The Ashtavinayaka Yatra of Maharashtra
The Pilgrimage to the Eight Temples of Ganesh Near Pune
Aug 25, 2009
The Ashtavinayaka temples lie scattered around Pune. Moving from one Ashtavinayaka temple to another the entire distance is around 600 kilometers or 375 miles. It is not possible to complete the Ashtavinayaka yatra in one day. Most devotees from Maharashtra prefer to make Pune the nodal point. Devotees from other parts of India or Hindus living abroad prefer to start the journey from Mumbai because of its more universal access.
The Standard Ashtavinayaka Tours
The standard Ashtavinayaka tours are based on logistics, but have a drawback that is discussed later. The tour from Pune can be done in two days, with a night halt in Pune. The first day covers the Moreshwar Temple at Moregaon, the Siddhivinayaka Temple at Siddhatek, the Chintamani temple at Theur and the Mahaganpati Temple at Rajnangaon in that sequence before coming back to Pune. The next day covers the Vighnahar Temple at Ozar, the Girijatmaj Temple at Lenyandri, the Varadavinayaka Temple at Mahad and the Balleshwar Temple at Pali before ending the tour at Pune.
The tour from Mumbai takes three days, because the additional distance from Mumbai to Pune needs to be covered. The tour leaves from Mumbai and covers the Ashtavinayaka temples at Mahad, Pali and Rajnangaon before halting for the night at Pune. Next day the Ashtavinayaka temples at Theur, Moregaon and Siddhatek are covered and the night halt is again at Pune. On the third day the tour visits the temples at Ozar and Lenyandri and returns to Mumbai.
These standard tours are conducted by bus. Costs of the packages vary considerably depending on the class of the bus and the hotel accommodation in Pune.
The Custom Made Ashtavinayaka Pilgrimage
According to tradition the Ashtavinayaka pilgrimage must cover the temples in a specified sequence. This sequence is Moregaon, Siddhatek, Pali, Mahad, Theur, Lenyandri, Ozar and Rajnangaon. The Moregaon Ganapati temple must be visited again to complete the pilgrimage. As can be seen from the map, this involves considerable criss-crossing and thus increasing the distance traveled and adding to the cost. Therefore, the standard tours do not undertake this sequence.
Devotees who want to perform the Ashtavinayaka yatra the traditional way have two choices. Those on a budget can take buses that ply between Pune and the Ashtavinayaka temples. These buses are not dedicated to the pilgrimage, but are meant for the local population to carry out their day to day work.
Those who can afford the expense can book a private taxi on a distance-time basis and cover the pilgrimage in the traditional way. The pilgrimage can be completed in two days or three days depending upon the devotee's wishes for the journey.
Safety Precautions for Religious Tourism
The Ashtavinayaka pilgrimage is becoming increasingly popular with the Hindu diaspora settled abroad. This is especially true of those who hail from Maharashtra and who worship Ganapati as the preferred deity. The accommodation and travel infrastructure for religious tourism in India has improved significantly making the pilgrimage very convenient.
However some safety issues need to be considered. Pilgrims should carry more than adequate quantities of bottled mineral water. Drinking water from local sources should be avoided at all costs. The Ashtavinayaka yatra involves full day journeys. It is advisable to carry light packed meals instead of eating lunch at the local roadside eateries.
Wearing footwear of any kind is prohibited inside the Ganapati temples. Pilgrims who are unaccustomed to walking barefoot may find it a problem because of the rough ground and the hot stone flooring. Wearing socks will help.
When the Ganesh Chaturthi festival is underway, it's a particularly good time for undertaking the Ashtavinayaka yatra.
Sources:
- Ashtavinayaka Info; Accessed from Muktidganesdh.com
- Map of Ashtavinayaka temples; Accessed from Ashtavinayak.net
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