Mahaganapati, Ranjangaon
The temple where Lord Shiva is said to have prayed to Ganesh before fighting the demon Tripurasur. On the Pune Ahilyanagar highway.
Quick facts
- Location:
- Ranjangaon, Shirur taluka, Pune
- Distance:
- About 50 km from Pune
- Order in yatra:
- Eighth
- Darshan timings:
- Check before visiting
The temple
The temple faces east and is built so that the sun's rays fall on the idol at certain times of the year. Madhavrao Peshwa built a room around the inner shrine. The idol, Mahaganapati, is one of the most powerful forms of Ganesh.
The story
Legend says Lord Shiva prayed to Ganesh here before he fought the demon Tripurasur. With Ganesh's blessing Shiva won the battle.
How to reach
Ranjangaon is on the Pune Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar) highway, beyond Shikrapur. It is one of the easiest of the eight to reach, and ST buses stop close by.
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.
- 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.
Questions and answers
Where is Ranjangaon Ganpati?
On the Pune Ahilyanagar highway in Shirur taluka, about 50 km from Pune.
Sources: Written by PuneDiary. Facts checked 10 October 2026.