Varadavinayak Temple, Mahad

About:

The Varad Vinayak temple is located in the Mahad village of Raigarh district in Maharastra. This temple is devoted to Varadvinayk (Ganapati or Ganesha). It is considered to be one of the Astha Vinayak shrines of Maharashtra. It is believed that Ganesh as Varad Vinayak fulfills all desires of the devotees. This area was known as Bhadrak or Madhak in ancient times. A unique feature of this famous temple is a lamp that is burning constantly since 1892 AD. There is Gomukh on the northern side of the temple. It is a features of a cow from which the holy water flows. There is also a sacred pond on the west of the temple.

Since the idol was in badly weathered condition,temple trustees immersed that idol and consecrated new idol in that place.However,such a decision by the trustees was objected by few people and suit was filed in district court.Two stone idols of Siddhi and Riddhi will be een in the sanctum.Two ganesh idols are situated in the two corners.Idol in the left corner is smeared in vermillion and idol in the right is made up of white marble with trunk turned to the right.The idol is in sitting position,with the trunk turned to the left.The idol faces east.This is a beautiful temple although it looks drab from outside.All corners of the temple have a pair of elephants and its sections are scrolled in gold.The stone statues of Ridhi and Sidhi can be seen after entering the door.The idol faces East, with a trunk pointing left while it sits on a throne.The festivities take place in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada and Magh, on the 5th auspicious day of the moon.

Location info:

Climate/Weather:

History:

Shree Dhondu Paudkar in 1690 A.D found the swayambhu idol of shree varadvinayak in a lake.This idol was kept in a nearby goddess temple for some time.Afterwards in 1725 A.D Varadvinayak temple was built by peshva sardar ramji mahadev biwalkar & he gifted this to the Village.Temple has been recently renovated by the trustees.The old temple used to look like a house with tiled roof.There is a Gomukh towards north.Holy water comes out of this gomukh.Lake is at the west.Temple is 8 feet long and 8 feet broad.Dome is 25 feet high with golden pinnacle.The original idol of the varadvinayak can be seen outside the sanctum,

Interesting things to do:

Interesting things to Visit:

Gangasagar Lake:
An artificial lake constructed adjacent to the Raigad fort, Gangasagar Lake is a wonder. The popular belief is that this pond was built in the time of Sivaji’s coronation and water from the holy river Ganges had been brought to this lake for Sivaji’s crowning ceremony.

Jagadishwar Temple:
Sivaji was an ardent follower of the Hindu religion. Jagadishwar temple built in his royal palace is a clear proof of his devotion. History says that Sivaji used to visit this temple daily.The dome at the top of the temple is the reflection of the mughal architecture of that time. The main deity is a Jagadeeswara idol, which inspires the devotee for its uniqueness. The temple holds an idol of Nandi outside, facing the entrance of the temple.

Jijamata Palace:
Jijamata Palace at Pachad holds significant place in the history of Maratha kingdom. Jijabai, the mother of Shivaji is credited for the greatness of Sivaji. Jijamata palace is the place where Jijabai, a lady of high values lived till her death. Unfortunately, this monument was destroyed by the British during their rule in India. What remains is only the ruins of the grand mansion.

Mahad:
A small town on the bank of river Savitri, Mahad is famed for the water agitation mooted under the leadership of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. A 'Kranti Stambh' has been put up in
memory of this agitation.One of the important places to be visited in Mahad is the holy shrine of Shri Varad Vinayak Temple. It is one among the Ashta Vinayak shrines of the state. The temple’s holy pond and Gomukh fills the devotee with devotion. What makes oneself wonder is the eternal lamp, which was burning since 1892 A.D.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Visiting places:

Alibag:
The city of Alibag gained prominence under the rule of ‘Darya Sarkhel’ Kanhoji Angre in the 17th century who was Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s famous naval chief. The city became important after the fort of Kulaba was built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The places you can see in and around Alibag are Kulaba Fort, magnetic Observatory, Kanhoji Angre's residence, his samadhi and the Hirakot fort. Alibag also has a beautiful beach where you can enjoy the sunset with Kulaba Fort in the background.

Kulaba Fort:
The fort of Kulaba was built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1652 to keep a check on the activities of the foreign naval powers of English, Portuguese and the Siddhi of Janjira. It is a testimony to the foresight of the great maratha king. The Kulaba fort is still in good condition and one can go to visit the fort by walking across the seashore at low tide or by taking a buggy ride Per person. However be sure to check the proper timings to visit the fort as it is dangerous to try to go to the fort at high tide. You get approximately 3 to 4 hours to see the fort and come back.

The fort has two main entrances, one at the sea side and other towards Alibag. The average height of the fort walls is 25 feet. The fort has sweet water wells and some buildings inside its premises. The Siddhivinayak temple inside the fort was built by Raghoji Angre in 1759. The Ganpati Idol in the temple is very beautiful and many people worship it.

Gangasagar Lake:
An artificial lake constructed adjacent to the Raigad fort, Gangasagar Lake is a wonder. The popular belief is that this pond was built in the time of Sivaji’s coronation and water from the holy river Ganges had been brought to this lake for Sivaji’s crowning ceremony.The villages and the resort on the top is getting drinking water all round the year from this magnificent lake. The all-embracing Palace and Queen’s Chamber are located adjacent this lake. The remains of the watchtowers of the fort can be seen from this Lake.

Jagadishwar Temple:
Sivaji was an ardent follower of the Hindu religion. Jagadishwar temple built in his royal palace is a clear proof of his devotion. History says that Sivaji used to visit this temple daily.The dome at the top of the temple is the reflection of the mughal architecture of that time. The main deity is a Jagadeeswara idol, which inspires the devotee for its uniqueness. The temple holds an idol of Nandi outside, facing the entrance of the temple.Once adorned the status of the favourite shrine of the sovereign, Jagadishwara temple is now in a decrepit state.Other interesting attractions near to the temple are the Samadhi of the great warrior and his loyal dog.

Raigad Museum:
A tour to Raigad will not be complete without a visit to the Raigad museum, which is located at Lower Station of Raigad Fort. The museum has been created with the help of stalwarts of the Maratha history like Shri Ninadji Bedekar and Shri Babasaheb Purandare.The museum exhibits photographs of various forts in Shivaji's empire, artifacts, farmans and weapons used in those historic times. A film show on the Raigad fort created by a panel of historians offers a preview of various facets of this illustrious monument and it makes the trip meaningful and unforgettable.Raigad Museum genuinely tries to depict the importance of Maratha Empire and is worthy for a watch.

Raigad Fort:
Raigad Fort, also called as ‘the Gibralter of the east’ was the invincible capital of the legendary king Sivaji. Placed at an altitude of 2700 feet on an irregular wedge-shaped mass of rock, Raigad fort is inaccessible from three sides. A massive fort, nested on a steep vertical rock face, appears defiant and insurmountable.This Fort presents a terrifying look and it is very difficult to get into the fort through the rocky path.

All sides appear as if it fell down from a huge mass of solid rock. Raigad ropeway that is inaugurated recently, makes the ascent to the fort very easy. Now the fort features certain new structures like the Samadhi of Shivaji and his loyal dog along with the ruins of the old structures. The most stunning site on Raigad Fort is the Balekilla, from where one can see the implausible views of the enchanting Sahyadris and the propitious Bhatghar Lake. The top of the Balekilla offers a panoramic view of the forts of Purandar, Vichitragad, Rayreshwar, Lohgad, Visapur, Tikona and Sinhagad.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number: