Some people refer to him as ‘Ganesha,’ others as ‘Ekadanta,’ and still others as ‘Vinayaka.’ The most cherished deity among Hindus, ‘Lord Ganapati,’ is known for bringing joy and prosperity even to the most despondent souls. The elephant-headed god, son of Shiva and Parvati, is revered as the lord of good fortune, success, education, knowledge, wisdom, and wealth, and as the remover of obstacles. He holds a supreme place among Hindu gods and is always honored first, whether for special occasions like weddings, the birth of a child, or new beginnings. Numerous ancient temples in India, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, are so revered that worshipers flock to them. Here is a list of 12 of the most ancient and beautiful Ganapati temples in India that are worth visiting on your spiritual journey through the country.
# Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, MumbaiThis grand temple is one of India's most renowned Ganapati temples, drawing large crowds of tourists daily, particularly during Ganesh Chaturthi. Built by contractor Laxman Vithu Patil for a childless woman, it was believed that it would bless other childless women as well. Many celebrities and prominent figures visit this ancient temple to offer their prayers. Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, the Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir is especially picturesque at night when it is illuminated with lights and adorned with flowers. Recently, it earned the ‘Best Trust Award’ for its contributions to human welfare and social initiatives.
# Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, PuneRanked as the second most popular temple in Maharashtra after Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple in Pune attracts visitors from across the country. Known for its intricate designs and the Golden idol, it is a highlight of the temple. The temple was founded by Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai, a sweet-maker, in memory of his son who died of plague. Managed by the Halwai Ganapati Trust, the temple is particularly beautiful during Ganeshotsava when it is decorated with lights and flowers.
# Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, ChittoorLocated about 75 kilometers from Tirupati in Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh, the Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple is one of the most historic Ganapati temples in India, renowned for its ancient architecture and detailed design. Visitors come from across the country to pray to Lord Ganesha, whose idol features three colors on its forehead: white, yellow, and red. Built by Chola King Kulothings Chola I in the 11th century to resolve disputes and eradicate evil, the temple's holy water is believed to cure skin diseases and other ailments. Brahmotsavam, celebrated during Vinayaka Chaturthi, is the main festival here.
# Manakula Vinayagar Temple, PondicherryConstructed during the French era in Pondicherry, the Manakula Vinayagar Temple dates back to 1666. Named after a pond (Kulam) that used to be in the temple area, it is famed for its idol of Ganesha, which reportedly reappears daily despite being thrown into the sea multiple times. The idol remains in the same spot at the heart of the French Colony. Brahmotsava and Ganesh Chaturthi are major festivals celebrated here with great enthusiasm. Visitors can also offer a coin to the temple's elephant for a blessing.
# Madhur Mahaganapathi Temple, KeralaDating back to the 10th century, the Madhur Mahaganapathi Temple is situated on the banks of the Madhuvahini River in Kasaragod, Kerala. Built by the Mypadi Rajas of Kumbla, this temple is known for its architectural beauty and the unique material of its Lord Ganesha idol. The temple, which also honors Lord Shiva, is famous for a legend involving Tipu Sultan, who once intended to destroy the temple but changed his mind. The temple pond is believed to have medicinal properties. The Moodappa Seva festival involves covering Lord Ganapati’s idol with a mixture of sweet rice and ghee called Moodappam.
# Ranthambore Ganesh Temple, RajasthanPart of the Ranthambore National Park, the Ranthambore Ganesh Temple is a major attraction for both pilgrims and tourists. It is dedicated to ‘Trinetra Ganesh,’ the three-eyed deity located atop a 1000-year-old fort. The temple is so well-regarded that people send wedding invitations and other mail to seek blessings from the god. It is believed that the temple received an invite to Lord Krishna and Rukmani’s wedding. The temple sees around one million visitors during Ganesh Mela, which takes place every year during Ganesh Chaturthi.
# Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, JaipurConstructed in the 18th century by Seth Jai Ram Paliwal, the Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple in Jaipur is located on a small hill and is a significant religious site. The temple, which is a major tourist attraction, is known for its intricate stone carvings and exquisite lattice work. Adjacent to the temple is the Moti Dungri Palace, formerly belonging to Rajmata Gayatri Devi. The temple is especially popular during Ganesh Chaturthi.
# Ganesh Tok Temple, GangtokIn a predominantly Buddhist region, the Ganesh Tok Temple in Gangtok stands out as a unique shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesh. Located on a hill near the Gangtok TV Tower, it offers stunning views of lush green valleys and Mount Khangchendzonga. The temple is a popular destination for visitors seeking blessings from the god of good fortune.
# Ganpatipule Temple, Ratnagiri, MaharashtraThe Ganpatipule Temple in Ratnagiri is notable for its Ganesh idol, which faces west rather than east. According to local legend, a cow's milk ceased at a particular spot on the reef, where a stone with the image of Lord Ganesha appeared. The spot was declared holy, and the temple was established there. The temple is designed so that sunlight directly illuminates the idol during February and November.
# Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Koil Temple, Tamil NaduPerched on a hill in Tiruchirappalli, the Rockfort Ucchi Pillayar Koil Temple is significant in Hindu tradition. The temple's origin story involves Lord Ram's gift of an idol of Lord Ranganatha to Vibhishana. To prevent Vibhishana from taking the idol to Lanka, Lord Ganesha appeared and placed the idol on the riverbank. The place where Vibhishana struck Ganesha became the Ucchi Pillayar Temple, while the idol’s original location became the Sri Ranganatha Swamy Temple.
# Karpaga Vinayagar Temple, Pillaiyarpatti, Tamil NaduOne of Tamil Nadu's oldest temples, the Karpaga Vinayagar Temple is approximately 1600 years old. Carved out of a cave, it features a six-foot idol of Lord Ganesha, which is highly regarded for its beauty and intricate adornments. Built by the Pandya Kings, the temple is known for its unique architecture and detailed design. The Ganesha Chaturthi festival is celebrated here with great enthusiasm.
# Sasivekalu & Kadale Kalu Ganesha Temple, Hampi, KarnatakaThe Sasivekalu & Kadale Kalu Ganesha Temple in Hampi, once the capital of the Vijayanagar Empire, is famous for its large Ganesha statues dating back to 1440 AD. The Kadale Kalu Ganesh idol is known for a crack that resembles a gram seed, a result of damage caused by the Deccan Sultanate troops who believed it contained jewels.