Mayureshwar Ganapati Temple, Morgaon

Mayureshwar Ganapati Temple, also known as Shri Moreshwar Temple, is an important Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, located in Morgaon, Pune district of Maharashtra, India. It is one of the eight iconic Ganesha temples in Maharashtra, known as Ashtavinayakas. The temple is located about 66.3 km from the city of Pune. It is the starting and ending point of the Ashtavinayaka Yatra, a pilgrimage to the eight sacred Ganesha temples in Maharashtra. The temple is known for its unique architecture.

Table of Contents

Why is Mayureshwar Temple famous?
Architecture of Mayureshwar Temple
History of Mayureshwar Temple
Festivals Celebrated at Mayureshwar Temple
Some unique rituals associated with Bhog offerings at Mayureshwar Temple
Significance of Peacock in Mayureshwar Temple
Main Rituals Performed at Mayureshwar Ganpati Temple

Why is Mayureshwar Temple famous?

Mayureshwar Temple is famous for many reasons. It is one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha in Maharashtra, India. The temple is important because it is believed to be the place where Lord Ganesha killed the demon Sindhu. The architecture of the temple is unique, with four gates and four towers, which are believed to symbolise the four ages. The temple is also associated with Morya Gosavi, a prominent saint of the Ganapatya branch, who founded the temple and received patronage from the great Peshwas. The temple is considered the starting point of the Ashtavinayaka Yatra, an important pilgrimage circuit for devotees of Lord Ganesha.

Architecture of Mayureshwar Temple

The Mayureshwar temple is known for its unique architectural features, which include four gates on each side, each of which is adorned with an image of Ganesha. There are also four towers at the corners of the temple, which symbolise the four ages. The main entrance faces the north, and the complex has two deepa sthambhas. Additionally, a six-feet tall rat statue is located right in front of the temple. The architecture of the temple is a mix of Islamic and Indian styles, reflecting the cultural influences of the region.

History of Mayureshwar Temple

The Mayureshwar Temple located in Morgaon, Maharashtra is one of the most important Ashtavinayaka temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple was built during the Bahmani dynasty, starting in 1347 under the rule of Alauddin Hasan. The architecture of the temple is unique, with four minarets and a 50-foot-high wall surrounding it, giving it the appearance of a mosque from a distance. The main entrance has a statue of Lord Shiva's bull Nandi, which is an unusual sight as Nandi is usually found in front of Shiva temples. The temple has a 6-foot-high rat statue and has a statue of Lord Ganesha riding a peacock, known as Mayureshwar. This form of Ganesha is believed to have killed the demon Sindhu at this place. This temple is considered the first on the Ashtavinayaka Yatra pilgrimage route and is spiritually and culturally significant for worshippers of Lord Ganesha.

Festivals Celebrated at Mayureshwar Temple

Ganesh Jayanti: This festival marks the birthday of Lord Ganesha, which is celebrated on the fourth day of the Magha month of the Hindu calendar. Thousands of devotees gather at the temple to pay homage to Lord Ganesha, and a procession with decorated palanquins is taken out on the occasion.

Ganesh Chaturthi: This is a major festival of the temple, usually celebrated in the Bhadrapad month of the Hindu calendar. It is an important celebration that lasts for more than a month.

Vijayadashami: This festival is another major event of the temple, celebrated in September or October, this festival comes after Navratri and is celebrated with great pomp at the temple.
Peacock holds great importance in Mayureshwar Temple

Vahan of Ganesha: Lord Ganesha is shown riding a peacock in the temple, which is his vehicle. This is a unique feature compared to his usual vehicle, the mouse.

Some unique rituals associated with Bhog offerings at Mayureshwar Temple

Bhog offerings: An important part of the worship and offerings made to Lord Ganesha at Mayureshwar Temple is the bhog. It is a traditional offering of food to the deity, which is generally a sweet dish.

Rituals: The main rituals performed at the temple include Abhishek (bathing the idol with water, milk, honey, etc.), Panchamrit (offering five nectars), Naivedya (offering food), Aarti (lighting lamps) and Pradakshina (circumambulation).

Special rituals: Devotees can perform special rituals like Sankashti Chaturthi (fasting on the fourth day after the full moon), Angarki Chaturthi (fasting on the fourth day after the new moon which falls on Tuesday), Ganesh Chaturthi (Lord Ganesha's birthday) and Magh Shukla Chaturthi (temple anniversary).

Food offerings: Bhog is offered with much pomp and festivity, and served with joyous bhaav for the ananda (pleasure) of the deity. Special mantras are chanted, flowers and incense are used to create an atmosphere, and bells are rung.

Significance of peacock in Mayureshwar temple

The name "Mayureshwar" or "Moreshwar" literally means "Lord of the Peacock" in Sanskrit. The name reflects the connection between Ganesha and the peacock, which is a symbol of beauty, prosperity and good fortune.

Local connection: The village of Morgaon, where the temple is located, is said to have had peacocks in abundance in ancient times. This local connection with the bird has influenced the name of the temple and the depiction of Ganesha on a peacock.

Symbolism: The peacock is often associated with the qualities of beauty, prosperity and good fortune. These qualities are also ascribed to Ganesha, who is worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the god of prosperity.

Main rituals performed at Mayureshwar Ganpati Temple

The darshan timings of temple is 5:00 am to 10:00 pm

Prakshal Puja: This puja is performed daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm, in which the idol is purified with water and other offerings.

Shodashopachara Puja: This puja is performed twice a day, once at 7:00 am and once at 12:00 noon. It involves offering traditional offerings of 16 items, including flowers, fruits and other items, to the idol.

Panchopchar Puja: This puja is performed at 8:00 pm. It involves offering five nectars (panchamrit) to the idol, which includes water, milk, honey, curd and ghee.

Aarti: This aarti is performed at 7:30 pm, in which lamps and other offerings are offered to the idol.

Sheja Aarti: These are performed at various times of the day, including the 7:30 pm aarti.