About Vighneshwar Temple
The Vighneshwar Temple stands on the banks of the Kukadi river in the village of Ozar, in Junnar taluka of Pune district, Maharashtra. It is the seventh 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 Vighneshwar or Vighnahar, the lord who removes obstacles.
According to the Ganesha Purana and local tradition, a demon named Vighnasura was created to disturb a sacrifice and went on to trouble sages and their rituals. The gods prayed to Ganesha, who fought and defeated him. The humbled demon asked that his name be joined to the deity's, and so Ganesha came to be called Vighneshwar. In history, the temple is linked with the Maratha period; tradition says Chimaji Appa, brother of Peshwa Bajirao I, renovated it and added the golden dome after the Maratha victory at Vasai in 1739.
The temple faces east and is enclosed by a high stone wall, with stone lamp towers (deepmalas) at the entrance and figures of door-keepers at the gate. Its shikhara is topped with a gilded dome that shines in the sun. Inside, a spacious hall leads to the sanctum, where the murti sits with his trunk turned to the left, his eyes set with gems and a diamond on his forehead, with Riddhi and Siddhi beside him. Devotees can walk along the top of the enclosure wall for a view of the temple and the river.
Vighneshwar 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 7:00 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 Vighneshwar Temple
By air
Pune International Airport is about 90 km away.
By train
Pune Junction is the nearest major railway station, about 85 km away.
By road
Ozar is about 10 km from Narayangaon on the Pune-Nashik highway. State buses run to Narayangaon and Junnar, and local transport covers the last stretch.
Festivals at Vighneshwar Temple
- Ganesh ChaturthiAug/Sep
- Magha Shuddha ChaturthiJan/Feb
- Kartik PurnimaOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
- Entry
- Free darshan.
- Visit Ozar and Lenyadri on the same day; they are only about 15 km apart.
- The temple trust usually offers accommodation and meals for pilgrims; enquire locally.
- Weekends and Chaturthi days are busy; arrive early.
- Walk along the enclosure wall for a good view of the gilded dome.
Places to visit near Vighneshwar Temple
- Girijatmaj Temple, LenyadriSixth Ashtavinayak shrine in an ancient cave, about 15 km away
- Shivneri FortBirthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, about 15 km away
- NarayangaonTown on the Pune-Nashik highway with food and transport, about 10 km away
Frequently asked questions
Why is the Ozar Ganesha called Vighneshwar?
Tradition says Ganesha defeated the demon Vighnasura here, and the demon asked that his name be joined to the deity's.
How far is Ozar from Pune?
Ozar is about 85 km from Pune by road, via Narayangaon on the Pune-Nashik highway.
What are the Ozar temple timings?
The temple is usually open from about 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Check locally on festival days.
Which Ashtavinayak is near Ozar?
Lenyadri, the sixth Ashtavinayak shrine, is only about 15 km away, so the two are usually visited together.
What is the aarti time at Vighneshwar Temple?
Morning aarti: Around 7:00 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 Vighneshwar Temple?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
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