Mayureshwar Temple Pune, one of the eight Ashtavinayak
Temples in Maharashtra, it’s located on Karha River in Morgaon village about 64
km south-east of Pune, en-route to Aurangabad in Maharashtra. One of the most
important Ashtavinayaka Temples of Ganapathi, Morgaon Moreshwar Temple
enshrines the idol of Moreshwar, a swayambhu (self-incarnated) form of Lord
Ganesh.
Moreshwar is three eyed and is depicted in sitting posture,
facing east with lord’s trunk turning left and fouled with vermillion mixed in
oil. It is believed that this layer of vermilion falls down on its own every
100 or 150 years and reveals the actual idol. Diamonds are fixed in the eyes
and navel. The fangs of Nagaraja (King of Snakes) are seen on his head. The
brass idols of Siddhi (Capability) and Buddhi (Intelligence), who are said to
be the consorts of Mayureshwar Vinayak, are to his left and right. Mooshika
(Rat) and Mayura (peacock) stand in front of the idol. It is said that the
original small idol, made up of atoms of sand, iron and diamonds, was
consecrated by Lord Brahma twice. This was supposedly enclosed in a copper
sheet by the Pandavas of Mahabharata and placed behind the idol which is now
worshiped.
The idol of ‘Nagnabhairava’ on the left side of the main deity
is worshipped first and offered with coconut and jaggery before worshipping
Mayureshwar Vinayaka.
Morgaon Mayureshwara Architecture
Moregaon Mayureshwar Temple faces towards the north and is
in the center of Morgaon village, resembling a small fortress. It comprises a
dome, surrounded by a 50 feet high enclosure and decorated with four pillars in
each corners and exposes an image of a Mosque when seen from a distance. A big
Nandi (Lord Shiva's bull mount), made up of black stone, is sitting in front of
main gate and facing towards Mayureshwara.
The temple, made up of black-stone during the Bahamani
regime, has four gates. In the eastern gate is the idol of Lakshminarayana, a
giver of Dharma. In the Southern gate are Goddess Parvati and Shiva Shankar, givers
of Artha (desired goals). Rati and Kama (desires/wishes) reside in the western
gate. In the northern gate resides Mahivaraha (the god of Earth and Sun
combined). In the eight corners of the temple, there are eight statues of Lord
Ganesha, called Ekdanta, Mahodar, Gajanana, Lambodar, Mahodara, Vikata,
Vignaraja, Dhumravarna and Vakratunda.
History of Moreshwar
Ganpati
An evil demon named Sindhu, who was very powerful by
worshipping Lord Surya (the Sun God), was attacking the gods and imprisoning
them. In response to the pleas of the gods, Lord Ganesh came down to Earth on a
peacock mount, fought a battle against the demon and defeated him. This is the
place where the head of Sindhu fell. Hence Lord Ganesh assumed the name
Mayureshwar or Moreshwar.
Also known as the Bhuswananda, the village is shaped as a
peacock. There used to be a lot of peacocks in this village during ancient
time, and is therefore known as Morgaon, the Marathi name of the bird peacock.
Temple Puja Timings
Morgaon Temple opens daily from 5 AM to 10 PM.
Prakshal Puja is the first pooja of the day at 5 AM
including the jala abhishek and flower offerings.
Shodoshpchar Puja is conducted twice a day at 7 AM and 12
PM. Ganpati Atharvashirsha is recited these times.
Panchopchar Puja is performed at 8 PM.
The temple closes after the Shejarti at 10 p.m.
Naivedya (Holy Dish) is offered to the deity thrice a day,
including, Khichadi (made of Rice) in the morning; full meal with sweets in the
afternoon; and milk and rice at night.
Mayureshwar Temple
Festivals
Ganesha Chaturthi is one of the most popular festivals
celebrated here. Other major festivals observed are Bhadrapad Shuddh Chaturthi
and Magh Shuddh Chaturthi.
Vijaya Dashami is also celebrated with much importance. On
the night of Vijayadashmi the idol of Moreshwar is taken in procession around
the village.
On Magh Shuddh Panchami day, Anna santarpana is observed.
During this time, food is collected from every house of the village and the
food offering is prepared. This is distributed among all the devotees.
How to reach
Mayureshwar Ashtavinayak Temple
Morgaon is about 79 km from Pune via the village Chaufala on
the Pune – Solapur National Highway. There are daily buses, trains and flights
between Mumbai and Pune.
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