Mayureshwar, Morgaon
The first and most important of the eight temples, where the yatra begins and ends. Ganesh here rides a peacock.
Quick facts
- Location:
- Morgaon, Baramati taluka, Pune
- Distance:
- About 65 km from Pune
- Order in yatra:
- First and last
- Darshan timings:
- Check before visiting
The temple
The Mayureshwar temple stands in the village of Morgaon on the Karha river. It is built of black stone and has four gates and high walls with towers at the corners, so from a distance it looks almost like a small fort. A large stone Nandi sits facing the main door, which is unusual for a Ganesh temple.
The story
According to legend, Ganesh took the form of Mayureshwar, riding a peacock (mayur), to defeat the demon Sindhu here. Morgaon itself takes its name from the peacocks (mor) that were once common in the area.
How to reach
Morgaon is reached via Saswad and Jejuri, or via Baramati. ST buses run from Pune and Baramati.
Tips for visitors
- Start and end your Ashtavinayak yatra here, as tradition asks.
- Combine with the Khandoba temple at Jejuri on the same road.
More in Ashtavinayak
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Where does the Ashtavinayak yatra start?
At the Mayureshwar temple in Morgaon. By tradition the yatra also ends here.
Sources: Written by PuneDiary. Facts checked 10 October 2026.