Moreshwar Temple

Shri Moreshwar Mandir, also known as Shri Mayureshwar Mandir is both the starting and ending point of the Ashtavinayak Yatra. Besides being the most important temple in the Ashtavinayak circuit, it is also considered to be India’s foremost Ganesha temple. The temple is situated in the center of Morgaon village and is about 67 km away from Pune.

Built during the reign of the Bahmani Sultanate, the temple is made of black stone and its architecture has a Mughal influence. At the temple’s entrance is a statue of Nandi. The temple’s beautiful idol of Lord Ganesha is seen riding a peacock and is protected by a cobra over its head. The saffron coloured idol’s trunk is turned to the left. It is flanked by the statues of Lord Ganesha’s consorts Riddhi and Siddhi on each side. It is said that Ganapatya Sect’s revered Saint Morya Gosavi started worshipping Lord Ganesha after visiting this temple.