Chintamani Temple, Theur

Significance

Chintamani is the fifth temple of the Ashtavinayak circuit and one of the larger and better known. It stands near the confluence of the Bhima and the Mula-Mutha rivers, in Haveli taluka of Pune district.

History and legend

The temple legend tells how Ganesha recovered the wish-granting jewel, the Chintamani, from the greedy king Gana, who had taken it from the sage Kapila. Ganesha is also said to have calmed the troubled mind of Brahma, who meditated on him here.

The temple is associated with the Ganapatya saint Morya Gosavi. It was dear to the Peshwa Madhavrao I, who renovated and extended it, and who died at Theur in 1772.

Before you go

• Theur is the closest Ashtavinayak temple to Pune and makes an easy half-day trip.
• Although it is fifth in the traditional order, many pilgrims visit it second, after Morgaon.