Ozhar Ashtavinayak Temple

Overview

Vigneshwara Temple is the seventh temple among the Ashtavinayaka temples of Lord Ganesha and is located at Ozar, Pune district of Maharashtra.

About the Temple

The temple has stone Dvarapala, the gate keepers and a row of musicians sculptured in the temple and also has a sculpture of Lord Ganesha enclosed with parrots, monkeys and foliage. The Vimanam of the temple is enfolded with gold. The two deepamalas present in the gateway of the temple shines even in the night and the temple has the image of mouse, the vehicle of Lord Ganesha which is 10 feet high, made of marble. The temple also provides with separate two rooms for meditation process.

About the Deity

The main deity of this temple is Lord Vigneshwara, the Lord of Obstacles, also called as Lord Vignahar, with the trunk tilted to the left. Lord Vigneshwara is found with His consorts Goddess Siddhi and Goddess Riddhi, where the idols are made of brass. The deity of Lord Ganesha is adorned with diamonds on His forehead and navel. And His eyes are embellished with emeralds. The presiding deity of this temple is believed to be the Lord of obstacles who removes the obstacles of the devotees of Lord Ganesha.

Legend and Stories

According to the Puranas, a king by name Abhinandana performed a sacrifice, during which he missed out on making an offering to Lord Indra. The angry Lord sent Lord Yama to create chaos and stop the sacrifice. Lord Yama took the form of a demon Vighnasur – the one who creates obstacles. Vighnasur not only disturbed the sacrifice but also created several obstacles for all good deeds in the universe. The people and sages approached Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva with their problem. The Lords advised the people that they request Lord Ganesh for his help. People started worshiping Lord Ganesh. Pleased with their prayers, the Lord appeared and defeated the demon in a fierce battle. The demon requested Lord Ganesh that he be called as Vighneshwara – the one who removes obstacles. The overjoyed people installed an idol of Lord Ganesh at Ozar and addressed him as Vighneswara Vinayak.

Festivals

Ganesh Chaturthi – August or September
Ganesh Jayanti – January or February
Kartika Poornima – November or December

Poojas

Maha Aarti: 7:30 am
Maha Prasad: Mornings – 10 am and Afternoons -1:00 pm
Madhyan Aarti: 12 noon
Shejaarti – the last Aarti of the day: 10 pm
(The temple doors remain closed after Shejaarti)

Rituals

Atharv Shirsh Abhishek
Maha Abhishek
Bramhnaspati Supt Abhishek
Pavamaan Supt Abhishek
Vaarshik Abhishek
Sahastra Avartan Abhishek
Maha Rudra Abhishek
Tah Hayaat Abhishek
Atharv Shirsh Abhishek

Accommodation

The Vighneshwar Vinayak Temple Trust runs a Bhakta Bhavan which offers rooms and dormitories at nominal charges. There are quite a number of hotels offering accommodation options for all budgets. Pilgrims may also choose to stay at Pune, which is 85 km from Ozar. Ozar has a good number of restaurant options. One can choose from dhabas to street food kiosks and restaurants serving popular Maharashtrian delights.

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

State Transport buses also ply between Mumbai and Junnar. The distance from Mumbai-Thane, Kalyan-Bapsai-Sarlgaon-Otur-Lenyadri-Ozar is 182 km. The nearest railway station to Ashtavinayaka Vighnahar Temple is Igatpuri train station Junction which is 70 Km away from Ashtavinayaka Vighnahar Temple. The nearest airport to Ashtavinayaka Vighnahar Temple is Lohegaon airport, Pune which is 67 Km away from Ashtavinayaka Vighnahar Temple.

Temple Address

Vigneshwara Temple,
Ozar,
Pune district,
Maharashtra.