Vajreshwari Devi temple/Temple of Vajreshwari Devi – Kangra

The Vajreshwari temple is a relic of Maratha glory. Chimaji Appa, the younger brother of Peshwa Bajirao I, got it built after the Marathas conquered the Bassein fort in 1739.

The temple stands atop a hillock by the road. The legend goes that Parshurama had performed a mahayajna at Vajreshwari and the hills of volcanic ash in the area are its residue.

A flight of 52 steps leads up to the temple. However if you are driving down, ignore the please park here pleas of the flower sellers and follow the Parking signs put up by the authorities and for a fee of Rs.10/- you can park halfway up the temple.

The temple is dedicated to goddess Vajreshwari but the sanctum also has idols of goddess Renuka and goddess Kalika on either side of the main Vajreshwari idol. Mention must be made here of the extra courteous security personnel and the priests at the temple. Whenever a senior citizen enters, the security personnel are at hand to lead them to the sanctum sanctorum and the priests will put on additional lamps to ensure that the idols are visible to the aged. All this with a true sense of service and they do not expect any monetary gratification.

Smaller idols of Ganesha and other gods and goddesses are carved in the pillars and walls of the forecourt.

Photography is prohibited in the Gurudev Sidha Peeth at Ganeshpuri and in the temple at Vajreshwari.

The ancient city of Kangra is famous for its Temple of Vejreshwari Devi.
Held in high esteem by worshippers of “Shakti” the supreme power of God, it
draws pilgrims from all parts of India. Repeatedly destroyed by invaders,
the temple was as speedily re-built by the rulers of Kangra. It was
plundered by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1009 but was rebuilt in 1043. In 1337 it
was razed to the ground by Mohammed Tughlak but it was re-built in 1440. IN
1540 it was destroyed again but emperor Akbar had it rebuilt.Marked the
occasion by presentation of a gold umbrella to the temple in honour of the
DEVI. In 1905, it was flattened by an earthquake, but rose again
phoenix-like in 1920.

Shri Sateri,Pendur,Sindhudurg

Yogeshwari Devi Temple ,Ambejogai

Bhimashankar

Bhimashankar is the temple containing one of the five jyotirlingas found in Maharashtra. Nana Fadnis, an eminent statesman of the Peshwa days, constructed the beautiful Shiva Temple at Bhimashankar. The wooden entrance of the temple is beautifully carved. On Mahashivratri day, over 20,000 devotees attend a special religious fair. Bhimashankar is endowed with beautiful scenery and an all-around vibrant atmosphere. Besides the Shiva Temple and the dense forest surrounding it, you can also visit Bombay Point, Gupta Bhimashankar: the origin of Bhima River, Hanuman Tank and Nagphani Point.

Getting there:Nearest airport is Pune, 95 kms.Nearest railhead is Pune. Mumbai-Bhimashankar, 265 kms. Via Pune.

Accommodation: 4//6/10 beded self-contained rooms (8 blocks).
Checkout time: 10.00 a.m.
Reservation: Mumbai Tel.: 881 5000, 883 5577.

Amba Devi Amravati

Courtesy:http://amravati.nic.in

Tulja bhavani,Osmanabad

Tuljabhavani Home

Tuljabhavani

Renuka devi Mahur

Image of goddess Renukamata in Mahur, Maharashtra.

Ambabai, Kolhapur, Maharashtra

Ambabai, Kolhapur, Maharashtra

Stone Pillars of Amba Bai Temple – Kolhapur

Inside Amba Bai

Pandurang Vithal/Pundalik’s temple, Pandharpur

The shikhara of the Vithoba’s chief temple at Pandharpur

Pundalik’s temple at Pandharpur

A Varkari journeys from Alandi to Pandharpur. He carries a veena (lute) with saffron flag attached, and cymbals tied to strings in his hands

Dnyaneshwar’s palkhi (palanquin), holding the footwear of the saint, is carried with honour in a silver bullock cart from Alandi to Pandharpur.

