The abundance of temples devoted to numerous gods and goddesses is well-known in India, a country of spirituality and religious variety. Lord Ganesh, the adored elephant-headed god, is among them and has a particular place in the hearts of millions of worshippers.
While renowned Ganesh temples like Siddhivinayak in Mumbai and Lalbaugcha Raja in Mumbai are well-known, there are other lesser-known Ganesh temples hidden in distant parts of the country, ready to be found by dedicated worshippers and history enthusiasts alike.
Some Hidden and Unexplored Temples of Lord Ganesha
1. Panchamukhi Ganesha Temple, Khedbrahma, Gujarat
This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha in his Panchamukhi (five-faced) form and is located in the town of Khedbrahma in Gujarat’s Sabarkantha district. It is one of the few temples in India where Lord Ganesha is represented with five heads, each signifying one of his five characteristics of wisdom, peace, prosperity, love, and righteousness.
2. Shri Mahaganapati Temple, Goa
The Shri Mahaganapati Temple, located in the Goa town of Marcel, is a hidden gem dedicated to Lord Ganesh. The Shri Mahaganapati Temple temple is said to be around 500 years old and is known for its unique and distinctive design which includes a dome-shaped roof resembling a pagoda. The temple is covered by magnificent scenery, making it a peaceful place for people to pray. The traditional Ganesh Chaturthi celebration is held with great zeal at this temple, attracting people from all around.
3. Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Tamil Nadu
Ucchi Pillayar Temple, located on top of a hill near Trichy, Tamil Nadu, is a hidden Lord Ganesh temple with magnificent views. The temple is carved out of a rock and needs a 400-step climb to reach the summit. The effort, however, is worthwhile because the temple provides stunning views of the city, the iconic Rock Fort Temple, and the Kaveri River running through the plains. Both visitors and worshippers should visit the temple because of its scenic beauty, quiet atmosphere, and stunning views.
4. Ganpatipule Temple, Maharashtra
Ganpatipule Temple is a hidden gem among beautiful beaches and greenery hills on Maharashtra’s scenic Konkan coastline. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh and is recognized for its serene atmosphere and breathtaking setting. Lord Ganesh’s statue is considered a naturally formed rock of a pule tree, and the temple is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. The seashore close to the temple is also considered sacred and is a popular tourist and pilgrim attraction.
5. Ganesh Tok, Sikkim
Ganesh Tok is a unique temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh which is situated in Sikkim. Ganesh Tok, located at an elevation of 6,500 feet, provides amazing views of the spectacular snow-capped mountains and the scenic environment of Sikkim. The temple is tiny and charming, with a peaceful atmosphere, and is well-known for its unusual setting and breathtaking views. Devotees and visitors alike visit this hidden gem to seek Lord Ganesh’s blessings and to take in the peaceful majesty of the Himalayas.
6. Karpaga Vinayagar Temple, Kerala
Kerala’s Karpaga Vinayagar Temple is claimed to be one of the state’s oldest Ganesh temples, going back centuries. The temple is famous for its one-of-a-kind Lord Ganesh idol, which is fashioned from a rare black stone and is said to have revealed itself. The temple is known for its serene settings, stunning sculptures, and peaceful natural surroundings which makes it an ideal place for meditation and praying.
7. Ganesha Ratha Temple, Karnataka
Ganesha Ratha Temple, located in the Hampi in Karnataka, is a hidden gem dedicated to Lord Ganesh. The fact that this temple is a part of the renowned Virupaksha Temple complex makes it distinct from other temples. The temple is carved from a single granite rock and is shaped like a chariot with wheels, displaying the excellent craftsmanship of the Vijayanagara Empire. The chariot houses Lord Ganesh’s statue, and the temple is noted for its beautiful architecture and historical significance.
8. Puliakulam Temple, Tamil Nadu
Puliakulam Temple is a Hindu temple in the Puliakulam locality of Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. It is devoted to the Ganesha-like divinity Munthi Vinayagar. The temple is home to the biggest Vinayagar idol on the Asian Continent. The statue is the biggest Vinayagar statue on the Asian Continent. The figure was carved from a massive granite rock near Uthukuli. The statue stands 19 feet tall and weighs around 190 tonnes.
9. Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple is a lesser-known yet popular Lord Ganesh temple in Kanipakam, Andhra Pradesh’s Chittoor district. The Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy temple is famous for its unique Lord Ganesh statue, which is said to be a self-manifest idol that originated from the earth on its own. Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings for their physical and spiritual well-being and Varasidhi Vinayaka Swamy temple is also known for its healing qualities.
10. Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple, Maharashtra
Ballaleshwar Pali Ganpati Temple, located in the charming town of Pali in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, is thought to be one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples devoted to Lord Ganesh. This temple is special since it is the only Ashtavinayak temple where Lord Ganesh is known by his devotee’s name, Ballal. The temple, which was built in the 17th century, is famous for its beautiful carvings and medieval architecture.
11. Sasivekalu & Kadale Kalu Ganesha Temple, Karnataka
One of the most popular sights in Hampi, which was once the famous capital of the Vijaynagar Empire, is the Sasivekalu & Kadale Kalu Ganesha Temple. This temple houses two rare Lord Ganesha statues dating back to 1440 AD, as well as countless representations of other deities that are also quite old. The sculptures of Lord Ganesha here are thought to be the biggest in Karnataka.
12. Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, Jaipur
Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple in Jaipur was built in the 18th century by Seth Jai Ram Paliwal to seek Lord Ganesha’s blessings before any important occasion. The exotic ‘Moti Dungri Palace’, which belonged to Rajmata Gaytri Devi, is also located in the same region as a holy place. The delicate stone carving and excellent gridwork in the temple make it a must-see destination for travelers, particularly history and art enthusiasts. The primary event observed in this season is Ganesh Chaturthi.
13. Ranthambore Ganesh Temple, Rajasthan
The religious travelers go to Ranthambore National Park to seek the blessings of the three-eyed god known as ‘Trinetra Ganesh,’ which is located in Ranthambore’s ancient 1000-year-old fort. This temple is so popular that people from all over the nation send letters and wedding cards to the deity to get his blessings and love. It is claimed that the temple received Lord Krishna and Rukmani’s wedding invitations thousands of years ago, and since then, people have sent their wedding invitations to the god. Ranthambore Ganesh Temple is around 6500 years old.
14. Madhur Mahaganapathi Temple, Kerala
This temple is located in Kasaragod, Kerala, on the banks of the Madhuvahini River. It is the temple that has an idol of Lord Ganesha made with some material other than stone or soil. The primary deity of this temple is Lord Shiva, but the uniqueness of the Lord Ganesha statue makes it famous among tourists. The temple has a pond that is thought to have therapeutic and healing characteristics that can treat anyone suffering from skin ailment or other unusual diseases. Moodappa Seva is a particular celebration held here in which the statue of Lord Ganapati is coated with Moodappam, a delicious rice and ghee combination.
15. Manakula Vinayagar Temple, Pondicherry
Manakula Vinayagar Temple is located in Pondicherry and dates back to 1666. The Ganesha statue here is said to have been thrown into the sea countless times, yet it emerges in the same spot every day, making the location popular among believers. The idol remains in the same location in the center of the French colony to this day. The two most prominent temple festivals, Brahmotsava and Ganesh Chaturthi are celebrated with great zeal, enthusiasm, and devotion by the people of Pondicherry. The temple has an elephant, visitors offer a coin in exchange for a blessing pat on the head through his trunk.
16. Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune
Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple is the second most popular temple in Maharashtra after Shree Sidhivinayak Temple. The temple trust is one of the wealthiest in India and is known for its intricate decorations and its Golden idol, which is seen to be the most attractive aspect of the temple. The Halwai Ganapati Trust manages the temple, which appears at its finest during Ganeshotsava when the idol is all decorated and decked up with lights and flowers.
17. Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
This beautiful temple is one of India’s most famous Ganapati temples, with a great number of tourists visiting every day, particularly around Ganesh Chaturthi. Many celebrities and well-known people come to this old temple to worship the elephant deity. The Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir, located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, looks most pretty at night when the temple complex is decked with lights and flowers. The temple just received the ‘Best Trust Award’ for its efforts in human welfare and charitable actions.
18. Kalamassery Mahaganapathy Temple, Kerala
Kalamassery Mahaganapathy Temple is located in Kerala. This temple also has the idols of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Lord Rama. This temple, built by Raghunath Menon, is the result of a simple man’s love and faith. Pilgrims gather to participate in the Ashta Dravya Maha Ganapathy Havana. The temple also hosts Aanayoottu on the first day of the month following the Malayalam calendar. Gajapuja takes place every four years. Because the temple is so basic and adjacent to the road, pilgrims affectionately refer to it as Roadside Ganpathy.
