Asthavinayak – Vighneshwar

Contributed by Rupali...

Vighneshwar Temple is the seventh Ganesha Temple to be visited during the Ashta Vinayaka yatra. This divine place is about 9kms.away from Narayangaon on Pune Nasik road,Junnar taluka at Ozar The temple is east facing and has dimonds in eyes,on forehead and in naval.Riddhi-Siddhi stand on eithersides. Ozar in the Maharashtra depicts Ganapati as Deity Vighneshwar who finished the trouble ofthe demon Vighnasura. The legend says that Vighnasur, a demon was created by Indra, the King of Gods,to destroy the prayer organized by King Abhinandan. However, the demon went a step further and destroyed all vedic, religious acts. All the sages and people pleaded to God Ganesha for protection and to answer the people's prayers, Ganesh defeated the demon.

The story goes on to say that on after defeating,the demon begged and pleaded with Ganesha to show a mercy. Ganesha then granted him plea, but on the condition that demon should not go to the place where Ganesha worshipping is going on. In return the demon asked a favour that his name should be taken before Ganesha's name.

Thus the name of Ganesha became Vighnahar or Vighneshwar (Vighna in Sanskrit means an obstacle in the ongoing work due to some unforeseen, unwarranted cause). The Ganesha here is called Shri Vighneshwar VinayakThe blessed sages installed an Idol of Vigneshwara at Ozar on the day of Ganesh Chaturti and offered worship.

The Temple is east facing with an image of flanked by his consorts Siddhi and Riddhi  is enshrined in this grand temple which has interesting features such as a spacious courtyard, a grand entrance, sculptural and mural work. The image of Ganesha is decorated with precious and semi precious stones.