ChaturshrungiTemple

Ashtavinayak,Pune

Lord Ganesh is the protector of his devotees. Eight effigies found among the nature, sculptured by nature have been housed in temples created ages ago at the places where the effigies were first identified.These are “Swayumbhu” effigies. Out of these Ashtavinayakas, five temples viz. Morgaon (Moreshwar),Theur (Chintamani), Ranjangaon (Mahaganapati), Ozar (Vighnahar), Lenyadri (Girijatmak) are in Pune district.

SHREE CHINTAMANI OF THEUR

Ranjangaon (Mahaganapati)

Ozar (Vighnahar)

Baneshwar

Bhimashankar

This is the place where river Bhima originates. It is 125 kms away from Pune city, near tahsil Khed. It is one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. Nana Phadanavis has built the temple of Lord Mahadev here. Mear Bhimashankar are the hills of Manmad.There are carvings of Bhooting, Amba-Ambika and Bhimashankar on these hills. The beauty of Bhimashankar is enhanced in monsoon and winter. Bhimashankar is reserved forest area and a wild life sanctuary where a variety of animals, birds, plants and flowers can be seen.

Jejuri

A well known place, 40 kms away from Pune, Jejuri is famous for the ancient temple of Lord Khandoba, as known as Khandobachi Jejuri. A “Yatra” is held in the months of Chitra, Margashirsha, Puash and Magh (months of Hindu calender). While on the way to the temple, one gets a view of the Dive Ghat. Deep Mala is popular over here. To reach the temple, one has to climb 200 steps.Jejuri also has historical importnace as Shivaji and Shahaji had discussed the strategy against the Mughals here. Various weapons of those times can be seen here.

Dehu,Pune

Hanuman Mandir, Dehu

Kasba Ganpati ,Pune

Mahadev Temple, Hippalgaon

Outside view of the Lord Mahadev Temple, Hipplagaon, Tq- Shirur A’pal,Latur

Renuka Devi Temple

Renuka Devi Temple – Kharosa Caves,AUSA,Latur

Lord Siddheshwara

Shri Nilkantheshwar Temple

Naro Shankar Temple and Bell (West Side – Nasik)

Digambar Jain Temple (Set of Five Temples – Anjaneri)

Shri Someshwar Mandir (Nasik)

Shri Someshwar Mandir (East Face – Nasik)

Shree KalaRam Mandir

Kalaram Mandir (Bottom Part)

Kalaram Mandir (West Side)

Kalaram Mandir (South Side)

Kalaram Mandir (East Face – Nasik)

Pandavleni Caves

Pandav Leni, (Leni is Marathi word for caves), are a group of twenty four, 1200-year-old Hinayana Buddhist caves. These were built by various Buddhist kings as homes for the saints. All the caves are Viharas except for the 18th cave which is a Chaitya. The location of the caves is a holy Buddhist site and is located about 8 km south of Nashik, Maharashtra, India.

Caves

The caves were carved out from the 8th till 12th century as abodes for the idols of the local kings. The caves lodge idols of Buddha and Bodhisatva and the icons of Jain Teerthankara Vrishabhdeo, Veer Manibhadraji and Ambikadevi.The caves are located in the mountains of Pandavleni and hence the name. Some caves are intricately connected by stone-cut ladders that join them to the other caves. Steps lead to the caves from the bottom of the hill. The peak of the Pandavleni is also accessible by trekking of about 20 mins but the path is well built with steps.[3]

Some of the caves are large and served as a vihara or monastery for the disciples to meet and hear sermons. They contain interesting sculptures. One of the vihara caves is older and finer in sculptural detail and is thought to be nearly as old as the Karla Cave near Lonavala. Another cave is a Chaitya and is similar in age to the Karla Cave and has a particularly elaborate facade.

The site has an excellent water management system and skillfully chiseled out of solid rock are several attractive water tanks.

History

The caves can be traced back up to 1st century B.C. There are two main caves. The main cave which is the Chaitya (prayer hall) has a beautiful Stupa. Both the caves have some carvings also. The caves are facing eastwards. So it is recommended to visit the caves early morning as in sunlight the beauty of carvings is enhanced.

A very famous incident is told about the caves. Till around 1861, the carvings on the walls and the Stupas were in proper condition. A British Officer after hearing about this arranged his visit there. When the local officer came to know about this, he urgently employed labour to clean and paint the walls of the caves.

