Vighnahar Ganapati Mandir - Ozar, Pune - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Ozar Vighneshwar Temple

At a distance of 11 Km from Junnar, 92 Km from Pune, and 145 Km from Nashik & 200km from Mumbai, the Vighneshwar Temple, also known as Vighnahar Ganapati Temple, is a Hindu temple located at Ozar town in the Nashik District of Maharashtra. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, who is worshipped here as Vighneshwar, the Lord of obstacles, and Vighnahar, the Remover of obstacles. It is one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples venerating Lord Ganesha in Maharashtra, bearing immense religious importance in Hinduism. The other Ashtavinayak Temples in Maharashtra being Moreshwar in Morgaon, Ballaleshwar in Pali, Maha Ganapati Temple in Ranjangaon, Varadavinayak in Mahad, Siddhivinayak in Siddhatek, Girijatmaj in Lenyadri, and Chintamani in Theur. Ozar is mostly prescribed as the 7th temple, which will be visited on an Ashtavinayak Darshan tour, and among the must-include places in Pune family packages.

History of Ozar Vighneshwar Temple

The Ozar Shri Vighnahar Ganpati Temple is steeped in history, which contributes to its widespread appeal. The temple was renovated by Chimaji Appa, the younger brother and military leader of Peshwa Baji Rao I, who adorned the shikhara with gold following his capture of Vasai Fort from the Portuguese during the Battle of Bacaim in 1739. In 1967, the temple underwent further renovations led by devoted follower Appa Shastri Joshi. Although Ozar is officially recognized as the seventh temple in the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage, many pilgrims prefer to visit it fifth, as this route is more convenient.

Mythology of Ozar Vighneshwar Temple

According to the Tamil Vinayaka Purana, King Abhinandana conducted a sacrifice but did not make any offerings to Lord Indra. In response to this slight, an enraged Indra commanded Kala to disrupt the sacrifice. Kala assumed the guise of the demon Vignasura and caused its destruction. Additionally, he unleashed chaos across the universe, obstructing the virtuous actions and sacrifices of sages and other beings. In their distress, the sages sought assistance from Brahma, who advised them to worship Lord Ganesha. Satisfied with their devotion, Ganesha engaged in battle against the demon, and killed him. It was decreed that Vigna would only inhabit areas where Ganesha was not venerated. To commemorate this event, the grateful sages established the idol of Ganesha as Vighneshwar at Ozar.

Architecture of Ozar Vighneshwar Temple

The Vighneshwar Temple located in Ozar exemplifies the classic design of Hindu temples. Oriented towards the east, the temple features a large courtyard and an impressive entrance. It is enclosed by a walled compound that includes a prominent gateway, which is flanked by two substantial stone Dwarapalas and adorned with a bas relief depicting four musicians on the lintel. From this vantage point, one can also see the Lenyadri shrine and Shivneri Fort positioned on the wall. Near the entrance, two large stone Deepamalas (lamp towers) are situated, and there are small meditation rooms on either side of the gateway.

The main temple structure comprises three entrances, each with intricately sculpted side posts and lintels, with the eastern entrance serving as the primary access point. Inside, the temple contains two halls; the first hall houses the image of Dhundiraj Ganesha, while the second features a white marble mushika in attendance. The walls of the temple are adorned with vibrant murals and sculptures. The shikhara above the sanctum is embellished with gold foil. Like all Ashtavinayaka shrines, the central Ganesha image is regarded as swayambhu, naturally formed as an elephant-faced stone. The presiding deity faces east and is accompanied by brass representations of his consorts, Siddhi and Riddhi. He possesses a left-turning trunk and is covered in sindoor (vermillion), with his eyes set with emeralds and his forehead and navel embellished with diamonds.

Festivals of Ozar Vighneshwar Temple

Ganesh Chaturthi, occurring in August or September, is celebrated with serene grandeur at the Ozar Vighneshwar Temple. This festival, which takes place in the month of Bhadrapada, is marked by intricate decorations and a variety of religious rituals. Numerous devotees flock to the temple to pay their respects to Lord Ganesha during this time. Another significant observance is Maghi Chaturthi, celebrated in January or February, which honors the rebirth of Lord Ganesha. Additionally, a five-day festival commences on Kartik Poornima, and is celebrated when the Deepamalas are lit.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Ozar Vighneshwar Temple

Vighneshwar Temple in Ozar does not enforce a strict dress code; however, it is advisable to wear modest attire that covers the upper arms and legs as a mark of respect. Men are encouraged to don a dhoti or pajama along with an appropriate upper garment, or to wear formal trousers and shirts. Women may choose to wear a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is recommended to avoid modern clothing such as mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops while visiting the temple.

Non-Hindus are generally not allowed inside the main sanctum sanctorum of the temple. However, they can often appreciate the temple's architecture and surroundings from outside.

Ozar Vighneshwar Temple Timings

Monday: 5 AM - 10:30 PM
Tuesday: 5 AM - 10:30 PM
Wednesday: 5 AM - 10:30 PM
Thursday: 5 AM - 10:30 PM
Friday: 5 AM - 10:30 PM
Saturday: 5 AM - 10:30 PM
Sunday: 5 AM - 10:30 PM

Ozar Vighneshwar Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Ozar Vighneshwar Temple

The ideal period to visit the Ozar Vighnahar Ganapati Temple is between October and February, as the weather during these months is pleasant and conducive for temple exploration. The monsoon season can create difficulties for travel and sightseeing. However, this time of year also coincides with the major festival of Ganesh Chaturthi, attracting a significant number of devotees to the temple, even in the face of heavy rainfall. It is recommended to avoid visiting the temple during the summer months due to the extreme heat.

How to Reach Ozar Vighneshwar Temple

Pune International Airport, located around 85 kilometers from Ozar, serves as the closest airport and offers flights to numerous key international destinations, including Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the USA, Europe, and Sri Lanka. It also provides connections to various domestic cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Jaipur, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kolkata, and Goa. Furthermore, Pune Junction Railway Station, situated approximately 92 kilometers from Ozar, facilitates train services to all major cities in India, including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Travelers can access Ozar via bus or taxi from Pune, Thane, and Mumbai, and the area is also well-served by bus routes connecting to Narayangaon, Junnar, and Nashik.