12 Fascinating Ancient Ganesh Temples In India You Need To Visit

“Ganpati Bappa Moriya!” With Ganesh Chaturthi just around the corner, we can already hear all the chorused chants ringing in. A good offering of modaks, all the colours, the dhol—the festive fervour is vibrantly buzzing through. How can we miss out on some of the most beautiful, amazing temples dedicated to the Lord? Here are 12 such fascinating Ganesh temples in India you must visit once in your life:

1. Ganesh Tok Temple, Gangtok

Tucked in the folds of the heavenly Himalayas is the Ganesh Tok Temple in Gangtok, Sikkim. The temple is located 7 km uphill, and you need to then climb a stairway to visit the shrine. When you reach the top, a panoramic view of the beautiful valleys of Gangtok awaits you. Not only the city, but on a clear day you can also catch a glimpse of the world’s third-highest mountain, Khanchendzonga. So surreal!

2. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai

Did you know that the idol in the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai was carved from a single block of black stone? And that unlike other Ganesh idols, the elephant god’s trunk is turned to the right side here? Well, Siddhivinayak Temple is full of wonders. Apparently, it is also said that the temple was built by a childless woman by the name of Deubai Patil. She got the temple built so that the Lord would bless other women praying to have children.

3. Trinetra Ganesh Temple, Ranthambore

This temple in Rajasthan houses a stunning idol of Lord Ganesh, in which he is depicted in his three-eyed (Trinetra) avatar. People write letters to the Lord before starting any task, which is an interesting aspect of the shrine. This is due to the belief that extending the first invitation to Ganesh will start things off on a fortunate note.

4. Kanipakam Ganesha Temple, Chittoor

The Kanipakam Ganesha Temple has a very fascinating story to it. Three farmers were digging up their well for water and saw blood oozing from beneath. Later, a self-manifesting Ganesh idol (Swayambhu) emerged from below. Even today, the idol is seen sitting in the well. This is why Kanipakam in Andhra Pradesh is revered as one of the most amazing Ganesh temples in India.

5. Dholkal Ganesh Temple, Dantewada

Nothing mysterious about an old Ganesh idol just randomly sitting at a height of 3000 feet, right? Well, this particular one, perched atop the Dholkal hill in Chhattisgarh, is quite fascinating. To begin with, no one knows how and when the beautiful stone idol was placed here. Then, in 2017, it suddenly vanished from its place. The idol was found in a broken state at the foothill and was pieced together. However, some of its parts are still missing, and there are visible signs of damage on the statue. With such a mystery attached to it, it’s one of the most fascinating Ganesh temples to visit in India.

6. Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune

In Pune, the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple is a remarkable blend of grandeur and devotion. Established over a century ago, this temple is renowned for its Ganesh idol, which stands 2.2 meters tall and is adorned with nearly 40 kilogrammes of gold. The temple’s significance is not just in its stunning architecture but also in its vibrant celebrations. During Ganeshotsav, the temple transforms into a spectacle of lights and festivities, drawing over a hundred thousand pilgrims, including celebrities and dignitaries. 

7. Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Pondicherry

The Manakula Vinayagar Temple in Puducherry is a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha, with a history going back over 500 years. Located just 400 meters from the Bay of Bengal, the temple’s antiquity predates French colonial rule. Despite attempts to demolish it during the tenure of French Governor Dupleix, the temple was preserved thanks to strong local protests and political pressures. The temple is famed for its magnificent architecture and its central deity, Manakula Vinayagar, which faces east. Today, it stands as a beacon of spiritual heritage amid Puducherry’s diverse landscape.

8. Madhur Mahaganapathi Temple, Kerala

The Madhur Mahaganapathi Temple is situated on the banks of the Mogral River in Kerala. This temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Madanantheshwara, but it is Lord Ganapathi who takes centre stage in the temple’s sanctum. According to local lore, the Ganapathi idol, initially a mere drawing, grew so large that it was named “Bodda Ganesha.” The temple’s history includes a dramatic tale involving Tipu Sultan, who, after tasting water from the temple’s well, chose not to destroy it.

9. Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, Jaipur

Perched at the base of the Moti Dungri Hill, the Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple in Jaipur is a splendid example of traditional Hindu architecture combined with unique historical elements. Built in 1761 under the guidance of Seth Jai Ram Paliwal, the temple is renowned for its five-century-old Ganesh idol, which was brought from Gujarat. The temple complex also includes the Moti Dungri Fort and a nearby Birla Mandir. The temple’s structure, designed in the Nagara style and modelled after a Scottish castle, adds to its architectural charm.

10. Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Koil Temple, Tamil Nadu

The Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Koil Temple, situated atop a towering rock in Trichy, Tamil Nadu, is a marvel of ancient architecture and a testament to the enduring legacy of Hindu temple design. Established in the 7th century CE, this temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is set on a rock that rises 83 meters above ground. The temple’s location offers breathtaking views of Trichy and the surrounding rivers. The rock itself was initially cut by the Pallavas, but the Nayaks of Madurai completed the temple construction. The steep steps leading up to the temple make it a significant site for both devotees and history enthusiasts.

11. Shri Chintaman Ganesh Temple, Ujjain

Chintaman Ganesh Ujjain 🚩

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Chintaman Ganesh Temple, built across the holy River Kshipra, is the largest and most ancient shrine in Ujjain devoted to Lord Ganesha. The temple’s idol is thought to be self-manifested. pic.twitter.com/podioiIzcT

— Namami Bharatam 🚩 (@Namami_Bharatam) January 10, 2024

The Shri Chintaman Ganesh Temple in Ujjain is one of the largest and most historically significant Ganesh temples in India. Located across the Kshipra River, this temple boasts a self-manifested Ganesh idol, believed to have been established by Sita herself. The temple’s history dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries during the Paramara rule, with its present form being constructed by Maharani Ahilyabai around 250 years ago. Devotees flock to the temple to seek blessings and fulfill their wishes.

12. Shree Varad Vinayak, Mahad

The Shree Varad Vinayak Temple in Mahad is one of the revered Ashtavinayak temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Located in Mhad village, Raigad District, Maharashtra, the temple is notable for its swayambu (self-originated) idol, discovered in a local lake in 1690 AD. Restored by Peshwa General Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar in 1725 AD, the temple features an oil lamp continuously burning since 1892. The temple is a focal point for devotees, especially during major festivals like Magha Chaturthi.

Well, that rounds up our list of fascinating Ganesh temples you must visit once in your life. Are there any unique Ganesh temples you know of? We’d be happy to hear all about them. Happy Ganesh Chaturthi!

Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons