Varad vinayak Temple

Varadvinayak, also spelt as Varadavinayaka, is one of the Ashtavinayak temples of the Hindu deity Ganesha. It is located in Mahad village situated in Khalapur taluka near Karjat and Khopoli of Raigad District, Maharastra, India. The temple was built (restored) by Peshwa General Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar in 1725AD.

The idol of this temple Varada Vinayak is a swayambu (self originated) and was found in the adjoining lake in an immersed position in 1690 AD. This temple is said to be built in 1725AD by Subhedar Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar. The temple premises are on one side of a beautiful pond. The idol of this temple faces the east and has his trunk turned to the left. There is an oil lamp in this shrine which is said to be burning continuously since 1892. This temple also has the idol of Mushika, Navagraha Devtas and Shivalinga. There are 4 elephant idols guarding the 4 sides of the temple. In this Ashta Vinayak Temple devotees can enter the Garbagriha and pay their homage and respects to the idol personally. Devotees visit the Varadvinayak shrine throughout the year. During festivals like the Magha Chaturthi huge crowds can be seen in this temple.

How to reach:
Mahad is 83 km from Mumbai.

On the Mumbai-Panvel-Khopoli road, 6km before Khopoli is a village called Haalgaon. Mahad can be reached from this village.

On the Mumbai Pune Rail route one can get down at Karjat or better still at Khopoli.

From Karjat which is 24 km from Mahad one can board State Transport buses known as ST buses.

Khopoli is just 6 km from Mahad. One can board local buses or take autorickshaws from here.