Karmandir Shri Varadvinayak, Mahad
Mahad, Khalapur taluka, Raigad district, Maharashtra (near Khopoli)
About
Shri Varadvinayak of Mahad is the fourth temple in the traditional Ashtavinayak yatra. 'Varad' means the giver of boons. Mahad is a small village near Khopoli, just off the old Mumbai-Pune highway, which makes it the Ashtavinayak closest to Mumbai. The temple is simple, with a dome about 25 feet high carrying cobra designs and a golden kalash, and four stone elephants on its four sides. An oil lamp, the Nandadeep, is said to have burned here without a break since 1892. By temple custom, devotees may enter the sanctum and offer worship close to the murti. Do not confuse this Mahad with Mahad town in south Raigad.
The story
The Puranic story of this place is linked to Rishi Gritsamada. After a family curse and a painful truth about his birth came to light, Gritsamada came to the Pushpak forest, also called Bhadrak, to do tapasya and pray to Ganesh ji. Pleased, Ganesh ji appeared and offered him a boon. Gritsamada asked Ganesh ji to stay in this forest forever and bless every devotee who prays here. Ganesh ji agreed. Gritsamada set up the murti and called it Varad Vinayak, 'the Vinayak who gives boons'. Gritsamada is honoured as the seer of the famous Rigveda mantra 'Gananam tva ganapatim havamahe', which is still recited in Ganesh puja.
The temple's later history is simple. In 1690 a devotee named Dhondu Paudkar found this swayambhu murti in the lake beside the temple. In 1725 Subhedar Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar, an officer of the Peshwas, built the temple and settled the village of Mahad. Ever since, this small temple has been a big centre of faith for devotees.
Visiting
Mahad is an easy day trip from Mumbai or Pune. October to February is pleasant, and in the monsoon the Sahyadri hills around turn lush green. Devotees go right up to the murti, so dress modestly. The nearest railway stations are Khopoli and Karjat. Ballaleshwar at Pali is about 40 km away, so many pilgrims visit the two Raigad Ashtavinayaks together.
Festivals
- Maghi Ganesh Jayanti (Magh Shukla Chaturthi), when the temple is especially crowded
- Ganesh Chaturthi (Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturthi)
- Sankashti Chaturthi every month
