Varadavinayaka, is one of the Ashtavinayak temples and is located in Mahad village situated in Khalapur taluka near Karjat and Khopoli of Raigad District, Maharashtra.
The Varada Vinayak idol of this temple is a swayambu (self originated) and was found in the adjoining lake in an immersed position in 1690 AD. The present templewas built in 1725AD by Subhedar Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar. There is an oil lamp in the temple which is burning continuously since 1892.
Legend:
the childless king, Bhima of Koudinyapur and his wife met the sage Vishwamitra while they had come to forest for penance. Vishwamitra gave the king a mantra (incantation) Ekashar Gajana Mantra to chant and thus his son and heir, prince Rukmaganda was born. Rukmaganda grew up into a beautiful young prince.
One day, on a hunting trip Rukmaganda stopped at the hermitage of Rishi Vachaknavi. The Rishi’s wife, Mukunda, fell in love at the sight of the handsome prince and asked him to fulfill her desires. The virtuous prince flatly refused and left the ashram. Mukunda became very lovesick. Knowing her plight, King Indra took the form of Rukmaganda and made love to her. Mukunda became pregnant and gave birth to a son Gritsamada.
In time, when Gritsamada learned of the circumstances of his birth, he cursed his mother to become the unattractive, thorny berry-bearing “Bhor” plant. Mukunda in turn cursed Gritsamada, that a cruel rakshas (demon) will be born from him. Suddenly they both heard a heavenly voice saying, “Gritsamada is the son of Indra”, leaving them both shocked, but too late to alter their respective curses. Mukunda was transformed into the Bhor plant. Gritsamada, ashamed and penitent, retreated to the Pushpak forest where he prayed for a reprieve to Lord Ganesh (Ganapati).
Lord Ganesha was pleased by Gritsamada’s penance and offered him a boon that he will bear a son who would not be defeated by anybody other than Shankara (Shiva). Gritsamada asks Ganesh to bless the forest, so that any devotees who pray here will be successful, and also urged Ganesha to stay there permanently and asked for knowledge of Brahma. Gritsamada built a temple there and the Ganesha idol installed there is called Varadavinayaka. Today the forest is known as Bhadraka.
It is said that if the coconut received as prasad during Maghi Chaturthi is consumed, one will be blessed with a son.
Festivals: Main festival is Ganesha Chaturthi.
Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 09:00 PM
Accommodation: Several decent hotels are available and also a yatrinivas run by the temple trust.
How to reach:
By Road: Mahad Varadvinayak Ganpati Temple at Mahad is 63 km from Mumbai, 85 km from pune, 25 km from Karjat, 21 km from lonavala and 6 km from Khopoli. The temple is 1.5 kms off the Mumbai – Pune old Highway. Mahad Bus Station, operated by Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), connects the place with other major towns such as Khopoli, Mahabaleshwar, Karjat, Alibag, and Shivthar Ghal. Mahad can also be reached via Mumbai – Panvel – Khopoli road.
Train: Khopoli/Karjat Railway Station on central railway line is the nearest railway station for Mahad Ganpati Temple. All express trains stops at Karjat station.
Air: Mumbai Airport/Pune Airport is the nearest airbase. Both are on almost equal distance from Mahad Ganpati Temple (75-80 km).
