About Ballaleshwar Temple
The Ballaleshwar Temple is in the town of Pali in Sudhagad taluka of Raigad district, Maharashtra, set between the Sarasgad fort and the Amba river. It is the third stop on the traditional Ashtavinayak yatra, which begins at Morgaon, continues to Siddhatek, Pali, Mahad, Theur, Lenyadri, Ozar and Ranjangaon, and returns to Morgaon. It is the only Ashtavinayak shrine where Ganesha is known by the name of his devotee.
According to the Ganesha Purana, a merchant's young son named Ballal was so absorbed in the worship of Ganesha that he and his friends neglected everything else. His angry father beat him and tied him to a tree in the forest. Ballal kept praying, and Ganesha appeared before him, freed him and agreed to stay at this spot as Ballaleshwar. A separate shrine nearby is dedicated to Dhundi Vinayak, the stone Ballal is said to have worshipped. The original wooden temple was rebuilt in stone in the 18th century, with tradition crediting the Peshwa minister Nana Phadnavis. A large bell in the temple is said to have been brought from Vasai after the Maratha victory there in 1739.
The temple faces east and is built so that, at certain times of the year, the rays of the rising sun fall on the murti. The stone shrine is laid out in the shape of the Devanagari letter "shri" when seen from above, according to local accounts. Ganesha sits on a stone throne, with diamonds set in his eyes and navel, and is said to be dressed in the style of a Brahmin. Two lakes lie close to the temple, one of which supplies water for worship.
Ballaleshwar Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Around 6:00 AM (approx.) |
| Midday aarti | Around noon (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around 8:00 PM (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Ballaleshwar Temple
By air
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai, and Pune airport are each about 110 to 120 km away.
By train
Nagothane is the nearest railway station, about 12 km away; Khopoli and Karjat on the Mumbai suburban network are about 35 to 45 km away.
By road
Pali lies a short drive off the Mumbai-Goa highway. Regular state buses run from Mumbai, Pune and Khopoli.
Festivals at Ballaleshwar Temple
- Bhadrapada Ganesh ChaturthiAug/Sep
- Magha Shuddha ChaturthiJan/Feb
- Sankashti ChaturthiMonthly
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
- Entry
- Free darshan.
- Visit Dhundi Vinayak, the small shrine near the main temple, which tradition says should be seen first.
- Expect heavy rain if you visit in the monsoon; carry an umbrella and non-slip footwear.
- Weekends bring large groups from Mumbai and Pune; weekdays are calmer.
- Pali is a convenient place to stay overnight between Mahad and the Pune-side shrines.
Places to visit near Ballaleshwar Temple
- Sarasgad FortHill fort rising directly behind the temple, about 1 km away
- Sudhagad FortLarge historic hill fort popular with trekkers, about 12 km away
- Varadavinayak Temple, MahadFourth Ashtavinayak shrine near Khopoli, about 40 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Pali Ganesha called Ballaleshwar?
According to the Ganesha Purana, Ganesha appeared to his young devotee Ballal here and agreed to stay at this place under his name.
What are the Ballaleshwar temple timings?
The temple is usually open from about 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Festival days may have changed timings.
How far is Pali from Mumbai?
Pali is about 110 to 120 km from Mumbai by road, a drive of around three hours.
Which is the nearest railway station to Pali?
Nagothane is the nearest station, about 12 km away. Khopoli and Karjat are also used by pilgrims coming from Mumbai.
What is the aarti time at Ballaleshwar Temple?
Morning aarti: Around 6:00 AM (approx.); Midday aarti: Around noon (approx.); Evening aarti: Around 8:00 PM (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Ballaleshwar Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
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