Attractions

Inscriptions in caves 3,11,12,13,14,15,19 & 20 are legible. Cave 15 – ‘Sri Yajna Vihar’ inscription mentions Sri Yajna Satkarni, the last Satvahan King who ruled over the western Maharashtra. Similar inscription in cave 3 at Kanheri. This means pfobably the cave was carved during the beginning of 3rd century A.D. Other inscriptions note the names Bhattapalika, Gautamiputra Satkarni, Vashishthiputra Pulumavi of the Satvahanas and two of the Kshatrapas, Dakshamitra and Ushavadant. Cave 10 – ‘Nahapan Vihar’ is spacious with 16 rooms. During llth century Jain influence, idols of Tirthankar Vrushabhadev, Veer Manibhadra, Devi Ambika installed. Idols of Buddha and Bodhisatva locally identified as of Yudhishthir, Bhim, Arjun, Nakul, Sahadev, Shrikrishna, Karna and hence the local name PandavLeni.

The caves were carved out in the 1rst and 2nd century as abodes for the idols of the Jain kings. The caves lodge idols of Buddha and Bodhisatva and the icons of Jain Teerthankara Vrishabhdeo, Veer Manibhadraji and Ambikadevi.

Some of the caves are large and served as a vihara or monastery for the disciples to meet and hear sermons. They contain interesting sculptures. One of the vihara caves is older and finer in sculptural detail and is thought to be nearly as old as the Karla Cave near Lonavala. Another cave is a Chaitya and is similar in age to the Karla Cave and has a particularly elaborate facade.

The site has an excellent water management system and skillfully chiseled out of solid rock are several attractive water tanks

Routes

Pandavleni is about 8 km from Nashik City on the Nashik-Mumbai highway. Trekking up the hill takes about 20 minutes. The uphill climb is easy as steps are constructed.

The caves are located high in the mountains of Pandavleni. Some caves are intricately connected by stone-cut ladders that join them to the other caves. Steps lead to the caves from the bottom of the hill. The peak of the Pandavleni is also accessible by trekking of about 20 mins but the path is treacherous and dangerous.

Sunset at Pandavleni

Next time if you are in Nashik, leave an evening for Pandavleni. After a dose of history and architecture, enjoy the sunset before you start the downhill journey.

Narayanpur/Balaji Temple,pune

Balaji Temple,pune

Balaji Temple at Narayanpur, around 50 kms from Pune. From Bombay, you can take any train or bus to Pune and reach there by 3 hours. As we got down at Pune, we had some breakfast in the morning and then took an Auto to Swargate bus stand which is around 3 kms away from Pune. From Swargate bus stand, buses ply to the famous Balaji Temple at Narayanpur, Satara Road around 40 kms away every half an hour.

The temple is well maintained with its tall Gopuram and nice architecture. This temple has been build by Venkateshwara Hatcheries and is well maintained with security guards and cleaners manning every post and ensuring that no litter is thrown away and proper parking of vehicles is ensured. The temple is maintained very cleanly and there is a well placed queue system for getting the Darshan of the Lord Balaji. Latter Laddu prasadam is given to all devotees alongwith free lunch. A nice peaceful religious outing. If you ever visit Pune, a visit to this temple is a must.

Saibaba Shirdi or Sai Baba of Shirdi

Sai Baba of Shirdi (1838-1918) was an Indian guru, yogi and fakir, who is regarded by his Hindu and Muslim followers as a saint.

Sai Baba of Shirdi (Unknown – October 15, 1918), also known as Shirdi Sai Baba, was an Indian guru and yogi who is regarded by both his Hindu and Muslim followers as a saint. Some of his Hindu devotees believe that he was an incarnation of Shiva or Dattatreya.There are many stories and eyewitness accounts of miracles he performed. He is a well-known figure in many parts of the world, but especially in India, where he is much revered.

Sai Baba of Shirdi 1918 This is a painting of Shree Sai Baba preparing to take his bath right next to his seat. The painting was done by Shamarao Jayakar, who also painted two other pictures of Shree Sai Baba. One of the portraits is kept in Dwarakamai in the place where Sai Baba used to sit when he was alive.

