Ashtavinayaka Tour - Ballaleshwara Temple Story

The third Ashtavinayaka is called Shri Ballaleshwar. The temple is located at the location called Pali, a town off the Mumbai-Pune highway.

Shri Balleshwar’s structure resembles that of the mountain just behind the temple. The idol is studded with jewels in the eyes and the navel. The temple hall consists of 8 carved pillars which represent 8 directions. It is said that the temple is constructed in such a way that the after the winter solstice, the sunrays falls on the Ganesha idol after sunrise.

                              

                                            Mountain that resembles Lord Ballaleshwara

Another unique thing about this temple is that the offerings made to the Lord is not the usual Modaka but Besan Laddu.

Legends narrate the story of Ballaleshwar as follows :

Kalyanseth, a merchant and his wife were childless for a long time. After some years, they had a son, who was named Ballal. Ballal was a huge devotee of Lord Ganesha and used to worship with utmost devotion. He used to go to forests and along with his friends worship Ganesha idols.

Sometimes, as they were late in coming home from forests, his friends parents complaint to Ballal’s father. His father was anyways angry on his son for not concentrating on his studies. In a fit of rage, he went to the forest and threw Ganesha idol into the river. He destroyed the Puja materials too. Seeing this, Ballal’s friends ran away but Ballal was so engrossed in his puja that he did not even notice what is happening around.

His father beat him profusely and tied him to a tree and asked him to call Lord Ganesha and ask him to free him, if he is so powerful and then went home.

It is said that in the utmost pain, Ballal called Lord Ganesha for help. The Lord immediately appeared before him and hugged his devotee. And blessed him with superior life and lifespan.

It is said that the idol which Ballal’s father had thrown into the river is presently called Dhundi Vinayaka. This temple is just behind the Ballaleshwar temple. And from ancient times, devotees first visit the Dhundi Vinayaka before going to Ballaleshwara temple.