About Varadavinayak Temple
The Varadavinayak Temple is in the village of Mahad in Khalapur taluka of Raigad district, close to Khopoli on the old Mumbai-Pune road. This Mahad is a small village and should not be confused with the larger town of Mahad further south in the same district. It is the fourth stop of the traditional Ashtavinayak yatra, which begins at Morgaon and continues to Siddhatek, Pali, Mahad, Theur, Lenyadri, Ozar and Ranjangaon before returning to Morgaon. Here Ganesha is worshipped as Varada Vinayaka, the one who grants boons.
According to the Ganesha Purana, the sage Gritsamada and the prince Rukmangada are linked with this place, and tradition says Ganesha blessed a devotee here and agreed to remain as the giver of wishes. History records that the murti was found in a nearby lake in 1690, and that the present temple was built in 1725 by Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar, a Peshwa-era official. An oil lamp in the temple is said to have been kept burning without a break for well over a century, and devotees regard it with great reverence.
The temple is simple and modest compared with some other Ashtavinayak shrines. It faces east and has a small sanctum topped by a dome with a golden finial, with stone elephant figures on its sides. The murti sits facing east with his trunk turned to the left. Unusually, devotees are allowed into the sanctum to offer flowers and prayers to the murti personally, which makes the visit especially intimate for many families. A tank lies beside the temple.
Varadavinayak Temple timings & aarti
Usually open from about 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Around 6:00 AM (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Varadavinayak Temple
By air
Mumbai airport is about 75 km away and Pune airport is about 80 km away.
By train
Khopoli, the end of a Mumbai suburban line, is about 6 km away; Karjat is about 25 km away.
By road
The temple is a short drive off the old Mumbai-Pune highway near Khalapur and is easily reached from the Mumbai-Pune Expressway. Autos and taxis are available from Khopoli.
Festivals at Varadavinayak Temple
- Magha Shuddha ChaturthiJan/Feb
- Bhadrapada Ganesh ChaturthiAug/Sep
- Sankashti ChaturthiMonthly
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended, especially if you plan to enter the sanctum.
- Entry
- Free darshan.
- Search for "Varadavinayak Mahad Khalapur" in navigation apps to avoid being sent to the other, larger Mahad town.
- Queues for entering the sanctum can be long on Chaturthi days and weekends.
- This is the easiest Ashtavinayak to visit as a day trip from Mumbai or Pune.
- Keep footwear at the stand outside before entering the temple courtyard.
Places to visit near Varadavinayak Temple
- KhopoliTown with suburban railway station and food options, about 6 km away
- LonavalaPopular hill station in the Sahyadris, about 25 km away
- Ballaleshwar Temple, PaliThird Ashtavinayak shrine, about 40 km away
Frequently asked questions
Which Mahad has the Ashtavinayak temple?
The Varadavinayak temple is in Mahad village near Khopoli in Khalapur taluka, not in the larger Mahad town of southern Raigad district.
Can devotees touch the murti at Varadavinayak?
Yes. This is the one Ashtavinayak temple where devotees are traditionally allowed into the sanctum to offer worship to the murti themselves.
How to reach Varadavinayak from Mumbai?
Take a suburban train to Khopoli and an auto for about 6 km, or drive about 75 km via the Mumbai-Pune Expressway.
What are the Varadavinayak temple timings?
The temple is usually open from about 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Check locally on festival days.
What is the aarti time at Varadavinayak Temple?
Morning aarti: Around 6:00 AM (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Varadavinayak Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended, especially if you plan to enter the sanctum.
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