Location – The seventh and penultimate temple to be visited is the temple at OZAR, 87km to the north of Pune, in Junnar taluka. OZAR is well connected by road to surrounding areas. The town of Junnar is just about 12 km away. The Ozar Ganpati temple is situated on the banks of the Kukadi river.
The temple legend – As per the Mudgala Purana, Skanda Purana & Tamil Vinayaka Purana, there was once an asur or demon called Vignasur
whose job was to create obstacles in all activities. He had been appointed by Lord Indra to ruin the yagna of King Abhinandana as the latter had
not made any offering to Indra. Vignasur went a step further and started meddling in the religious & spiritual pursuits of sages and other people.
The sages approached Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva for help who said that only Ganpati could tackle this demon. He defeated the demon and
made him promise that he will never trouble the devotees of Ganesha. An understanding was reached that Vigna will be present only in those
places where Ganesha was not worshipped. Thus, Ganesha became the remover of “vigna” or obstacles, hence this form of Ganesha is revered
as Vighnahar or Vighneshwara. He is believed to remove obstacles and problems from the lives of the devotees and give success in all pursuits
of life.
Temple story – The Ozar Ganpati temple is east facing with beautiful sculptures and murals decorating the interiors of the complex. The beautifully carved
gateway, deepmalas and the spacious courtyard add to the charm of the temple. The temple spire was decorated with gold by Chimaji Appa
after he conquered the Vasai fort. The idol is decorated with diamonds, emeralds and other jewels and the images of Riddhi and Siddhi are seen
on either side.
To get Virtual Darshan of Shri Vighneshwara, Ozar – Click Here
To get Virtual Aarti of Shri Vighneshwara, Ozar – Click Here
Things to do around – OZAR Ganpati temple is situated close to Junnar town and the Shivneri fort which is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj
is only 16km away. The famous hill station of Malshej Ghat is just about 40km away from here and makes for a wonderful visit especially during
monsoon season.
Also Read: THE MAHALAXMI TEMPLE | THE SIDDHIVINAYAK TEMPLE
