Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles and harbinger of success, is worshipped across India in countless forms. From coastal shrines to hilltop sanctuaries, each temple has its own unique story, traditions, and spiritual significance. Here’s a curated list of 10 famous Ganesha temples in India every devotee should know about.
1. Siddhivinayak Temple – Mumbai, Maharashtra
One of the most revered Ganesha shrines in India, the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai’s Prabhadevi was originally built in 1801 by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil. The sanctum houses a black stone idol of Ganesha with a rare right-turned trunk and four arms, making it a powerful wish-fulfilling deity.
- Highlights: Kakad-Aarti at 5:30 AM; Shejaarti at night; Tuesdays are especially auspicious.
- Offerings: Laddus and coconuts.
- Darshan Hours: 5:30 AM–12:00 PM; 12:30 PM–8:00 PM daily.
- Address: SK Bole Rd, Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400028.
2. Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Temple – Kanipakam, Andhra Pradesh
Located in the Chittoor district, this 11th-century Chola temple enshrines a Svayambhu (self-manifested) Ganesha idol inside a well. According to legend, three disabled brothers discovered the idol, which was knee-deep in water. Even today, devotees pour milk, which miraculously turns into water in the tank.
- Highlights: Idol is believed to grow in size over time.
- Festivals: Sankatahara Ganapati Vratham and Ganesh Chaturthi are celebrated grandly.
- Darshan Hours: 6:00 AM onwards with breaks (till 9:00 PM).
- Address: Sri Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple, Kanipakam Village, Irala Mandal, Chittoor District, Andhra Pradesh.
3. Ucchi Pillayar Temple – Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
Perched atop the 273-foot Rock Fort in Trichy, this 7th-century temple offers a breathtaking view of the city. Legend says Ganesha ran here to guard the installation of Lord Ranganatha and stayed on the hilltop. To reach the sanctum, devotees climb 417 stone steps.
- Highlights: Pray first at the Manikka Vinayagar Temple at the base before climbing.
- Festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri with special processions.
- Darshan Hours: 6:00 AM–8:00 PM daily
- Address: 51, Ucchi Pillaiyar Temple, Chinna Kadai St, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu 620002.
4. Trinetra Ganesh Temple – Ranthambore, Rajasthan
Inside the UNESCO World Heritage Ranthambore Fort, this temple dates back to 1300 AD and was built by King Hammir. It houses a unique three-eyed (Trinetra) Ganesha idol along with his entire family.
- Rituals: Five daily aartis – 6:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM
- Special Feature: Dispels “Tri-Gunas” (threefold obstacles).
- Darshan Hours: 5:00 AM–10:00 PM daily.
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Address: Ranthambore Trinetra Ganesh Temple, Sawai Madhopur
Rajasthan – 322021.
5. Ganpatipule Temple – Ratnagiri, Maharashtra
On the scenic Konkan coast, this shrine is home to a Swayambhu idol carved out of white sand. The temple is one of the Ashta Ganapatis (Eight Sacred Ganesha Shrines) and is revered as the Western Sentinel (Paschim Dwar Devata).
- Highlights: Idol is believed to emerge from the earth and grow over time.
- Festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi and Magh Utsav (Jan–Feb).
- Darshan Hours: 5:00 AM–9:00 PM daily.
- Address: Ganpatipule, Maharashtra 415615.
6. Karpaga Vinayagar Temple – Pillaiyarpatti, Tamil Nadu
One of South India’s oldest Ganesha temples, this shrine features a 6-foot rock-cut idol dating to the 7th century CE. Unlike most Ganesha forms, this one has two arms and a right-curved trunk.
- Tradition: Worship the Navagraha shrines within the complex.
- Special Feature: Associated with the Tamil saint Appar.
- Darshan Hours: 6:00 AM–1:30 PM; 4:00 PM–8:30 PM daily.
- Address: P.K.NK.TRUST, Koil Road, Koothadipatti, Pillayarpatti, Tamil Nadu 630207.
7. Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple – Jaipur, Rajasthan
Built in 1761 at the base of Moti Dungri Hill, this temple resembles a Scottish castle. The 500-year-old idol, brought from Gujarat, is coated with vermilion and features a left-curved trunk, considered highly auspicious.
- Highlights: Weekly Wednesday fair; three domes symbolizing harmony among Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims.
- Darshan Hours: 5:30 AM–1:30 PM; 4:30 PM–9:00 PM daily.
- Address: Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, near Birla Temple, Tilak Nagar, Jaipur, Rajasthan 302004.
8. Sree Kottarakkara Ganapathy Temple – Kollam, Kerala
A classic Kerala-style temple from the 16th century, where Ganesha is carved from jackfruit wood by the legendary carpenter Perumthachan. The temple is famous for its unique Unniyappam prasadam.
- Highlights: Elaborate 1008-coconut homam during Vinayaka Chaturthi.
- Darshan Hours: 4:00 AM–11:30 AM; 5:00 PM–8:00 PM daily.
- Address: Chenthara, Kottarakkara, Kerala 691506.
9. Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Temple – Puducherry
A vibrant 500-year-old Tamil temple, this shrine is famous for the legend of the idol returning from the sea after being thrown away by French colonists. Today, the temple dazzles with gold-plated chariots and pillars.
- Special Feature: An elephant named Lakshmi blesses devotees daily between 4:00–8:00 PM.
- Darshan Hours: 5:45 AM–12:30 PM; 4:00 PM–9:30 PM daily.
- Address: R. Manakkula Vinayagar St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001.
10. Sri Idagunji Maha Ganapati Temple – Uttara Kannada, Karnataka
Dating back to the 4th–5th century CE, this temple enshrines a rare two-armed, two-tusked Ganesha idol holding a lotus and sweet. It is one of the six holy Ganesh Coast temples along India’s western seashore.
- Significance: Draws 1 million devotees annually; particularly busy during Sankashti Chaturthi.
- Darshan Hours: 7:00 AM–12:00 PM; 4:00 PM–9:00 PM daily.
- Address: Idagunji Rd, Idagunji Katri, Melin-Idgunji, Karnataka 581423.
