Visiting Pen Maharashtra: the abode of Lord Ganesha

Pen Ganapati Idol

Many of the Ganapati idols which are sold in Mumbai, Pune and other places in Maharashtra are primarily from the town of Pen, Raigad. In fact, the idol makers from Pen are so well known that even a few NRIs from around the world order their Ganapati idols from Pen! It is not surprising, then, that Pen has got the tag of “Ganesha’s Idol Abode”. Since eons, entire generations of artisan families here have been painstakingly making idols of Lord Ganesha. It is not just a mere business bringing in earnings, but literally a fervent passion.

Haritalika Aarti in Marathi

When Goddess Parvati is worshiped on the day of Haritalika puja, a special aarti is done. 

The Marathi words of the Haritalika puja aarti are as given below

How is Haritalika puja done

Haritalika puja (also referred to as Hartalika puja) is one of the important pujas performed by married women to ask for God's blessings for a happy married life. Today unmarried women too perform this puja to get blessings for a good husband. Specifically, the puja is done of Goddess Parvati. The reason for this lies in the origins of a Hindu mythological legend. In this blog post you will know how the story of hartalika and how to do a simple haritalika puja at home.

Visiting Varad Vinayaka Temple at Mahad

The Varad Vinayaka Temple at Mahad is located in Kolhapur taluka, District Raigad. The fourth temple to be visited by pilgrims on the Ashtavinayak yatra, the Varad Vinayaka Temple here is located approximately 25.65kms from Karjat railway station and is even closer to Khopoli (about 6kms).

Visiting Ballaleshwar Temple Pali on Ashtavinayak Yatra

The Ganapati temple at Pali in Sudhagad taluk, Raigad district is the third halt of devotees on the Ashtavinayak yatra. It is here that the temple dedicated to Shri Ballaleshwar is located. The distrance from Sidhatek to Pali is 222kms & it takes approx 3 ½ hours. 

How the mouse became Lord Ganesha’s vehicle

उंदीर आला ! (a mouse/rat has come!) ~ hearing this, it is not surprising that everybody runs around, trying to get away from this pest. This very pest, though, is the mount of Lord Ganesha and you will always find a mouse at the foot of a Ganapati idol, quietly sitting there. Many temples of Lord Ganesha also have a sculpture of a mouse in front of the temple gates, signifying the mouse as a guardian (one example: the Ganapati Moreshwar temple). 

Do you know why the mouse, considered to be something really horrid, is Ganapati's vehicle ?

Why Durva is offered to Lord Ganesha

Devotees of Lord Ganesha are well aware that 21 durva (दुर्वा) are offered to the Ganapati idol during worship. However, few really know the reason why this durva is offered. There is an interesting mythological legend which tells the reason.