Varadvinayak, Mahad
A simple temple near Khopoli, where devotees may offer worship to the idol themselves. An oil lamp here is said to have burned for many years.
Quick facts
- Location:
- Mahad village, Khalapur taluka, Raigad
- Distance:
- About 80 km from Pune
- Order in yatra:
- Fourth
- Darshan timings:
- Check before visiting
The temple
This Mahad is a small village near Khopoli, not the town of Mahad further south. The temple is simple and was rebuilt in the Peshwa period. Unlike most temples, devotees here are allowed to go close to the idol to offer their prayers. An oil lamp in the temple is said to have been kept burning continuously for many years.
The story
Varadvinayak is the Ganesh who grants wishes and boons (vara). The idol is said to have been found in a nearby lake in the seventeenth century.
How to reach
Mahad is a short drive from Khopoli on the old Mumbai Pune highway, and easy to reach from the expressway.
More in Ashtavinayak
- Mayureshwar, Morgaon The first and most important of the eight temples, where the yatra begins and ends. Ganesh here rides a peacock.
- Siddhivinayak, Siddhatek A temple on a small hill by the Bhima river. The only Ashtavinayak idol whose trunk turns to the right.
- Ballaleshwar, Pali The only Ashtavinayak named after a devotee, the boy Ballal. A stone temple in Raigad district, below Sarasgad fort.
- Chintamani, Theur The Ashtavinayak closest to Pune, much loved by the Peshwas. Madhavrao Peshwa spent his last days here.
- Girijatmaj, Lenyadri The only Ashtavinayak in a cave, high on a hillside of Buddhist caves near Junnar. Reached by a long flight of steps.
- Vighneshwar, Ozar A large temple on the Kukadi river near Junnar, with a gold-topped spire. Ganesh here removes all obstacles.
Questions and answers
Is Varadvinayak in the town of Mahad?
No. It is in Mahad village near Khopoli in Khalapur taluka, not in the town of Mahad in south Raigad.
Sources: Written by PuneDiary. Facts checked 10 October 2026.