- Shiva
Ballaleshwar Pali Temple
- Pali,Maharashtra
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Overview
The Ballaleshwar Temple is the third Ashtavinayaka temple of Lord Ganesha. It is situated in Pali, Raigad, Maharashtra. The Ashtavinayaka temples are the eight temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, situated in Maharashtra.
About the Temple
The Ballaleshwar temple is the only temple which is known by the name of devotee of Lord Ganesha among the eight. The outer sanctum of the temple has the idol of the Rat facing the idol of Lord Ganesha, holding a modak in its hands. Legend goes that Ballal, the son of Kalyan and Indumati, used to worship the stones assuming it as Lord Ganesha.
About the Deity
The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Ganesha. His trunk is tilted towards the left and he sits on a stone throne. The navel and eyes of Lord Ganesha are adorned with diamonds. The sanctum sanctorum has the idols of Goddess Riddhi and Goddess Siddhi, the consorts of Lord Ganesha, waving chamaras.
Legend and Stories
Once, Ballal went outside of the city and started worshipping the big stone which was on his way. Ballal’s father searched for his son and got angry. He demolished the stone he was worshipping and battered Ballal, and left him tied in a tree. Even in pain, Ballal chanted the name of Lord Ganesha. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Ganesha appeared as Sadhu, a saint and untied Ballal from tree. Ballal got healed from his pain and hunger. Ballal identified the saint as Lord Ganesha and worshipped him with great devotion, requesting Lord Ganesha to stay at that place and remove all the obstacles of the people who worship Him. Lord Ganesha agreed to the request and said that He would be worshipped by the name Ballal, and hence the presiding deity is called as Ballaleshwar. The stone which was scattered by the father is Dhundi Vinayak. It is believed that Ballaleshwar temple was built by Moreshvar Vitthal Sindkar, the great devotee of Lord Ganesha, in the year 1640. The temple was renovated in the year 1760 and was built in a way that the sun rays falls directly on the presiding deity.
Festivals
Ganesh Chaturthi or Bhadrapada Shuddha Chaturthi – August or September Magh Shuddha Chaturthi – January or February Vijayadashami (Dasehara) – October Dhundi Vinayak Utsav – January
Nearby Place To Visit
Triambakeshwar Temple Girijaatmaja Vinayak Temple Chintamani Vinayak Temple Bhimashankar Temple Grishneshwar Temple Mumba Devi Temple Shirdi Sai Baba Temple Mahalakshmi Temple
Accessibility
Regular bus services are available from Mumbai, Pine, Karjat and Panvel. The nearest railway station is Panvel Junction. The nearest airport is the Chatrapati Shivaji International Airport.
Temple Address
Shri Ballaleshwar Devasthan Pali Taluka,
Sudhagadh,
Raigad, Pin Code – 410205.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Salvation
- Wealth
- Relief from diseases
- Purchase of vehicles
- Gain Knowledge
Shlokas
Kailaasarana Shiva Chandramouli Phaneendra Maathaa Mukutee Zalaalee Kaarunya Sindhu Bhava Dukha Haaree Thujaveena Shambho Maja Kona Taaree
Meaning -Oh Lord Shiva who is seated on Mount Kailash, where the moon decorates his forehead and the king of serpents crown his head, who is merciful and removes delusion, You alone can protect me. I surrender to thee.
Aum Trayambakam Yajaamahey Sugandhim Pusti Vardhanam Urvaarukamiva Bandhanaath Mrutyor Muksheeya Maamritaat
Meaning -We worship the fragrant Lord Shiva, who has 3 eyes and who cultivates all beings. May He free me from death, for immortality, as even a cucumber is separated from its bond with the vine.
Timings
The Temple is (inner sanctum of the temple remains) open from 05.00 AM to 11.30 AM. The outer sanctum of the temple remains open from 05.00 AM to 10.30 PM.