The name ‘Sai Baba’ is a combination of Persian and Indian origin; Sāī (Sa’ih) is the Persian term for “holy one” or “saint”, usually attributed to Islamic ascetics, whereas Bābā is a word meaning “father” used in Indo-Aryan languages. The appellative thus refers to Sai Baba as being a “holy father” or “saintly father”. His parentage, birth details, and life before the age of sixteen are obscure, which has led to a variety of speculations and theories attempting to explain Sai Baba’s origins. In his life and teachings he tried to reconcile Hinduism and Islam: Sai Baba lived in a mosque, was buried in a Hindu temple, practised Hindu and Muslim rituals, and taught using words and figures that drew from both traditions. One of his well known epigrams says of God: “Sabka Malik Ek” (“One God governs all”) which traces its root to Islam in general and sufism in particular.

Sai Baba taught a moral code of love, forgiveness, helping others, charity, contentment, inner peace, devotion to God and guru. His teachings combined elements of Hinduism and Islam and tried to achieve communal harmony between these religions.

To Sai Baba’s right is Gopal Rao Mukund Buti, millionaire of Nagpur, India. Behind Sai Baba and holding the umbrella is Bhagoji Shinde, Sai Baba’s devotee whose leprosy was arrested by Sai Baba. To Sai Baba’s left is Nanasaheb Nimonkar, a devotee.

Sai Baba remains a very popular saint and is worshiped by people around the world. Debate over his Hindu or Muslim origins continues to take place. He is also revered by several notable Hindu and Sufi religious leaders. Some of his disciples received fame as spiritual figures and saints such as Upasni Maharaj and Meher Baba.

Sai Baba’s origin is completely unknown to this day. He did not disclose to anyone where he was born nor where he grew up. Because of his unknown past, various communities have claimed that he belongs to them. Nothing has been substantiated, however. It is known that he spent considerable period with fakirs. His attire resembled that of a Muslim fakir. He regularly visited mosques and ate meat as well.[citation needed]

Baba reportedly arrived at the village of Shirdi in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, India, when he was about sixteen years old. Although there is no agreement among biographers about the date of this event, it is generally accepted that Baba stayed in Shirdi for three years, disappeared for a year and returned permanently around 1858, which posits a possible birth year of 1838. He led an ascetic life, sitting motionless under a neem tree and meditating while sitting in an asana. The Sai Satcharita recounts the reaction of the villagers

The people of the village were wonder-struck to see such a young lad practicing hard penance, not minding heat or cold. By day he associated with no one, by night he was afraid of nobody.

His presence attracted the curiosity of the villagers and the religiously-inclined such as Mhalsapati, Appa Jogle and Kashinatha regularly visited him, while others such as the village children considered him mad and threw stones at him.After some time he left the village, and it is unknown where he stayed at that time or what happened to him. However, there are some indications that he met with many saints and fakirs, and worked as a weaver; he claimed to have fought with the army of Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi during the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

Maha Samadhi

Sai Baba took Mahasamadhi (departure) on October 15, 1918 at 2.30pm. He died on the lap of one of his devotees with hardly any belongings, and was buried in the “Buty Wada” according to his wish. Later a mandir was built there known as the “Samadhi Mandir”.

In Islamic culture Sai Baba appears mainly in Sufism and is considered a Pir of a very high order. Meher Baba declared Baba to be a Qutub-e-Irshad – the highest of the five Qutubs. Baba is also worshipped by prominent Zoroastrians such as Nanabhoy Palkhivala and Homi Bhabha, and has been cited as the most popular non-Zoroastrian religious figure attracting the attention of Zoroastrians.

Trimbakeshwar Shiva Temple

Trimbakeshwar or Tryambakeshwar or Trambakeshwar is an ancient Hindu temple in the town of Trimbak, in the Nashik District of Maharashtra, India, 28 km from the city of Nashik GPS Reference 20.021944 N, 73.729935 E . It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the twelve Jyotirlingaas.

