The Varadavinayak Temple

About The Varadavinayak Temple

The Varad Vinayak temple is located in the Mahad village of Raigarh district in Maharastra. This temple is devoted to Varadvinayk (Ganapati or Ganesha). It is considered to be one of the Astha Vinayak shrines of Maharashtra. It is believed that Ganesh as Varad Vinayak fulfills all desires of the devotees. This area was known as Bhadrak or Madhak in ancient times. A unique feature of this famous temple is a lamp that is burning constantly since 1892 AD. There is Gomukh on the northern side of the temple. It is a features of a cow from which the holy water flows. There is also a sacred pond on the west of the temple.

Since the idol was in badly weathered condition,temple trustees immersed that idol and consecrated new idol in that place.However,such a decision by the trustees was objected by few people and suit was filed in district court.Two stone idols of Siddhi and Riddhi will be een in the sanctum.Two ganesh idols are situated in the two corners.Idol in the left corner is smeared in vermillion and idol in the right is made up of white marble with trunk turned to the right.The idol is in sitting position,with the trunk turned to the left.The idol faces east.This is a beautiful temple although it looks drab from outside.All corners of the temple have a pair of elephants and its sections are scrolled in gold.The stone statues of Ridhi and Sidhi can be seen after entering the door.The idol faces East, with a trunk pointing left while it sits on a throne.The festivities take place in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada and Magh, on the 5th auspicious day of the moon.

History

Shree Dhondu Paudkar in 1690 A.D found the swayambhu idol of shree varadvinayak in a lake.This idol was kept in a nearby goddess temple for some time.Afterwards in 1725 A.D Varadvinayak temple was built by peshva sardar ramji mahadev biwalkar & he gifted this to the Village.Temple has been recently renovated by the trustees.The old temple used to look like a house with tiled roof.There is a Gomukh towards north.Holy water comes out of this gomukh.Lake is at the west.Temple is 8 feet long and 8 feet broad.Dome is 25 feet high with golden pinnacle.The original idol of the varadvinayak can be seen outside the sanctum,

Interesting things to Visit

Gangasagar Lake:
An artificial lake constructed adjacent to the Raigad fort, Gangasagar Lake is a wonder. The popular belief is that this pond was built in the time of Sivaji’s coronation and water from the holy river Ganges had been brought to this lake for Sivaji’s crowning ceremony.

Jagadishwar Temple:
Sivaji was an ardent follower of the Hindu religion. Jagadishwar temple built in his royal palace is a clear proof of his devotion. History says that Sivaji used to visit this temple daily.The dome at the top of the temple is the reflection of the mughal architecture of that time. The main deity is a Jagadeeswara idol, which inspires the devotee for its uniqueness. The temple holds an idol of Nandi outside, facing the entrance of the temple.

Jijamata Palace:
Jijamata Palace at Pachad holds significant place in the history of Maratha kingdom. Jijabai, the mother of Shivaji is credited for the greatness of Sivaji. Jijamata palace is the place where Jijabai, a lady of high values lived till her death. Unfortunately, this monument was destroyed by the British during their rule in India. What remains is only the ruins of the grand mansion.

Mahad:
A small town on the bank of river Savitri, Mahad is famed for the water agitation mooted under the leadership of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. A ‘Kranti Stambh’ has been put up in
memory of this agitation.One of the important places to be visited in Mahad is the holy shrine of Shri Varad Vinayak Temple. It is one among the Ashta Vinayak shrines of the state. The temple’s holy pond and Gomukh fills the devotee with devotion. What makes oneself wonder is the eternal lamp, which was burning since 1892 A.D.

Nearest Visiting places

Alibag:
The city of Alibag gained prominence under the rule of ‘Darya Sarkhel’ Kanhoji Angre in the 17th century who was Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s famous naval chief. The city became important after the fort of Kulaba was built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The places you can see in and around Alibag are Kulaba Fort, magnetic Observatory, Kanhoji Angre’s residence, his samadhi and the Hirakot fort. Alibag also has a beautiful beach where you can enjoy the sunset with Kulaba Fort in the background.

Kulaba Fort:
The fort of Kulaba was built by Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1652 to keep a check on the activities of the foreign naval powers of English, Portuguese and the Siddhi of Janjira. It is a testimony to the foresight of the great maratha king. The Kulaba fort is still in good condition and one can go to visit the fort by walking across the seashore at low tide or by taking a buggy ride Per person. However be sure to check the proper timings to visit the fort as it is dangerous to try to go to the fort at high tide. You get approximately 3 to 4 hours to see the fort and come back.

The fort has two main entrances, one at the sea side and other towards Alibag. The average height of the fort walls is 25 feet. The fort has sweet water wells and some buildings inside its premises. The Siddhivinayak temple inside the fort was built by Raghoji Angre in 1759. The Ganpati Idol in the temple is very beautiful and many people worship it.

