Karmandir Shri Vighneshwar, Ozar
Ozar, Junnar taluka, Pune district, Maharashtra
About
Shri Vighneshwar of Ozar is the seventh temple in the traditional Ashtavinayak yatra. Here Ganesh ji is worshipped as Vighneshwar or Vighnahar, the lord who removes obstacles. The east-facing temple stands on the bank of the Kukadi river, about 9 km from Narayangaon on the Pune-Nashik road. It is known for its gold-covered shikhar and the strong stone wall around it; devotees can walk along the top of the wall and see Shivneri fort and the Lenyadri hill. The murti has the trunk turned to the left, jewels in the eyes and a diamond on the forehead, with brass murtis of Riddhi and Siddhi on either side.
The story
The Mudgal Purana and some other texts tell that King Abhinandan began a great yagya but left out the share for Indra. Angry, Indra sent Kaal (time) to spoil it, and Kaal took the form of Vighnasur, the demon of obstacles. He ruined the yagya and then began to block the prayers and good work of sages everywhere. The sages prayed to Ganesh ji, who fought Vighnasur and defeated him. The demon gave up and begged for mercy. Ganesh ji forgave him on one condition: he must never go where Ganesh ji is worshipped. Vighnasur asked that his name be joined with Ganesh ji's, and so Ganesh ji came to be called Vighneshwar. To mark this, the sages set up the murti at Ozar.
In history, Chimaji Appa, the younger brother of Peshwa Bajirao I, repaired the temple and covered its shikhar with gold after his victory at Vasai fort. The temple was renovated again in 1967 by the devotee Appa Shastri Joshi.
Visiting
October to February is pleasant, and the lit lamp towers at Kartik Purnima are a lovely sight. Dress modestly. Ozar pairs easily with Lenyadri, about 15 km away, and Shivneri fort near Junnar. The nearest big town is Narayangaon on the Pune-Nashik highway. Note: this Ozar is in Pune district, not the Ozar near Nashik.
Festivals
- Ganesh Chaturthi (Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturthi)
- Maghi Ganesh Jayanti (Magh Shukla Chaturthi)
- A five-day festival from Kartik Purnima, when the deepmalas (lamp towers) are lit
