Located on the banks of the Kukadi River, Pune is home to one of the most well-known Hindu temples, Vigneshwara Temple. Ganesha is honoured at the Vigneshwara Temple. According to legend, Ozar became the permanent residence of Lord Ganesh following his victory over the demon Vighnasur. And how the temple’s name came to be. The temple’s construction is similarly stunning; it features a sizable stone courtyard and walls surrounded by defences.
An idol of Ganesha in a sitting pose is located in the temple’s main sanctuary. When a fair is held at the temple between Bhadrapad, Tripuri Pournima, and Magh Chaturthi, it is the ideal time to visit.
Among the Ashtavinayaka is the temple of Vigneshwara. Lord Ganesha used to reside permanently at the Vigneshwara Temple, which is situated in Pune’s Junnar Taluka on the bank of the Kukadi River. This location’s historical significance is intimately linked to the narrative of a monarch known as Abhinandan.
History related to Temple
Some mythical texts, such as the Tamil Vinayaka Pura, Skanda Purana, and Mudgala Purana, relate the history of the temple as follows: King Abhinandana offered no offerings to King Indira during his sacrifice.
Outraged by his deed, Indra commanded Kala (Time/Death) to eliminate Abhinandan’s “yadnyas,” bestowing upon him all of his abilities as well as the blessing of immortality. Next, Kala assumed the shape of the demon Vignasura, also known as the obstacle-devil, or Vigna, the hurdle, and began causing issues with the sacrifice. The powerful demon then destroyed all of the then-practiced “vaidik” rites in addition to the yadnyas.
The sages began worshipping Ganesha after becoming alarmed by Vignasura’s deeds and reactions. Ganesha then engaged the demon in combat. Vignasura quickly came to the conclusion that defeating Ganesha was unachievable. Vignasura made the decision to give up as a result, and he even promised not to cause any trouble during any holy ritual.
Additionally, Vignasura asked Ganesha to connect his name with the demon’s. And how the temple’s name came to be.
Architecture
The current temple features a large courtyard that is accessible by a road and a fortification wall. In the Peshwa dynasty, the temple was built using the principles of Vastu Shastra. There are two doorways in the temple’s central hall, one on the north and one on the south. Another hall, with a ceiling as high as ten feet, is located next to the centre hall. The elaborately carved spire, attributed to Chimaji Appa, is another intriguing feature.
An idol of Ganesha in the sitting posture with a trunk on the left may be found in the main sanctuary. Large crowds gather at the Vigneshwara Temple on holidays like Magh Shudha Chaturthi and Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi.
Arti time, Opening and Closing
The temple is open on other days from 5:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m.
The temple of Angarkhi is open from 4:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Bhakta Bhavan: 1-1-2-3-4; Open 24 hours
Maha Aarti – 7:30 a.m.
Maha Prasad 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Midday Madhyan Aarti- 12 pm
10:00 PM Shejaarti (The doors of the temple stay closed following shejaarti)
The best time to go
Holy days like Magh Shudha Chaturthi and Bhadrapad Shudh Chaturthi are observed with great fanfare, bringing together members of many groups. In the same manner, Bael Pola, or the Bullock Festival, is observed.
How to Reach
The distance between the Pune district and the temple is around 85 km, with the temple being in Junner Taluka. There are two ways to get here: via jeep or autorickshaw.
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