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The Ganesh Chaturthi celebrates the birth of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. People across the country observe the 10-day festival, during which they fast, worship the Lord, and pray for their wishes to be fulfilled. This year, devotees can visit any of the most renowned and historic Ganesha temples in India. Let’s explore several famous Lord Ganesha temples that people could visit.
Also Read: Creative Ganpati Makhar Decoration Ideas for Ganesh Chaturthi
8 Famous Lord Ganesh Temples to Visit on Ganesh Chaturthi:
1. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai, Maharashtra
One of the most famous Lord Ganesh temples in the country is the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple. The temple is packed with devotees during the Ganesh Chaturthi Utsav, who come to seek Ganpati Bappa’s blessings. If you plan to visit, be prepared to navigate through large crowds to see the idol of Lord Ganesh. Additionally, the temple is adorned with flowers and lights to mark the celebration.
2. Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune, Maharashtra
The Dagdusheth Ganpati Trust, one of the largest in Maharashtra, attracts over 100,000 pilgrims annually. According to the temple’s website, this sacred place is famous for its unique design and a gold idol of Lord Ganesh, and it has a storied past. Shri Dagdusheth Halwai and his wife, Lakshmibai, founded the temple after losing their son to the plague.
3. Ucchi Pillayar Koil Temple, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
This magnificent 7th-century temple, located in the Tamil Nadu town of Tiruchirappalli on the banks of the River Kaveri, holds great significance for Hindus. Inside the temple is a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesh. According to Hindu mythology, after installing the Ranganathaswamy statue by the river, Lord Ganesha fled to Rockfort to escape Vibhishana, the brother of Ravana, who had received the idol from Lord Ram after defeating Ravana.
4. Sri Dodda Ganapathi Temple, Bangalore, Karnataka
The Sri Dodda Ganapathi Temple in Basavanagudi is located on Bull Temple Road and features a massive idol of Lord Ganesh, measuring 16 feet wide and 18 feet tall. During Ganesh Chaturthi, the temple is lavishly decorated, and worshippers flock to seek Lord Ganesh’s blessings.
5. Adi Vinayaka Temple, Tamil Nadu
Adi Vinayaka is a form of Lord Ganesh (also known as Vinayaka), depicted with a human head before it was severed by his father, Lord Shiva. Shrines dedicated to this manifestation of Lord Ganesh are rare, but one is located in Tamil Nadu. In this form, Lord Ganesh holds an axe, a rope, a modaka, and a lotus.
6. Khajrana Ganesh Temple, Indore
The main statue of Lord Ganesh here is made from a mixture of materials, including bricks, jaggery, limestone, mud, and water. Due to its religious significance and historical importance, this temple is one of the most popular in the city. Many believe that wishes made here come true. The temple’s peaceful and sacred atmosphere distinguishes it from other places of worship in the area.
7. Ranthambore Ganesh Temple, Rajasthan
The Trinetra Ganesha Temple, located near the famous Ranthambore fort in Rajasthan, is one of the oldest and most famous Ganesha temples in India. It is situated within the fort, around 12 kilometres from Sawai Madhopur. It’s astonishing that pilgrims from around the world visit this temple year-round, with some even building miniature models of their homes on the temple grounds, hoping God will bless them with the means to buy or build a home.
8. Ganesh Tok Temple, Sikkim
Ganesh Tok is a small Ganesh temple located 7 kilometres from Gangtok, where only one person can enter at a time. From the temple, devotees can enjoy panoramic views of Gangtok town, the Raj Bhavan complex, and Mount Kanchenjunga. The Ganesh Tok viewpoint, situated 6,500 meters above sea level, offers stunning views of the snow-covered Himalayas. Due to the temple’s limited space, worshippers must kneel on all fours to enter.
