Ashtavinayak Yatra – Part 8, The Vighnahar Temple, Ozar Maharastra, India

Ashtavinayak literally means "Eight Ganeshas" in Sanskrit. Lord Ganesha is the Hindu deity of prosperity and learning.

The history encompassing this idol states that Vighnasur, a demon was created by the King of Gods, Indra to destroy the prayer organized by King Abhinandan. However, the demon went a step further and destroyed all vedic, religious acts and to answer the people's prayers for protection, Ganesh defeated him. The story goes on to say that on being conquered, the demon begged and pleaded with Ganesha to show a mercy. Ganesha then granted in his plea, but on the condition that demon should not go to the place where Ganesha worshipping is going on. In return the demon asked a favour that his name should be taken before Ganesha's name, thus the name of Ganesha became Vighnahar or Vighneshwar (Vighna in Sanskrit means a sudden interruption in the ongoing work due to some unforeseen, unwarranted event or cause). The Ganesha here is called Shri Vighneshwar Vinayak.

The temple faces east and is surrounded by a thick stone wall. One can walk on the wall. The main hall of the temple is 20 feet long and the inner hall is 10 feet long. This idol, facing the east, has its trunk towards the left and rubies in its eyes. There is a diamond on the forehead and some jewel in the navel. Idols of Riddhi and Siddhi are placed on the two sides of the Ganesha idol. The temple top is Golden and is possibly built by Chimaji Appa after defeating the Portuguese rulers of Vasai and Sashti. The temple is probably built around 1785 A.D.

The Divine Belief.

The King of Hemavati, Shri Abhinandana once performed a great sacrifice. Indra thought that this sacrifice if completed would deprive him of his post. Hence, he ordered Kala (time) to create obstacles in the sacrifice and then destroyed it.

The fierce looking Kala not only destroyed that sacrifice but also other sacrifices and created obstacles for Sages and others. Hence people called him Vighna. Slowly all vedic rites were reduced and dharma disappeared from earth. Then all Gods worshipped Gajanana and requested him to save the world from Vighneshvar.

Then Ganapati took his Avatar as the son of Sage Parshva and his wife Dipavatsala. Gods headed by Lord Shiva came to Parshva and requested him to relieve Ganapati for having a war with Vighnasura. Sage Parshva was reluctant, but Ganapati convinced him and with his permission proceeded to the Asura's abode. He sent his Ankush (Hook) which caught hold of Vighnasura and brought him before Gods. But the Asura assumed many forms like cyclones, flood, fire, etc. Vinayaka destroyed all such mayas (illusions). Finally, when he found that his power and tactics will not succeed, Vighasura fell at the feet of Ganapati and asked for refuge. He requested that Ganapati should take his name along with his own. Vinayaka accepted his request and hence is called as Vighneshvara or Vighnaraja.

This temple is located just off the Pune-Nashik Highway, in the town of Ozhar. It is enclosed on all sides by high stone walls, and its pinnacle is made of gold. The temple is situated on the banks of river Kukadi. Via. Mumbai-Thane-Kalyan-Bapsai-Saralgaon-Otur, Ozhar is 182 Km.