Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali

Significance

Ballaleshwar is the third temple of the Ashtavinayak circuit and the only Ganesha temple known by the name of a devotee.

History and legend

Legend tells of Ballal, a merchant’s son in Pali, who led the village children in worshipping a large stone as Ganesha, so absorbed that they forgot to come home. Ganesha, pleased with the boy’s devotion, is said to have stayed here in his name.

The original wooden temple was built in 1640 and replaced with a stone temple in 1760. It faces east, placed so that the rising sun falls on the murti. A bell in the temple is said to have been brought back by Chimaji Appa after his victory over the Portuguese.

Before you go

• Pali is on the Konkan side of the Sahyadris; the monsoon is heavy from June to September.
• Varadvinayak at Mahad, near Khopoli, is usually visited next.