About Mahaganapati Temple
The Mahaganapati Temple is in Ranjangaon, in Shirur taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra, on the Pune-Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar) highway about 50 km from Pune. It is the eighth stop of the traditional Ashtavinayak yatra, which begins at Morgaon and goes on to Siddhatek, Pali, Mahad, Theur, Lenyadri, Ozar and Ranjangaon; pilgrims then return to Morgaon to complete the circuit. Here Ganesha is worshipped as Mahaganapati, the great and mighty form of the deity.
According to the Ganesha Purana, the demon Tripurasura gained great power and built three cities that troubled the gods. Shiva could not defeat him until he first worshipped Ganesha, and tradition says this worship took place at Ranjangaon, after which Shiva destroyed the three cities. Local belief also holds that the original murti, called Mahotkat, with many arms and trunks, is kept hidden below the present image, though this is not open to view. The temple is thought to be old at its core, with later additions made during the Peshwa period, including work associated with Madhavrao I; exact dates are uncertain.
The temple faces east and is entered through a large gateway guarded by figures of door-keepers. It is said to be planned so that the rays of the sun fall directly on the murti during part of the year. The sanctum holds a seated Ganesha with his trunk turned to the left, flanked by Riddhi and Siddhi, set against a broad forehead. The complex has spacious halls and is well maintained, with facilities for the many visitors who stop on the highway.
Mahaganapati 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 Mahaganapati Temple
By air
Pune International Airport is about 45 km away.
By train
Pune Junction is the nearest major railway station, about 50 km away.
By road
Ranjangaon lies directly on the Pune-Ahilyanagar highway, so buses between Pune and Ahilyanagar can drop pilgrims near the temple.
Festivals at Mahaganapati Temple
- Bhadrapada Ganesh ChaturthiAug/Sep
- Magha Shuddha ChaturthiJan/Feb
- Tripuri Purnima (Kartik Purnima)Oct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
- Entry
- Free darshan.
- After Ranjangaon, return to Morgaon if you want to complete the Ashtavinayak yatra in the traditional way.
- The highway location makes this an easy stop on a Pune to Ahilyanagar drive.
- Ganesh Chaturthi crowds are very large; plan for long queues.
- Combine with Theur for a half-day trip from Pune.
Places to visit near Mahaganapati Temple
- Chintamani Temple, TheurFifth Ashtavinayak shrine, about 40 km away
- ShirurTaluka town with food and stay options, about 20 km away
- NighojNatural river potholes (Kund) on the Kukadi river, about 30 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Ranjangaon the last Ashtavinayak?
Ranjangaon is the eighth shrine in the traditional order. Pilgrims then return to Morgaon to complete the yatra.
How far is Ranjangaon from Pune?
Ranjangaon is about 50 km from Pune on the Pune-Ahilyanagar highway, around one to one and a half hours by road.
What are the Ranjangaon temple timings?
The temple is usually open from about 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Festival timings may differ.
What is the legend of Ranjangaon Mahaganapati?
According to the Ganesha Purana, Shiva worshipped Ganesha here before defeating the demon Tripurasura.
What is the aarti time at Mahaganapati 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 Mahaganapati Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
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