It is located at the source of the Godavari River, the longest river in peninsular India. The Godavari River, which is considered sacred within Hinduism, originates from Bramhagiri mountains and meets the sea near Rajahmudry. Kusavarta, a kund is considered the symbolic origin of the river Godavari, and revered by Hindus as a sacred bathing place. Noted film maker and father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke was born here.

Kusavarta, a place where river Godavari takes course.

In Mythology, History & Present

Trimbakeshwar is a religious center having one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. The extraordinary feature of the Jyotirlinga located here is its three faces embodying Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Rudra. Due to excessive use of water, the linga has started to erode. It is said that this erosion symbolizes the eroding nature of human society. The Lingas are covered by a jeweled crown which is placed over the Gold Mask of Tridev (Brahma Vishnu Mahesh). The crown is said to be from the age of Pandavs and consists of diamonds, emeralds, and many precious stones. The crown is displayed every Monday from 4-5 pm (Shiva).

All other Jyotirlingas have Shiva as the main deity. The entire black stone temple is known for its appealing architecture and sculpture and is at the foothills of a mountain called Brahmagiri.Three sources of the godavari originate from the brahmagiri mountain.

Story related to Godavari river

Brahmadev worshipped God Trivikram when he came to Satya Loka (on earth) with the same holy water of the Ganges, to get the river Ganges held up by God Shankar on his head, to flow. River Ganges in the form of a woman was enjoying with Lord Shiva, which was noticed by Lord Shiva’s wife Parvati. She planned to drive Ganges away from her husband. Parvati and her son Ganesh came to live in Gautama’s Ashram with Parvati’s friend Jaya. There was a famine of 24 years and people were affected by the pangs of hunger. However, Varun – the God of Rains, pleased with Sage Gautama arranged rains every day in Gautama’s Ashram (dwelling place) which was in Trimbakeshwar. Gautama used to sow rice in the surrounding fields of his Ashram in the morning, reap the crop in the afternoon and with it fed a large group of rishis, who took shelter in his Ashram on account of the famine. The blessings of the group of rishis increased the merit (Punya) of Gautama. Lord Indra’s position became shaky because of his increased merit. So Indra ordered clouds to rain all over Trimbakeshwar, so that the famine will be over and Rishis will go back and the increasing merits of Gautama will be weakened. Although the famine was over, Gautama urged the Rishis to stay back and kept on feeding them and gaining merit. Once he saw a cow grazing in the paddy field and he drove her away by throwing Darbha (sharp, pointed grass). The slender cow died by this. It was Jaya – Parvati’s friend, who had taken the form of a cow. This news upset the Rishis and they refused to luncheon at his Ashram. Gautama requested Rishis to show a way out of this sin. He was advised to approach Lord Shiva and request him to release Ganges and a bath in the Ganges would set him free of his sins. Gautama then practiced penance by going to the peak of Brahmagiri. Lord Shankara was pleased by his worships and gave him the Ganges. However, Ganges was not prepared to part with Lord Shiva, which irritated him. He made TandavNrutya (dance) on the peak of Brahmagiri and dashed his jata there. Frightened by this action, Ganges appeared on Brahmagiri. Later on Ganges appeared in the Trimbak Tirtha. Gautama praised her but she off and on appeared on the mountain at various places and disappeared in anger. Gautama could not bathe in her waters. Ganges then appeared in Gangadwar, Varaha-tirtha, Rama-Laxman tirtha, Ganga Sagar tirtha. Still Gautama could not bathe in her waters. The Gautama surrounded the river with enchanted grass and put a vow to her. The flow stopped there and the tirtha thus came to be called Kushavarta. It is from this Kushavarta that the river Godavari flows up to the sea. The sin of killing a cow by Gautama was wiped off here.

This place is famous for lots of religious rituals (vidhis). Narayan-Nagbali, Kalsarpa Shanti, Tripindi vidhi are done here. Narayan-Nagbalipuja is performed at Trimbakeshwar only. This puja is performed in three days. This puja is performed on special dates. Some days are not suitable to perform this puja. This puja is performed for many reasons like to cure an illness, going through bad times, killing a Cobra (Nag), childless couples, financial crisis or you want to perform some religious puja to have everything.

