Top 10 Ancient Ganesh Temples in India: Discover the Divine

1.The Golden Ganesh Idol at Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai

(Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai: Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, Pin Code- 400028)

The Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is one of the most visited temples in India. The temple houses a magnificent golden idol of Lord Ganesha, adorned with precious jewels and gold ornaments. This ancient temple is said to have been built by a rich woman who had a vision of Lord Ganesha in her dream.

2.The Ashtavinayak Temples

(Ashtavinayak Temples, Maharashtra: Various locations across Maharashtra)

The Ashtavinayak temples are a group of eight ancient Hindu temples located in Maharashtra, India. Each temple is dedicated to a different form of Lord Ganesha and has its own unique history and significance. These temples are considered extremely sacred by devotees and attract thousands of pilgrims every year.

Ashtavinayak Ganpati –

1) Shri Mayureshwar Ganpati Mandir Morgaon: Location- Shree Mayureshwar Ganapati Temple, Morgaon, Tal- Baramati,Dis- Pune , Maharashtra, Pin Code: 412304

2. Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek: Location- Shree Siddhivinayak Mandir, Shree Kshetra Siddhatek, Jalalpur, Tal– Karjat, Dist– Ahmednagar, Pin Code: 414403

3. Pali Ballaleshwar Temple: Location- Tal. Sudhagad, Dist-Raigad, Pali, Maharashtra, Pin Code: 410205

4. Mahad Varadavinayak Temple: Location- Tal- Khalapur Khopoli, Dis. Mahad, Maharashtra, Pin Code: 410202

5. Theur Chintamani Temple: Location- Theur Road, Taluka Haveli, Pune, Maharashtra, Pin Code: 412110

6. Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri: Location- Lenyadri Ganpati Road, Post Golegaon, Tal- Junnar, Dis- Pune, Maharashtra, Pin Code: 410502

7. Vighnahar Temple, Ozar: Location- Narayangaon, Ozar Road, Ozar, Tal- Junnar, Dis- Pune, Maharashtra, Pin Code: 410504

8. Ranjangaon Mahaganapati Temple: Location- Mahaganpati Mandir, Ranjangaon, Ganpati Aali, Wai, Maharashtra, Pin Code: 412803

3.The Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Tamil Nadu

(Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Tamil Nadu: Rockfort, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, Pin Code 620002)

The Ucchi Pillayar temple, also known as the Thirukoil, is an ancient rock-cut temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The unique feature of this temple is its Ganesh idol, which is carved out of a huge boulder and stands at 6 feet tall. It is believed that this idol was created by Lord Rama himself during his journey back from Lanka.

4.The Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Puducherry

(Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Puducherry: Manakula Vinayagar Koil Street, White Town, Puducherry, Pin Code 605001)

The Manakula Vinayagar temple is an ancient temple located in Puducherry, India. It houses a unique and revered Ganesh idol known as the ‘Floating Ganesh’. This idol is said to have miraculously floated in from the Bay of Bengal and landed on the shore, where the temple was later built.

5.The Gokarna Mahabaleshwar Temple, Karnataka

(Kamakhya Temple, Assam: Kamakhya, Guwahati, Assam, Pin Code 781010)

The Gokarna Mahabaleshwar temple is an ancient and highly revered temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha. This temple is known for its unique rituals, such as offering coconuts to the deity by throwing them from the roof of the temple. It also holds a special significance in Hindu mythology, making it a must-visit for devotees.

6.The Kamakhya Temple, Assam

(Karpaka Vinayakar Temple, Tamil Nadu: Thiruppatthur, Sivaganga District, Pillayarpatti, Tamil Nadu, Pin Code 630207)

The Kamakhya temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya, who is believed to be a form of Goddess Shakti. The temple also houses a unique Ganesh idol known as ‘Umananda’, which is said to have been created by Lord Shiva himself. This temple attracts thousands of devotees every year, especially during the Ambubachi Mela festival.

7.The Karpaka Vinayakar Temple, Tamil Nadu

(Dagdusheth Ganpati Temple, Pune: Ganpati Bhavan, 250, Budhvar Peth, Shivajinagar, Pune, Maharashtra, Pin Code 411002)

The Karpaka Vinayakar temple is an ancient and unique Ganesh temple located in Tamil Nadu, India. The main attraction of this temple is the self-manifested idol of Lord Ganesha, which is believed to have appeared on its own. This temple also holds a special significance for those seeking blessings for success and good fortune in their endeavour’s.

8.The Dagdusheth Ganpati Temple, Pune

(Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, Pune District, Maharashtra, Pin Code 412210)

The Dagdusheth Ganpati temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha in Pune, India. The main attraction of this temple is its massive Ganesh idol, which is adorned with gold and diamonds. The temple was built by a wealthy businessman as an offering to Lord Ganesha after the death of his son.

9.The Chintamani Ganpati Temple, Maharashtra

(Chintamani Ganpati Mandir, Kalamb, Maharashtra, Pin Code: 445401)

The Chintamani Ganpati temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha located in Pune, Maharashtra. The temple is believed to hold immense power and the deity is known for granting wishes, hence its popularity among devotees. The main attraction of this temple is the Chintamani Ganesh idol, which is said to have been discovered by a sage in ancient times.

10. Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple, Hampi

(Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple, Hampi: Hampi, Karnataka, Pin Code 583239)

The Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple is an ancient monument located in Hampi, Karnataka. It houses a large monolithic statue of Lord Ganesha that stands around 2.4 meters tall, carved out of a single block of rock and aptly named Sasivekalu. The statue depicts Ganesha seated with his right hand held in blessing gesture. The temple area comprises of a pillared hall offering beautiful views of the historical city. It is a must-visit site for tourists and pilgrims as it offers a unique blend of spiritual and historical experience.

Overall, the ancient temples of Lord Ganesha stand as a testament to the rich heritage and devotion of the Indian culture. Each temple has its own unique story and significance, making them important pilgrimage sites for devotees. Visiting these temples not only offers a spiritual experience, but also provides a glimpse into the intricate architecture and customs of ancient India. With their vibrant history and strong cultural roots, these temples continue to be an integral part of the Ganesh festival celebrations.