From Konkan's coastal rocks to caves, forests and rivers -- these swayambhu or naturally-occurring or self-born Ganpatis are living miracles of devotion. Hemantkumar Shivsharan tracks them down...
Shree Chintaman Ganesh Temple, Ujjain
Revered for being swayambhu, he is worshipped as the remover of worries at this temple in Madhya Pradesh.
Swayambhu Ganesh Temple, Ganpatipule
The stone murti facing west is believed to have appeared naturally on the Konkan coast more than 400 years.
Kanipakam, Varasiddhi Vinayaka
A miraculous murti in a water-filled Andhra Pradesh well, said to grow in size every year.
Idagunji Ganapati, Idagunji
The ancient swayambhu Ganpati, with only two hands (a rare form), has been worshipped for over 1,500 years at this location in Karnataka.
Sri Selva Vinayagar Temple, Shenbakkam
In Tamil Nadu is the site of Ekadasha Swayambu Ganapatis ie 11 naturally-formed murti unearthed in the shape of an Om.
Karpaka Vinayaka Temple, Pillaiyarpatti
There is a 1,600-year-old stone murti facing north, depicted with only two arms at this Tamil Nadu town.
Ucchi Pillayar, Rockfort
Linked to the Ramayana, believed to be a natural Ganesha on a giant rock hill in Tamil Nadu.
Kottarakkara Ganapati, Kottarakkara
Ancient natural murti at a Kerala temple famous for its prasadam -- unniappams.
Padmalaya, Jalgaon
Two swayambhu Ganeshas atop a hill temple in Maharashtra.
Madhur Mahaganapati, Madhur
Near Kasaragod in Kerala, this Ganesha is believed to have appeared naturally. The temple has copper-plated gopuram.