“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.
Also Read: Did You Know There’s A Ganesh Temple In Pune Where Lord Ganesha Has 3 Trunks & Sits On A Peacock?
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.
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11. Shri Chintaman Ganesh Temple, Ujjain
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 fulfil 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 swayambhu (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 that has been continuously burning since 1892. The temple is a focal point for devotees, especially during major festivals like Magha Chaturthi.
13. Karpaka Vinayakar Temple, Tamil Nadu
Hidden in the quiet village of Pillaiyarpatti in Tamil Nadu is the Karpaka Vinayakar Temple, one of the oldest shrines of Lord Ganesha in India. The temple goes back to the 7th century CE and is actually carved into a hill as a rock-cut cave temple. The main deity here, called Karpaka Vinayakar, is not like the usual images of Ganesha that you see in most temples. Instead, he is carved directly into the rock, along with other rare images of gods like Shiva and Ardhanarishvara. This makes the temple incredibly unique. The temple is also famous for its inscriptions on the walls, some of which are written in very old scripts like Tamil Brahmi and Vatteluttu, showing that parts of this temple may be older than 1,400 years. For the Chettiar community, this temple holds great importance, and during festivals like Vinayaka Chaturthi and Brahmothsavam.
14. Ganpatipule Mandir, Ratnagiri
This temple is almost 400 years old, and the idol of Lord Ganesha here is said to be swayambhu, meaning it appeared on its own from the soil. Unlike most idols that face the east, this Ganesha faces the west, towards the Arabian Sea, as if protecting the coastline. The temple is located on the Konkan coast, right by the beach. When you arrive here, you are greeted by the sound of the waves, the sight of coconut trees, and the smell of the salty sea breeze. Local legends say that Ganesha left his original abode in Gulé and moved here after taking offence at a remark made by a woman, which is why the place got the name Ganpati-Pule.
15. Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple, Hampi
The Sasivekalu Ganesha Temple is among the most remarkable sights among the many magnificent monuments in Hampi. This 8-foot-tall statue of Lord Ganesha was carved from a single block of stone around 1500 CE. The statue is tied to a fascinating story. According to mythology, Ganesha once ate so much food that his belly was about to burst. To stop this, he tied a snake around his stomach, which is clearly shown in the carving.
16. Chintamani Temple, Theur
The Chintamani Temple in Theur is one of the most famous shrines in the Ashtavinayak circuit, the eight temples of Ganesha in Maharashtra. According to a legend, Gana, a greedy prince stole sage Kapila’s magical jewel called Chintamani. The sage turned to Lord Ganesha for help retrieve the jewel and restore peace. However, sage Kapila asked Ganesha himself to stay with him in place of keeping the jewel. Ganesha has been known as Chintamani here since then. He is regarded as the one who removes worries and gives peace of mind.
17. Nandrudayan Vinayaka Temple, Trichy
Nandrudayan Vinayaka is a unique temple tucked away in the busy city of Trichy. What makes this temple so different is that it houses a rare idol of Lord Ganesha in human form, called Nara Mukha Ganapathi or Adi Vinayaka. Most of us have always seen Ganesha as the elephant-faced god, but here you get to witness a completely different form of Him. The temple itself is very old, dating back to times when the 7th-century Tamil saint Campantar sang praises about it. Built in the traditional Dravidian style of architecture, it has a tall and striking idol of Ganesha adorned with serpent jewellery and, interestingly, a giant Nandi bull facing Him—a sight usually seen in Shiva temples, not Ganesha shrines.
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18. Maha Ganapati Temple, Gokarna
The Maha Ganapati Temple in Gokarna is not only ancient but also comes with a story straight out of mythology. This temple is always visited before the famous Mahabaleshwara Temple, because it was here that Ganesha himself played a trick on Ravana. According to legend, Ravana was carrying a powerful Shivlinga back to Lanka. If he succeeded, the gods feared he would become invincible. So Lord Ganesha disguised himself as a small boy and tricked Ravana into placing the lingam on the ground. Furious at being tricked, Ravana threw a stone at the boy, which left a mark on the idol’s head. That’s why even today, the black stone idol of Ganesha here has a hole on the top of its head. The temple is believed to be around 1,500 years old, and pilgrims continue to bow to Ganesha here before moving on to worship Lord Shiva.
19. Khajrana Ganesh temple, Madhya Pradesh
The Khajrana Ganesh Temple was built in 1735 by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar, one of the most respected rulers of the Maratha Empire. The story goes that the idol of Ganesha was hidden in a well during the time of Mughal invasions to protect it from destruction. Years later, Ahilyabai Holkar retrieved the idol and built this temple. People strongly believe that their wishes are fulfilled here, which is why you’ll often see devotees tying threads around the temple as a sign of their prayers.
20. Varasiddhi Vinayagar Temple, Chennai
If you are in Chennai, especially near the scenic Besant Nagar beach, you cannot miss visiting the Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple. This temple has a smaller Ganesha idol placed atop a larger one. The smaller idol is actually the original deity that was worshipped at a different site before the temple was moved and expanded in 1979. Valampuri Vinayaka is the original deity here, a form of Ganesha with the trunk turned to the right, which is considered highly auspicious. During special occasions, especially Ganesh Chaturthi, the temple turns from a place of worship to a centre of cultural activities.
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: Canva/Paras Jade
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