Theur (Ashtavinayaka) Temple
The Theur Ganapti Mandir is one of the mandir in Ashtavinayak Yatra. There are eight Ganapati Mandirs in Maharahtra only. If one take darshan of these eight Ganapati, he get whatever good things he wants in his life. Darshan of these Ganapati’s is known as Ashtavinayak Yatra. Name of this Ganesh idol is Chintamani of Theur. Bajirao Peshave was biggest devotee of Chintamani. Chintamani is fifth Ganapati in Ashtavinayak Yatra. Current Chintamani temple is builded by Moraya Gosavi. He was biggest devotee of Ganapati like Bhajirao Peshave. Peshave worshipped this ganapati as their family diety (Kuldaivat), donated land and cash for this mandir. Chimaji Appa, brother of Bajivaro Peshave, donate big European Bell to Chanitamani temple after conquering Vasai fort.
The legend says, according to Mudgal Puran it that King Abhijit and his wife Gunwanti ruled this region but were not able to have a child. Soon they got a boon in the form of a son called Gana who was strong but arrogant. Gana once went to the Kapilmuni ashram where he saw the jewel called Chintamani which he forcefully took away which Lord Vinayak eventually ordered to return back to the ashram & hence the temple was called as the Chintamani temple.
Attractions of the temple :
The temple celebrates three main festivals i.e. Ganesha Prakatostav, which celebrates from Hindu month of Bhadrapada Pratipada to Saptami, the fourth day of this month Ganesh Chaturthi, is the main day of celebration. During this festival, Lord Ganesha’s idol is installed and worshipped with great enthusiasm and various rituals, prayers, cultural events are oraganised. Additionally, a fair is organized on this occasion. Another is Maghotsav ,known as Ganesha Jayanti, which falls on Maghi Chaturthi (Hindu month of Magha) The temple festival is celebrated from the first to the eighth day of Magha. Similar to the Ganesha Prakatostav, this festival also includes rituals, prayers, and cultural events. As part of the celebrations, a fair is organized, contributing to the joyous spirit of the occasion. Third festival celebration of here is Rama-Madhav Punyostav, come on Kartik Ashtami; commemorates the death anniversary of the temple’s renowned patron, Madhavrao, and his wife Ramabai. According to the information provided, Ramabai performed Sati, a traditional practice where a widow immolated herself on her husband’s funeral pyre, and was burnt with him. The festival likely involves special prayers and rituals to honor their memory and legacy.
How to reach here:
Adjacent to the pune- solapur highway and surrounded by a necklace of River Mula, this temple apart from its mythological importance is also quite picturesque and a peaceful place which feels quite rejuvenating.
Theur is 8 km. from Pune. From Pune station there are St and private buses for Theur. Also hired cars are available. Best is road way only.
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