Ashtavinayak Yatra (Part 1)

Ashtavinayak Yatra is the tour of Ashtavinayak Ganpati- a set of eight temples dedicated to Ganapati, situated around Pune in Maharashtra. In Hindu Dharma, Ganesh is referred to as Vighnaharta- remover of obstacles. Thus devotees seek his blessings to have a prosperous, healthy, and successful life.

Devotees must visit the temples in the order as prescribed in the below table. One should revisit the temple after visiting the eight temples to complete the yatra in a single go. Each temple has its legend and history, which is as distinct as the murtis of the other temples. The statue of Ganpati in these temples is Swayambhu (self-originated).

It is a 654 km long journey covering mountains, caves, and banks of rivers, which can take up to two or three days. Although breaks and stops are allowed during the yatra, the devotees are forbidden to return home without completing the yatra.