Famous Ganpati Temples in India

The festival of Ganesh Chaturthi which is celebrated in the honour of lord Ganpati happens to be on September 17 this year. Also known as the Vinayaka Chaturthi, the festival is observed in the Hindu calendar month of Bhaadrapada, starting on the shukla chaturthi (fourth day of the waxing moon period). The festivity is a ten-day long extravaganza, which ends on the Anant Chaturdashi (fourteenth day of the waxing moon period).

Today, we list out the most famous Ganpati temples in India. Even if you are away from your home, you can plan your temple visit after checking out our list of famous Ganesh temples in the country. Here take a look at most famous Gajanana abodes:

(PTI photo)

Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai

Perhaps, one of the most famous Ganesh temple in India. We have seen people from all walks of life stand in long queues at wee hours just to get a glimpse of their favourite lord. If you are in Mumbai, don't forget to pay your obeisance to the lord and take his blessings. The entire Maharashtra is immersed in the Ganpati celebrations during this time, as it is one of the most loved festival of the state.

Dodda Ganeshana Gudi, Bangalore

The Dodda Basavana Gudi also known as (the Nandhi Temple) is situated in South Bangalore, Karnataka. The temple is situated inside the a park called Bugle Rock. The temple is known to be the biggest Nandi (bull god, a close lord Shiva) temple in the world. Inside the Nandi temple, there is a Ganpati idol close by. The Nandi image is covered with butter, benne in the local language of Kannada. Dodda Ganesha temple is quite famous amongst the Ganpati lovers.

Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, Chittoor

Located in the Kanipakam, Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh. The swayambhu idol of Kanipakam is known as the up-holder of truth (lord Ganesha). It is believed that people if there are any disputes between people, it gets solved after taking a 'special oath' in the temple. One needs to take a holy dip in the temple tank and swear before the lord. It is taken as gospel truth, reportedly.

Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Temple, Pune

This Ganesh temple sees thousands of pilgrims visit the temple every year. The famous Ganesha temple is also insured for a whopping sum of Rs 10 million.

Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Rockfort

This Ganpati temple is 7th-century old and is located on top of Rockfort, Trichy in Tamil Nadu. The legend has it that this rock is the place where lord Ganesh ran from KingVibishana, after establishing the Ranganathaswamy deity in Srirangam.

Shree Vinayaka Devaru Temple, Idagunji

It is located on the West Coast of India in the Idagunji town in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka. It is reported that as many a million devotees pay their obeisance to the lord every year. It is one of the six famous Ganesha temples on the west Coast of India, often called the 'Ganesha Coast'.

Karpaga Vinayakar Temple, Pillaiyarpatti

This temple is situated in Thiruppatthur at Sivaganga district in Tamil Nadu. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated for 10 days in a full festive mood. Many devotees participate in the famous Car Festival as well.

Ranthambhore Ganesh ji, Rajasthan

On the top of the historic Ranthambhore fort which is about 1000 years old is a Trinetra Ganesha temple. The three-eyed god in is orange in colour and is one of the major tourist attractions.

Ganpatipule, Konkan Coast

This Ganesh temple is located in Ratnagiri district, on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. The 400 year old Ganpati idol at Ganpatipule is said to have sprung up from the soil, reportedly. Interestingly, the lord faces the west, unlike other deities who face the east. Located at the base of a hill, pilgrims walk around (pradakshina) the hill as a mark of respect.

Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Puducherry

This temple is situated in Puducherry and is one of the major tourist attractions. The temple is of considerable antiquity and predates French occupation of the territory.

Madhur Maha Ganapathi Temple, Kasaragod, Kerala

Interestingly, this was initially a Shiva temple, but according to an old legend the Ganpati statue was drawn by a priest's son, a small Brahmin boy, on the walls of the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) while playing. What followed was that the statue of Ganesh became huge and and fat which each passing day. Therefore, the boy called Ganpati as 'boddajja' or 'bodda ganesha'.

 

Sasive Kalu & Kadale kalu Ganeshas, Hampi, Karnataka

The legend has it that one day Lord Ganesha ate so much that his tummy was on the verge of bursting, therefore Ganpati tied a snake around his waist. In the temple idol at Hampi, we can see the snake tied around the lord's tummy. There is also an image of a woman as if she is strapped to Ganesha’s back. It is believed to be symbolizing goddess Parvati as the eternal protector of her son.

Ganesh Tok, Gangtok, Sikkim

Ganesh Tok is situated 7 kms away from Gangtok-Nathula Road. At about 6,500 ft on a hill near the TV tower. The scenic beauty of the place is such that you can take a complete city view from the Ganesh Tok temple.

Moti Doongri Ganesh Temple, Jaipur

This temple is situated in Jaipur. The temple area is perched on a small hill, and is surrounded by an exotic palace. It was built in the early 18th century by Seth Jai Ram Paliwal. It is also one of the major tourist attractions of the pink city.

Mandai Ganapati, Pune

Mandai's Ganesh Mandal is also known as the Akhil Mandai Ganapati. This is one of the most important Ganesh Mandals in Pune. People throng the Mandal during Ganpati festival.

Khade Ganeshji, Kota

This Ganesha temple in Kota, Rajasthan is unique for the idol can be seen standing straight and also for its wish giving and fulfilling powers.

Swayambhu Ganapati, Ganapatipule

This temple is located on a beautiful beach in Maharashtra. The lord which resides here is is also known as Paschim Dwar Devata, or the sentinel at western gate.

Ganpatyar temple, Srinagar

The ancient Ganesh temple in Srinagar, Kashmir is known to all as Ganpatyar. It is situated here Habba Kadal, and beautiful river Jhelum can be seen flowing smoothly from the temple view point.

Shri Subha Siddhi Vinayaka Mandir, New Delhi

This beautiful Ganesh temple is located in Mayur Vihar Phase-, New Delhi. It is one of the most famous Ganesh temples in the country, as people from all walks of life come and visit it throughout the year.

Karunya Mahaganapathi Temple, New Delhi

This famous Gajanana temple is situated in Mayur Vihar Phase-II, New Delhi. The temple is huge and beautifully constructed in typical South Indian interiors. Devotees throng the premises for daily darshan of the lord.  

(Thinkstock Images for representation purpose only.)