Located in the serene village of Mahad in the Raigad district, the Varadvinayak Temple is the traditional fourth stop on the yatra. Lord Ganesha here is worshipped as “Varada,” the one who grants boons and fulfills all righteous desires.
The Legend of Gritsamada
The shrine’s origin centers around Sage Gritsamada, a brilliant scholar who was falsely cursed. Retreating to the Pushpak forest (modern-day Mahad), he performed severe penance. Lord Ganesha appeared, granted his wish to be recognized as a great sage, and promised to stay in the forest to grant the wishes of true devotees. Gritsamada is also credited with composing the famous Ganananam Tva mantra here.
The Eternal Flame (Nandadeep)
One of the most mesmerizing features of the Varadvinayak temple is the Nandadeep, an oil lamp inside the temple complex that has been burning continuously, without ever extinguishing, since the year 1892. Additionally, unlike many ancient shrines, devotees are permitted to enter the inner sanctum (Garbagriha) and perform pooja to the idol themselves.
Exact Darshan Timings
- Temple Opening: 5:30 AM to 9:00 PM
- Morning Aarti: 5:30 AM
- Afternoon Pooja: 12:00 PM
- Evening Aarti: Sunset
How to Reach Mahad
- Nearest Airport: Mumbai International Airport (approx. 80 km) or Pune Airport (approx. 85 km).
- Nearest Railway Station: Karjat Railway Station is just 24 km away. Khopoli is also extremely close (6 km).
- By Road: Mahad is situated just off the old Mumbai-Pune highway (NH4) near Khopoli, making it highly accessible from both major cities.
- Planning your stay? Check current hotel availability and rates near Khopoli on MakeMyTrip here.
Continue your sacred journey: Varadvinayak is the fourth stop on the Ashtavinayaka Pilgrimage Route.
Yes! This is a unique feature of the Varadvinayak temple. Devotees are allowed to enter the Garbagriha and offer their prayers and pooja directly to the idol.
Yes, Mahad and Pali are geographically close (about 40 km apart in the Raigad district), so most pilgrims visit these two temples on the same day.