Vighneshwar Temple, Ozar

Significance

Vighneshwar, also called Vighnahar, is the seventh temple of the Ashtavinayak circuit. Ganesha is worshipped here as the lord and remover of obstacles. This Ozar is in Junnar taluka of Pune district, on the Kukadi river; it is not the Ozar near Nashik airport.

History and legend

Legend holds that Ganesha defeated Vighnasura, the demon of obstacles, here. The defeated demon asked that Ganesha take his name at this place, so he is worshipped as Vighneshwar.

Chimaji Appa, brother of the Peshwa Baji Rao I, renovated the temple and covered its spire with gold after capturing Vasai fort from the Portuguese.

Before you go

• Lenyadri is close by, and the two are usually visited together.
• Many pilgrims visit Ozar fifth rather than seventh, as it fits the road route better.