7 Ganpati Temples You Must Visit

Revered as Ganpati or Vinayaka, Lord Ganesha is worshipped at the start of almost every puja because he clears obstacles and brings good fortune. Do visit him at 7 special temples in his honour.

Pic: Sahil Salvi for Rediff

Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai

First established in 1801 by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil in Prabhadevi, it is one of the city’s wealthiest shrines, with yearly contributions ranging between ₹100 million and ₹150 million.

Pic: Sahil Salvi for Rediff

Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple, Chittoor

Popularly called Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, deity Lord Varasiddhi Vinayaka is a swayambhu (self-manifested). It is believed the Lord Ganesha here has been gradually growing in size over time.

Pic: Kind courtesy Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple

Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, Jaipur

The sacred shrine came into existence in 1761. The Ganesha is believed to be over five centuries old, adding to the temple’s deep historic and spiritual significance.

 

Pic: Kind courtesy Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple

Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune

Pune's most famous shrine houses a magnificent Ganesha figure measuring about 7.5 feet in height and 4 feet in width. The deity is richly adorned with ornaments of gold (40 kg) and precious stones.

Pic: Kind courtesy Dave.kaustubh/Wikimedia Commons

Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Pondicherry

Inside the shrine, Lord Ganesha is seated upon a splendid chariot 10 ft tall and 6 ft wide crafted from nearly 7.5 kilos of gold, adding to the temple’s magnificence. 

Pic: Kind courtesy Gbkrish1/Wikimedia Commons

Ucchi Pillaiyar Temple, Tiruchirappalli

Perched on the towering Rock Fort, 83 m above the ground, in Tamil Nadu, the temple dates back to the 7th century. It is reached by ascending more than 400 stone-carved steps.

Pic: ANI Photo

Trinetra Ganesh Temple, Rajasthan

Nestled within the historic Ranthambore Fort, the temple holds the distinction of being among Rajasthan’s most ancient shrines. This rare Lord Ganesha is depicted with three eyes, a form that symbolises divine vision and power.

Pic: Kind courtesy Gopalsinghal7/Wikimedia Commons
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