Lord Ganesh — the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati — is among the most worshiped Hindu deity and is regarded as the ‘Bighna Harta’- the remover of all obstacles, and the god of new beginnings. Lord Ganesh is always worshiped on special occasions such as starting a new business, ceremonies among others. The most special being Ganesh Chaturthi. On this auspicious day, devotees of the Lord throng temples dedicated him to offer their prayers and seek his blessings.
Here are the five of the most popular Ganesh temples that one can visit on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi.
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple is located in Mumbai. The temple was built in 1801 by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil. Thousand of devotees visit this temple to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesh.
Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune
Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, which is located in Pune, is the second most popular temple in Maharashtra and was built in 1893 by Dagadusheth Halwai. This temple is noted for its intrinsic design and magnificent architecture. Apart from the devotees, many celebrities also visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesh.
Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, Chittoor
Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple is a very popular Ganesh temple which is located in Chittoor. It is an ancient temple dating back to the 11th century AD. Kulothunga Chola built the temple. It was further expanded in the early 14th century by the rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire. A large number of devotees visit the temple every year and also take a dip in the holy waters to rid themselves of their sins.
Ranthambore Ganesh Temple, Rajasthan
Ranthambore Ganesh Temple is one of the most famous Ganesh temples in India, located in Rajasthan. According to elderly people, the temple received the wedding invite of Lord Krishna and Rukmani. Thereafter people from all parts of India began sending their wedding invitations to the temple. Here the most popular Ganesh Mela is held every year on Ganesh Chaturthi.
Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Koil Temple, Tamil Nadu
Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Koil Temple, Tamil Nadu is an ancient Ganesh temple in Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu. Here Lord Ganesh is placed as an idol of Lord Ranganatha in this temple. According to mythology, after slaying Ravana, Lord Ram gifted the idol of Lord Ranganatha to Bibhisana. However, Bibhisana was instructed that wherever he would put the idol on the ground it would be permanently installed there. Bibhisana decided to take the idol to Lanka much to the chagrin of the Gods as he was the brother of Ravana. They entreated Ganesh to stop Bibhisana. When Bibhisana reached the banks of Kaveri he wanted to take a dip in the river but did not want to place the idol on the ground. At that moment Ganesh appeared in the form of a cowherd and offered to hold the idol till the time he finished taking a dip. But as soon as the idol was in Ganesh’s hands he placed it on the ground and the idol was installed at the place.