Gangasagar Lake:
An artificial lake constructed adjacent to the Raigad fort, Gangasagar Lake is a wonder. The popular belief is that this pond was built in the time of Sivaji’s coronation and water from the holy river Ganges had been brought to this lake for Sivaji’s crowning ceremony.The villages and the resort on the top is getting drinking water all round the year from this magnificent lake. The all-embracing Palace and Queen’s Chamber are located adjacent this lake. The remains of the watchtowers of the fort can be seen from this Lake.

Jagadishwar Temple:
Sivaji was an ardent follower of the Hindu religion. Jagadishwar temple built in his royal palace is a clear proof of his devotion. History says that Sivaji used to visit this temple daily.The dome at the top of the temple is the reflection of the mughal architecture of that time. The main deity is a Jagadeeswara idol, which inspires the devotee for its uniqueness. The temple holds an idol of Nandi outside, facing the entrance of the temple.Once adorned the status of the favourite shrine of the sovereign, Jagadishwara temple is now in a decrepit state.Other interesting attractions near to the temple are the Samadhi of the great warrior and his loyal dog.

Raigad Museum:
A tour to Raigad will not be complete without a visit to the Raigad museum, which is located at Lower Station of Raigad Fort. The museum has been created with the help of stalwarts of the Maratha history like Shri Ninadji Bedekar and Shri Babasaheb Purandare.The museum exhibits photographs of various forts in Shivaji’s empire, artifacts, farmans and weapons used in those historic times. A film show on the Raigad fort created by a panel of historians offers a preview of various facets of this illustrious monument and it makes the trip meaningful and unforgettable.Raigad Museum genuinely tries to depict the importance of Maratha Empire and is worthy for a watch.

Raigad Fort:
Raigad Fort, also called as ‘the Gibralter of the east’ was the invincible capital of the legendary king Sivaji. Placed at an altitude of 2700 feet on an irregular wedge-shaped mass of rock, Raigad fort is inaccessible from three sides. A massive fort, nested on a steep vertical rock face, appears defiant and insurmountable.This Fort presents a terrifying look and it is very difficult to get into the fort through the rocky path.

All sides appear as if it fell down from a huge mass of solid rock. Raigad ropeway that is inaugurated recently, makes the ascent to the fort very easy. Now the fort features certain new structures like the Samadhi of Shivaji and his loyal dog along with the ruins of the old structures. The most stunning site on Raigad Fort is the Balekilla, from where one can see the implausible views of the enchanting Sahyadris and the propitious Bhatghar Lake. The top of the Balekilla offers a panoramic view of the forts of Purandar, Vichitragad, Rayreshwar, Lohgad, Visapur, Tikona and Sinhagad.

Help Line/Phone Number

The Kundalika is a small river flowing from the Hills of Sahyadri to the Arabian Sea. This river originates at a small town called Bhira in the Indian State of Maharashtra, 150 km south east of Bombay (Mumbai). The important towns located on the banks of Kundalika are Kolad, Roha and Salav.River Kundalika is fed by the excess water from Tata Power’s Mulshi Dam Project on to a series of hydroelectric projects and dams, including Ravalje followed by Bhira and then Dholvan, where the water is released in the morning typically at 6 am…..more

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Alibag or Alibaug is a coastal town and a municipal council in Raigad District in the Konkan region of Maharashtra, India. It is headquarters of the Raigad district.Alibag (also called Alibagh or Alibaugh) is an idyllic, peaceful town on the western coast of India (which is known as the Konkan region). It lies on almost the same latitude as the southern tip of Mumbai and is very close to this tip across the narrow strip of the Arabian Sea, conquerable by a ferry…..more

Shriwardhan-Harihareshwar Beach is the two unexplored beaches on the Konkan coastline. If you are an adventurous person and die on seafood delicacies, Shriwardhan Beach is the place where you should be.The water is inviting and can be explored on a boat, sailing deep into the sea, cutting through the gentle winds. A small adventurous boat ride will take you to a place where Peshwas originally resided. Shriwardhan-Harihareshwar Beach is about 200km from Mumbai……more

Padmadurg is a fort in Maharashtra, India. It was built by shivaji to northwest of Janjira. Although it is not as big as Janjira but still a sea fort that can be visited and enjoyed.Spread over a vast area of about 9 acres, Padmadurg Fort is regarded as one among the major sea forts in India. A monument of great historical importance, it is situated in Raigad District of Maharashtra. This famous fort is constructed by the great Marathas in order to conquer the Janjira Fort which lies near by……more

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Location info

• **Address:**Mahad ,Maharashtra,India

• District: Raigad

• Nearest City: Bombay

• Best time to visit: June to September

Things to do at The Varadavinayak Temple

Rock Climbing:
Raigad holds so many interesting routes to reach there, varying from the comparatively simple ones to the exigent. From Pachad, Raigad is an easy destination, but those who want to deviate from the ordinary path can opt the adventure-filled route either from Mahabaleshwar or Pune.Rock climbing in Raigad region is a worth attempting adventure. Scattered evergreen forests and fast wind makes the surroundings of this area very cool even during summers.Raigad provides excellent place of rock climbing like Torana Fort, Lingana Fort, Nijampur – Fort, Birwadi Raigad Trek and Mangad – Raigad trek. Situated in the lap of the Sahyadri mountain range, Raigad is a center of enlivening peaks and vibrant ancient forts that are quite thrilling for climbers.

