The Astvinayak Bike Ride from Airoli is a popular route for adventure enthusiasts and devotees alike. The route is famous for visiting the eight holy temples of Lord Ganesha, collectively known as Astvinayak. The temples are located in and around Pune, and the ride covers a distance of approximately 700 km.
Our journey started from Airoli, Navi Mumbai, on a bright and sunny morning. We hopped on our bikes and set off towards the first temple on our list - the Girijatmaj Temple, located in Lenyadri. The route takes you through scenic views of mountains and forests, making it a perfect adventure for nature lovers. The ride is challenging, as it requires a lot of stamina and endurance to cover such a long distance.
After reaching the temple, we were greeted with a serene atmosphere and a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. Girijatmaj Temple in Lenyadri is believed to have been built during the reign of the Satavahanas and is one of the most visited temples in the region. The temple is carved inside a cave and is believed to be one of the most sacred and powerful places for Lord Ganesha devotees.The next stop on our itinerary was the Vighneshwar Temple, located in Ozar. This temple is believed to have been built during the reign of the Peshwas and is one of the most visited temples in the region. The temple is known for its unique architecture and is believed to be one of the eight sacred temples of Lord Ganesha.
The third and final stop for the day was at Mahaganapati Temple in Ranjangaon. This temple is believed to have been built during the reign of the Peshwas. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and is believed to be the place where Lord Ganesha defeated the demon Tripurasur.
After a long and tiring day, we headed to Pune, where we stayed at our friend's place. We indulged in some delicious local cuisine and exchanged stories about our experiences so far.
We started day 2 early in the morning and headed towards the Siddhivinayak Temple in Siddhatek. This temple is believed to have been built during the Yadava dynasty. The temple is located on the banks of the Bhima River and is surrounded by scenic beauty.
The next stop on our list was the Mayureshwar Temple, located in Morgaon. The temple is believed to be the starting point of the Astvinayak circuit, and Lord Ganesha is worshipped here in his Mayureshwar form. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is believed to be one of the oldest temples in the region.
The Chintamani Temple in Theur was our next destination. This temple is believed to have been built during the reign of the Marathas. The temple is located on the banks of the Mula-Mutha river and is surrounded by scenic beauty. The temple is known for its unique architecture and is believed to be the place where Lord Ganesha took his form as the Chintamani idol.
Our fourth stop was the Ballaleshwar Temple in Pali, which is known for its intricate carvings and serene surroundings and is located in the Raigad district. The temple is named after the devotee Ballal, who is said to have prayed to Lord Ganesha and had his wishes fulfilled.
Our final stop on the Astvinayak circuit was the Varadavinayak Temple in Mahad. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and is believed to be the place where Lord Ganesha fulfilled the wishes of his devotees.
The seventh stop is at Vighnahar Temple in Ozar. This temple is believed to have been built during the reign of the Peshwas and is one of the most visited temples in the region. The temple is located in the Nashik district and is surrounded by scenic beauty.
The Astvinayak Bike Ride from Airoli is a journey that requires a lot of preparation and planning. It is recommended to have a reliable bike, proper safety gear, and sufficient food and water supplies. It is also important to check the weather conditions and road conditions before embarking on the journey.
In conclusion The Astvinayak Bike Ride was an unforgettable experience that took us on a journey of faith, adventure, and discovery. We not only got to explore the spiritual side of Maharashtra but also enjoyed the scenic beauty of the countryside and the warm hospitality of the locals. It is a journey that requires dedication, determination, and endurance, but the experience is worth every bit of effort.
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