belly of the idol is not big. Riddhi & Siddhi are sitting on one lap of Vinayaka. The pradakshana (circumnavigation) of the God is said to be very fruitful. One has to travel 5 kms. To complete one Pradakshana as the idol is attached to the hill itself. We skipped this for want of time.
Sloka;
Sthitho Bhimatire jagadvan kamen Harina |
Vijetu Daityo Tachuti Malbhavou Kaitabhmadhu ||
Mahavighnarten Prakhar Tapasa Seitpado |
Ganesh Siddhisho Girivarvapu Panchjanak ||

(Lord Vishnu, who was beset with calamities, performed penance on mountain Siddhetek on the bank of river Bhima. On receiving a boon from Ganesha, Lord Vishnu could kill the two demons Madhu & Kaitabh. Oh! Lord Siddheswar accept my salutation.)

Moregaon: Moregaon, on the banks of river Karha is in Baramati Taluka. Shape of this place is like a peacock & long ago there were many peacocks here, as such called "Moregaon'. We drove on
Pune-Solapur highway. Moregaon lies on the right side of Chaufula at a distance of 79 km from Pune. On the way to Moregaon have darshan of God Khandoba of Jejuri. But we skipped it.
The deity is in sitting posture, facing east with the trunk turning left & smeared with vermillion mixed in oil. On its head is the hood of Nagaraja. On left & right are brass idols of Siddhi & Buddhi. In front of the idol are the Mooshaka & Mayura (Peacock).The original idol of Moreshwar was small in size. As many layers of vermillion got applied on it, it grew bigger. Sometime after 100 &125 years this armour of vermillion casts off by itself & original beautiful idol inside this armour is seen again. The original small
idol was made up of atoms of sand, iron & diamonds & it is behind the present statue. It was consecrated by Brahma on its destruction by demon Sindhurasur,There is a mouse made up of black stone, holding 'Laddu' in his front two legs. On climbing the steps you will see a big 'Nandi in front of
Ganapati instead of Lord Shiva!! How come? :-
'Years ago, this Nandi was taken on a cart for its consecration in front of a near by Shivaalaya. However, the cart carrying Nandi broke down in front of Mayureshwara's temple and Nandi sat before
Mayureshwar's temple for ever. People tried their best to shift Nandi from this place but Nandi did not move an inch. The artisan had a dream in the night. Nandi appeared in his dream and said, "I want to
stay before Mayureshwar only. Don't try to shift me elsewhere forcefully, I won't come." People left with no other alternative, dropped the idea of shifting Nandi to other place. Hence this Nandiji
was consecrated before Mayureshwar. ……………………Sloka
NIJE BHUSWANANDJADBHARAT BHUMYA PARATARE |
TURIYOSTIRE PARAMSUKHDETVA NIVASASI ||
MAYURAYA NATH STAWAMASICH MAYURESH BHAGWAN |
ATASWA SANDHYAYE SHIVHARINI BRAHMAJANAKAM ||
(O! Lord Mayureshwar of Moregaon, you stay on sage jadbharat's land, on the banks of river
Karha which is known as "Bhuswanand' (means happiness on land). Shree Moreshwar, who is far from three qualities, who resembles Omkar, who is always in fourth state of yoga & who rides on peacock mayur accept my salutation.)

With that we completed Ashtavinayaka visits.
Warm rgds
V V R
24th Dec 007