How to reach The Varadavinayak Temple

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Karjat Railway station

• **Nearest Airport:**Mumbai international airport

• **Road Transport:**Regular State Transport buses & Muncipal Corporation buses are available from Khopoli & Karjat.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

• **Raigad Palace Hotel:**Raigad Maharashtra,india

**Hotel Garden:**Raigad Maharashtra,india

**Shreyas Hotel:**Raigad Maharashtra,india

Nearest petrol pump

• **Prtrolpump:**Nearest Highway Navi mumbai Maharashtra

Best time to visit The Varadavinayak Temple

Throughout the year. Major festivals draw large crowds. October to March offers the most comfortable weather.

Timings & opening hours

Typically open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. Some temples close for a few hours in the afternoon (12:00 PM to 4:00 PM).

Entry fee & tickets

Free entry. Special darshan or pooja may require separate fees.

Duration needed

1–2 hours for darshan and exploration. More time during festivals or special occasions.

Safety tips

Remove footwear before entering the sanctum. Follow temple dress codes — cover shoulders and knees. Secure your belongings. Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas during festivals.

Things to carry

Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered), a shawl or scarf, small change for offerings, and a water bottle.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: depends on location (Mumbai, Pune, or Nagpur). Nearest railway station: the nearest station on the Central or Western Railway line. Well-connected by state highways.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide excellent coverage across Maharashtra’s cities (Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur) and major tourist areas. 4G is reliable along highways and in most towns. Coverage may be weaker in deep forest areas of Tadoba, Melghat, and certain ghat sections. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes.

Food & restaurants nearby

Maharashtra’s cities have diverse food scenes. Mumbai and Pune offer everything from street food (vada pav, pav bhaji) to fine dining. Hill stations have chikki and local snacks. Temple towns offer Maharashtrian thali and local specialities.

Climate & weather

Maharashtra has a diverse climate spanning coastal Konkan, the Western Ghats, and the interior Deccan plateau. Winter (November–February) is the best time to visit: temperatures range from 12°C to 30°C depending on region. Summer (March–June) is hot, with interior areas reaching 40°C+ while hill stations (Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala) remain pleasant. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall to the coast and ghats but transforms the landscape into lush green. October–November is pleasant post-monsoon.

Frequently asked questions

What are the temple timings? Most temples open early morning (around 5:00–6:00 AM) for the first aarti and close after the evening aarti (around 8:00–9:00 PM). Many temples close for a few hours in the afternoon.

Is there a dress code? Yes, modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is required at most temples. Some temples provide shawls or sarongs at the entrance.

Are cameras allowed inside? Photography is often allowed in the temple complex but may be restricted inside the inner sanctum. Check signage at the entrance.

Accessibility

Religious sites may have steps at the entrance and may not have ramps. The interiors are generally level once inside. Some historic sites have uneven stone floors. Visitors with mobility concerns should check in advance.

Rules & restrictions

Modest dress is required: shoulders and knees must be covered (scarves or shawls are often available at the entrance). Photography is generally permitted without flash, but video may be restricted. Maintain silence inside. Mobile phones should be on silent mode. Remove shoes if required (indicated by signage). Do not touch artefacts or altars. These are active places of worship — respect services, festivals, and devotees.

Best photography spots

Mumbai’s Gothic and Victorian churches, Pune’s colonial-era churches, and the Portuguese-influenced churches of the Konkan coast offer rich architectural photography. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount in Bandra is iconic. Early morning light is best for city churches.

Quick facts

• Location: Maharashtra
• Best time to visit: October to March for comfortable weather
• Significance: Important religious and spiritual site for devotees
• Dress code: Traditional and modest attire recommended
• Photography: Check local guidelines; photography may be restricted in inner sanctums

Visitor information

• Timings: Generally open from sunrise to sunset. Verify local timings before planning your visit.
• Entry fee: Free entry at most temples. Donations are voluntary.
• Best time to visit: October to March for the most comfortable weather conditions.
• Duration needed: 1 to 2 hours recommended for a comfortable visit.

Map & location view

• Destination: The Varadavinayak Temple
• State: Maharashtra, India
• Region: religious precincts of Maharashtra
• How to reach: Accessible by road from nearby towns and cities. Local transport options include buses and taxis.
• Google Maps: Search for “The Varadavinayak Temple, Maharashtra” on Google Maps for precise directions and navigation.

Photo gallery of The Varadavinayak Temple

Photos coming soon. In the meantime, you can find images of The Varadavinayak Temple on popular travel photography sites and social media.