Trimbakeshwar town has a large number of Brahmin households and is also a centre for Vedic Gurukuls (kind of boarding school). It also has ashrams and Muths devoted to Ashtanga Yoga, the Hindu art of living.

The existing temple was built out of basalt after it was commissioned by Peshwa Nanasaheb. It so happens that the Peshwa made a bet on whether the stone surrounding the Jyotirlinga, is hollow from the inside or not. The stone was proved to be hollow, and on losing the bet, the Peshwa built a marvelous temple out of it. The Shiva idol of the temple consisted of the world famous Nassak Diamond. It was appropriated by the British in The Third Anglo-Maratha War and lies with one owner or the other ever since. The diamond presently lies with Edward J. Hand, a trucking firm executive from Greenwich, Connecticut, USA

The place is known for its scenic beauty in rainy/monsoon season and is surrounded by lush green hills untouched by pollution. Anjaneri mountain, the birth place of Lord Hanuman, is 7 km from Trimbakeshwar.

Alandi

Saint Dnyaneshwar, after translating the Bhagavad Gita into Marathi attained samādhi in a cave at Alandi. Alandi is thus a place of pilgrimage and is venerated by many Hindus. A temple complex has been built near the spot of Sant Dnyaneshwar’s samadhi. It is visited by thousands of pilgrims, and in particular, those of the Varkari Sect. On every Kartika Ekadashi (eleventh day of the Hindu month of Kartik), a big festival is held at Alandi, when the Yatra (procession of pilgrims) reaches the town.

Vitthal Rakhumai Temple, Alandi

Siddhabet

Jalaram mandir (just like the one at Virpur Gujarat)

Sant Dnyaneshwar’s samadhi

Among other important sites at Alandi are the Vitthala-Rakhumai temple, Siddhabet, Jalaram mandir (just like the one at Virpur Gujarat) and Dnyaneshwar’s wall. The town of Dehu, where the samadhi of Sant Tukaram is located, lies not far from Alandi.Tulapur village(6Km From Alandi) is also lacated near to alandi where samadhi of Sanbhaji Raje Bhosle(Son of Shivaji Maharaj)is located.

Alandi has also the distinction of having a prehistoric collection of Shivling. In one of the Saint Dnyaneshwar’s verses he speaks of it being called “Sidheshwar”. The name of the reigning deity of the place as also one of the names of Shiva. He states then that a collection of eighty-four Sidhas meet or exist here. Under a dense green and flower laden canopy emitting a heavenly fragrance and birds singing celestal tunes. This stanza is to be found in Saint Dnyaneshwar’s book about the power of chanting Hari’s name. The book is called Haripath. Even till this day Haripath is recited by countless rich and poor in Maharashtra. They experience its beauty and believe in its powers as also in the person who created them.

Alandi has become known as a place for mass-marriage ceremonies for impoverished eloped lovers and parents who would avoid expenses for a daughter’s marriage. An “Alandi marriage” has therefore become a derogatory term in the urban area around Pune.

Siddhivinayak temple

The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ganesh. It is located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra. It was originally built by Mr. Laxman Vithu and Mrs. Deubai Patil in November 19th, 1801.

The temple has a small mandap (hall) with the shrine for Siddhi Vinayak (“Ganesh that grants your wish”). The wooden doors to the sanctum are carved with images of the Ashtavinayak (the eight manifestations of Ganesh in Maharashtra). The inner roof of the sanctum is plated with gold, and the central statute is of Ganesh. In the periphery of the temple, there is a Hanuman temple as well.

Mumba Devi Mandir

Mumba Devi Reclaims Bombay
Sthala Puranas of Bharat

In the mid-1990s, many state governments officially re-Indianized their cites’ names. In 1995, the capital of Maharashtra officially switched from Bombay to Mumbai, thereby re-invoking a goddess considered by the Koli1 to be the area’s protectress. (The name “Mumbai” comes from a mix of mumba and ai, both of which mean “mother” in Marathi.)

