Sri Mahad Ganapthi / Varad Vinayaka Temple
Here Lord Ganesha is Swayambhu
The Sanctum Sanctorum has a Nandadeep, believed to have burned continuously since 1892.
Varadvinayak Temple faces East and has a Varad Vinayak Lake. The Temple is 8 feet long and 8
feet wide.
The first icon of Varad
Vinayak can be seen outside the sanctum.
Presently two icons, one inside the sanctum and one outside the sanctum
can be seen.
The sanctum, made of
stone and encompassed by flawlessly cut stone elephant carvings, houses the
symbol.
A Gomukh is seen on the temple's
north side from which the heavenly water streams. A blessed lake is located on
the west side of the temple.
This temple additionally
has the symbol of Mushika, Navagraha Devtas, and Shivalinga.
During his hunting trip,
Prince Rukmaganda of Koudinyapur stopped at Rishi Vachaknavi’s hermitage. The
Rishi’s wife Mukunda admired the handsome prince and tried to seduce him, but
the righteous Prince refused. But, Lord Indra saw the plight of the lovesick
Mukunda. Therefore, he impersonated Prince Rukmaganda and fulfilled her desire.
Mukunda soon gave birth to a son Gritsamada, who grew up to be a great scholar.
Gritsamada was once invited to debate along with great Rishis. One of the
Rishis refused to debate with Gritsamada as he was not a true Brahmin. A
surprised Gritsamada questioned his mother and learned about his birth. In a
fit of anger, he cursed that she would turn into a thorny plant. Mukunda, in
turn, cursed Gritsamada that he would have a demon child. When the two were
cursing each other, a celestial voice said that Gritsamada was Lord Indra’s
son. A repenting Gritsamada retreated to Pushpak forest and performed penance
to Lord Ganesh. Pleased with his prayers and devotion, Lord Ganesh appeared before
him and granted him a boon. Gritsamada requested that he be recognized as a
Brahmin and also that Lord Ganesh stay in this forest and bless the people.
Hence, Lord Ganesh granted his two wishes and stayed in the forest. So,
Gritsamada called Lord Ganesh Varad Vinayak or the Lord who grants wishes.
It is said that if the
coconut received as prasad during Maghi Chaturthi is consumed, one will be
blessed with a son. Hence the temple is especially full of devotees during
Maghi Utsav.
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