Overview
Varadvinayak Temple in Mahad, Khalapur taluka, Raigad district, is one of the eight Ashtavinayak shrines, distinctive for its swayambhu (self-manifested) idol's documented discovery in a nearby lake and for a devotional lamp reported to have burned continuously since 1892.
History
The temple's Ganesha idol is recorded as having been found immersed in an adjoining lake in 1690 CE; the temple itself was subsequently built (or restored) in 1725 CE under the patronage of Peshwa general Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar.
Spiritual Significance
Temple legend recounts that the sage Gritsamada undertook penance here, pleasing Ganesha, who granted him a boon that his son would be undefeated by anyone other than Shiva; Gritsamada in turn asked Ganesha to bless the surrounding forest so that devotees who prayed there would find success, and requested that Ganesha remain permanently at the site, giving the deity his name here, Varadvinayak ("Ganesha who grants boons"). The temple's Nandadeep (perpetual lamp), reported to have burned without interruption since 1892, is a distinctive devotional feature specific to this shrine among the Ashtavinayak.
Scriptures & Texts
Editorial note: Scripture references below are based on widely cited scholarly and traditional sources. Specific verse citations should be independently verified before publication.
The Gritsamada legend is documented in Ganapatya devotional literature associated with the Ashtavinayak tradition. Specific verse-level citation requires expert verification before publication.
Prayers at Varadvinayak Temple, Mahad (Ashtavinayak)
सुखकर्ता दुखहर्ता वार्ता विघ्नाची
जय गणेश जय गणेश जय गणेश देवा
जय गणपति सदगुण सदन,कविवर बदन कृपाल। विघ्न हरण मंगल करण,जय जय गिरिजालाल॥
ॐ भद्रं कर्णेभिः शृणुयामदेवाः भद्रं पश्येमाक्षभिर्यजत्राः। स्थिरैरङ्गैस्तुष्टुवाꣳसस्तनूभिः व्यशेम देवहितं यदायुः॥
वक्रतुण्ड महाकाय
मुदाकरात्तमोदकं सदा विमुक्तिसाधकं कलाधरावतंसकं विलासिलोकरक्षकम्
Pilgrimage Information
When to visit: October to February offers the most comfortable weather.
Getting there: Mahad (Khalapur taluka) is reached by road, near Karjat and Khopoli in Raigad district.
Family Suitability
Well suited to families of all ages, given the easy road access.
Accommodation
Modest local pilgrim accommodation is available; fuller options are available via Khopoli, Karjat, or Pune/Mumbai.
Local Services
Basic local services are available near the temple.
Do’s & Don’ts
Do
- Note the temple's continuously burning Nandadeep lamp, a distinctive devotional feature here.
- Dress modestly, as at any active Hindu temple.
Don’t
- Don't confuse this Mahad (Khalapur taluka, Raigad district) with the larger, separately significant town of Mahad elsewhere in the same district.
Nearby Sacred Locations
- Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali
Another Ashtavinayak shrine, also in Raigad district.
- Chintamani Temple, Theur
Another Ashtavinayak shrine, in Pune district.
- Major Ganesha Temples of India: The Ashtavinayak (overview)
This platform's overview of the full eight-temple Ashtavinayak circuit.
Preservation
Specific current conservation programme details were not found in the sources consulted for this page.
Giving Back
Support the temple through its own official trust donation channels.
Sources
- Varadvinayak — Wikipedia other
- Mahad — Department of Tourism Maharashtra government
About this page
Researched and written by YatraBeyond from published sources, and not yet confirmed by the temple. Facts here are cross-checked against at least two independent sources, never written from memory, and every source is listed above.
Last reviewed by us: 2026-07-11. Timings, entry rules and access can change without notice; treat anything time-sensitive as a starting point and confirm before you travel.
Do you represent this temple? Confirm or correct this page. Tell us which trust, committee or board you speak for and we will verify before changing anything.
Not from the temple, but spotted an error? Tell us and we will check it against the sources.