Chintamani, Theur
The Ashtavinayak closest to Pune, much loved by the Peshwas. Madhavrao Peshwa spent his last days here.
Quick facts
- Location:
- Theur, Haveli taluka, Pune
- Distance:
- About 25 km from Pune
- Order in yatra:
- Fifth
- Darshan timings:
- Check before visiting
The temple
Theur lies on the bank of the Mula Mutha river, east of Pune. The temple was enlarged by the Peshwas, who were great devotees of Chintamani. Peshwa Madhavrao I came here often, and died at Theur in 1772. His wife Ramabai is remembered here too.
The story
Legend says Ganesh recovered the wish-fulfilling jewel, the chintamani, from a greedy prince here and returned it to the sage Kapil. The sage left the jewel on Ganesh's neck, and he is worshipped here as Chintamani, the one who removes worry.
How to reach
Theur is about an hour from central Pune via Hadapsar and Loni Kalbhor, off the Pune Solapur highway. City buses and autos go here.
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.
- 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
Which Ashtavinayak is closest to Pune?
Chintamani at Theur, about 25 km from the city.
Sources: Written by PuneDiary. Facts checked 10 October 2026.