AshtaVinayak2-Shri Chintamani - Theur

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This is one of the most famous Ashtavinayaka temples. It is situated on the

banks of River Mula-Mutha which flows through the city of Pune. Theur is only

22 Kms. from Pune and even city buses go to this place. The temple's main gate

is facing north but the idol of Ganesha is facing east. This is a big temple,

originally built by Gosavi Moraya and then renovated during the period of

Madhavrao Peshva. Madhavrao was a great devotee of Ganesha and he used to

worship at this temple before proceeding for any battle and also after

returning from his battles. Chimajee Appa, another warrior and brother of

Bajirao Peshva had brought a few church bells from Vasai after defeating the

Portugese and one of the bells was installed here. On the Ghats of the river

near the temple, Ramabai the queen of Madhavrao Reshva had committed 'SATI' on

the funeral pyre of her husband when the latter died. As such, this temple is

of historic importance also. All secret

meetings of the Maratha rulers used to take place here during the Peshva period.

There are two or three legends about this temple and the name Chintamani given

to Lord Ganesha. One of them goes as under Prince Gana, the son of king

Abhijeet, was a brave warrior but was very short tempered. Once he went to

Kapil Rishi where he saw a diamond named Chintamani. It was a magic diamond and

the power to bring forth anything that the possessor wanted. Gana wanted this

diamond; and when the rishi refused it, he snatched it from him. Kapil Rishi

worshipped Vinayaka who was pleased with him and promised to get back the

diamond from Gana. Vinayaka destroyed Gana and got back the diamond. By that

time Kapil had lost all desire for the diamond. It was not taken by kapil

Rishi, but instead he wanted Ganeshji to stay there. Ganeshji took up the name

of this diamond and remained there under a Kadamb tree and came to be known as

Chintamani Vinayaka.

The village was known as Kadamb tirth.

regards,

lasersuper-siddhesh

 

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