Overview
Ashta” = 8. Pilgrimage to 8 self-manifested ‘Swayambhu’ Ganesh temples around Pune, Maharashtra. Must be completed in prescribed sequence, starting & ending at Morgaon. Each idol appeared on its own; temples built during Peshwa/Bahamani era. Peshwas popularized the Pune Ashtavinayak circuit, while Bhonsles had a Vidarbha version.
Top Highlights
- Morgaon - Mayureshwar: First & last stop. Only temple with Nandi in front of Ganesha.
- Lenyadri - Girijatmaj: Only Ashtavinayak in a mountain cave. 307 steps to Buddhist caves where Goddess Parvati did penance.
- Siddhatek - Siddhivinayak: Only temple on a hillock.
- Pali - Ballaleshwar: Only temple named after a devotee - boy Ballal.