Mumba Devi Mandir by firoze shakir photographerno1.
Mumba Devi Mandir, or Mumba Devi Temple, is an old Hindu temple in the city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) dedicated to the goddess Mumbā, the local incarnation of the Devi (Mother Goddess). Marathi Mumbā derives from Sanskrit Mahā-Ambā “Great Mother”, and Mumbaī combines the name with aī, the Marathi for “mother”.[1]

While Hindu sects devoted to the goddess Mumbadevi are attested to as far back as the 15th century, it is said that the temple was built in 1675 near the main landing site of the former Bori Bunder creek against the north wall of the English Fort Saint George by a Hindu woman also named Mumba. The creek and fort are now deteriorated to a point at which they are but derelict reminders of the city’s past. The temple, on the other hand, is still active. [citation needed]

The goddess Mumba was patron of the agri (salt collectors) and kolis (fisherfolk), the original inhabitants of the seven islands of Bombay. She is depicted as a black stone sculpture in the temple. An etymology of Mumba that is popular is “Maha Amba,” or “Great Mother,” one of the many of India’s more well-known names for the Hindu Mother Goddess (Devi). Located in Bhuleshwar area in South Mumbai, the temple is in the heart of the steel and clothing markets. It is a sacred pilgrimage spot and place of worship for Hindus and is thus visited daily by hundreds of people. It is not uncommon for visitors of Mumbai to pay their respects at the temple and is one of the popular tourist destinations in the city.

Nrusimha-Saraswati Mandir, Karanja

Shri Nrusimha Saraswati Swami Maharaj is the 2nd avatar (incarnation) of Lord Dattatreya. Born in Karanja, He travelled far and wide in what are now known as the States of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. He achieved Sainthood and performed several miracles. He imparted spiritual knowledge to his disciples, many of whom themselves attained Sainthood.

Ganapati MAndir, Lenyadri

How to reach Lenyadri

By road : On the Pune Nasik Road passing through Chakan, Rajgurunagar, Manchar, Narayangaon to Junnar one can reach Lenyadri. Junnar is the town closest to Lenyadri.Lenyadri is about 5kms from Junnar.

By Train : Pune and Talegaon are the two closest Railway Stations >From the Shivaji Nagar Bus Depot in Pune and from the Bus Depot at Talegaon one can get State Transport buses to Junnar.

State Transport buses also ply between Mumbai and Junnar.

The distance between in Junnar to Lenyadri is 5km and this can be covered either by autorickshaw, or jeeps that are easily available..

Shri Narasimha Mandir, Narasingpur

Datta Mandir, Ganagapur

Ganesh Mandir, Dombivli

This is one of the most famous Ganesh Mandir which is in walkable distance from Both Thakurli and Dombivli stations

Shri Morya Gosavi Mandir , chinchwad , pune

The legendary Eight Ganesh Idols formed through forces of Nature are still a marvel as thousands flock every year to see the nature. Vinayaka, another name for Lord Ganesha, eight effigies have been found, and these form the Ashta Vinayaka, an octet of eight temples formed around these idols. All these are within 120 km from Pune.

Morgaon: The foremost temple of the Ashtavinayka is Mayureshwar, the one in Morgaon about 65 km from Pune on Pune-Baramati Road. Morya Gosavi built this in the 14th century

Ranjangaon: About 70 km from Pune on Pune-Nagar Road, Lord Ganesha is known as Mahaganapati because of its huge size as it has ten trunks and twenty arms.

Siddhatek: Situated near Daund, this place is about 99 km from Pune off Pune-Solapur Road.

Theur: 25 km off Pune-Solapur Road, situated near Uruli Knchan.

Pali: 110 km from Khopoli.

Mahad: 87 km near Khopoli, off Pune-Mumbai Road.

Ozar: Lord Ganesha here is worshipped in his incarnation as ‘Vigneshwara’ or the remover of obstacles. Around 85 km near Narayangaon, off Pune-Nashik Road, this place is famous for its garland of lights or deep mala.

Lenyadri: This temple around 97 km, near Ozar is situated on the banks of river Kukdi. It’s said that Parvati spent time here in penance and gave birth to Ganesha

Shri Rahi Rukmini Panduranga Devasthanam, Kadus, Pune