Shree Varad Vinayak Temple : The idol of Shree Varad Vinayak Temple (Ashtavinayak) Varada Vinayak is a swayambu (self-originated) and was found in the adjoining lake in an immersed position in 1690 AD. This temple is said to be built in 1725 AD by Subhedar Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar. The temple premises are on one side of a beautiful pond. The idol of this temple faces the east and has his trunk turned to the left. There is an oil lamp in this shrine which is said to be burning continuously since 1892. This temple also has the idol of Mushika, Navagraha Devtas and Shivalinga. There are 4 elephant idols guarding the 4 sides of the temple. In this Ashta Vinayak Temple, devotees can enter the Garbagriha and pay their homage and respects to the idol personally. Devotees visit the Varadvinayak shrine throughout the year. During festivals like the Magha Chaturthi huge crowds of devotees can be seen in this temple.
Legend
Legend has it that the childless king, Bhima of Koudinyapur and his wife met the sage Vishwamitra while they had come to forest for penance. Vishwamitra gave the king a mantra (incantation), Ekashar Gajana Mantra to chant and thus his son and heir, prince Rukmaganda was born, who grew up into a beautiful young prince.
One day, during a hunting trip, Rukmaganda stopped at the hermitage of Rishi Vachaknavi. The Rishi’s wife, Mukunda fell in love at the sight of the handsome prince and asked him to fulfill her desires. The virtuous prince flatly refused and left the ashram. Mukunda became lovesick. Knowing her plight, King Indra took the form of Rukmaganda and made love to her. Mukunda became pregnant and gave birth to a son, Gritsamada.
In time, when Gritsamada learned of the circumstances of his birth, he cursed his mother to become an unattractive, thorny, berry-bearing “Bhor” plant. Mukunda in turn cursed Gritsamada that a cruel rakshas (demon) will be born from him. Suddenly they both heard a heavenly voice saying, “Gritsamada is the son of Indra”, leaving them both shocked, but it was too late to alter their respective curses. Mukunda was transformed into the Bhor plant. Gritsamada, ashamed and penitent, retreated to the Pushpak forest where he prayed for reprieve to Lord Ganesha (Ganapati).
Lord Ganesha was pleased by Gritsamada’s penance and offered him a boon that he will bear a son who would not be defeated by anybody other than Shankara (Shiva). Gritsamada asked Lord Ganesha to bless the forest, so that any devotees who pray here will be successful, and also urged Ganesha to stay there permanently and asked upon the knowledge of Brahma. Gritsamada built a temple there and installed a Ganesha idol called Varadavinayaka. Today the forest is known as Bhadraka.
It is said that, if the coconut received as prasad during Maghi Chaturthi is consumed, one will be blessed with a son. Hence the temple is especially full with devotees during Maghi Utsav.
Region where Ganesha is worshipped
Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated throughout India and particularly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and many other parts of western and Southern India. Outside India, the festival is observed in regions of Nepal, United States, Mauritius and Canada.
Religious Festivals Based On The Deity
Ganesh Chaturthi is the Hindu festival that is celebrated in the honor of the elephant god. The festival is celebrated in public and at home as well. The festival lasts for ten days and ends on the fourteenth day of the Fortnight. The month of Bhadrapada in the Hindu calendar and in the month of August or September marks the festivities of the deity. Aarti is also performed with friends and family during this festival typically in the morning and evening.