19. Ganapathy Agraharam, Thiruvaiyaru, Tamil Nadu
This ancient Ganapathy temple is dedicated to Ganesha and is located 12 km from Thiruvaiyaru. It’s a beautiful temple with wonderful sculptures. The temple also has remarkable sculptures and bronze idols and interesting idols of half-Ganesha and half-Hanuman. Such an idol is one-of-a-kind and so beautiful that no one should ever miss it.
20. Achu Muri Vinayagar of Achirupakkam
When Lord Shiva went out to burn the Tripuras, Tarakasura’s three mythic cities, he failed to serve Lord Ganesha, who must be worshipped before undertaking any new job. Lord Ganesha smashed the axle of his father’s chariot to remind his father and the world of this. Axle is referred to as Achu in Tamil, and Muri means breaking. Before proceeding with his quest, Lord Shiva built a Ganesha at the location where the axle snapped and worshipped him. This Ganesha is known as Achu Muri Vinayakar, and the location is known as Achirupakkam (the location where the axle was broken).
21. Musical Ganeshas, Kanchipuram
Musical Ganeshas temple has been there for nearly a thousand years. The Lord Ganesha is portrayed in a separate shrine, his head tilted to one side, swaying and enjoying the melodies of different concerts performed before him over time. Several well-known vocalists from the past, as well as aspiring singers from today, have performed before him to advance in their musical careers.
22. The Shri Gopal Ganapati Temple, Goa
This Ganesha temple is located in Fermagude which is around 26 km from Panjim. This temple is beautifully maintained and boasts a lovely deepasthmabha (a multi-tiered lamp post) in front, as well as brilliant and attractive flooring engraved with the Radhe Krishna symbol. There are dwarapalakas on either side of the sanctuary that is silver adorned along with the Ganesha statue.
23. Ekadasha Swayambu Ganapathis of Shenbakkam, Vellore
Shenbakkam is located in Vellore, near the Chennai-Bangalore Highway. This location is well-known for its Madvaite Saints’ Navabrindavanam and Ekadasa Swayambu Ganapathis. The area was once known as Swayampakkam, after the Swayambu Ganeshas. It is now known as Shenbakkam. Once upon a time, a Maharashtrian Minister named Thukoji was riding when his chariot collided with something in the dark and the axle broke, forcing him to spend the night there. In his dream, he was shown eleven naturally formed Ganeshas grouped underground in the shape of Om, and he joyfully erected a temple after digging them.
24. Khajrana Ganesh Temple, Indore
The Khajrana Ganesh Temple may be found in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. It is a well-known temple constructed of bricks, jaggery, limestone, mud, dirt, water, and other raw materials utilized in the production of Lord Ganesha’s statue. The temple, known for its religious views, receives the most visitors in the entire city.
25. Dodda Ganapathi, Bangalore
In Basavanagudi, Bangalore, on Bull Temple Road lies the site of the well-known Dodda Ganesha Temple. The Dodda Ganapathi Temple statue is 18 feet tall and 16 feet wide, and it is one of the Karnataka State Tourism Development Corporation’s main attractions.
26. Shree Maha Ganapathi, Kottarakkara
The Shree Maha Ganapathi Temple is Kerala’s most prominent Maha Ganapathi Temple. The Kottarakkara Sree Maha Ganapathi Kshethram pilgrim center complex contains temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Murugan, Lord Ayyappan, and Nagaraja deities. The principal deity is Lord Shiva, while Lord Ganesha is accorded top attention.
27. Ganesha Temple, Idagunji
The Shree Vinayaka Devaru is located in Idagunji, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka, on India’s West Coast. Idagunji Ganesha Temple is India’s most popular religious site, with around 1 million people visiting it each year.
28. Chintaman Ganesh temple, Ujjain
Chintaman Lord Ganesha temple in Ujjain is a prominent Ganesha temple and old shrine in Ujjain with his two wives Siddhi and Riddhi.
29. Khade Ganeshji, Kota
This Ganesha temple in Kota, Rajasthan, is recognized for the idol’s ability to stand straight as well as its wish-granting and fulfillment powers
Many secret temples are devoted to Lord Ganesh around India, each with its beauty, history, and mythology. These lesser-known temples give a spiritual escape away from the stress and hectic daily schedule of modern life, as well as a look into the country’s rich cultural history. These hidden jewels, ranging from old rock-cut temples to hilltop shrines, are worth investigating for anyone seeking spiritual calm, historical insights, and natural beauty. Hence, make a journey to these Lord Ganesh’s secret temples and immerse yourself in the heavenly blessings and magical air of these hallowed sites.
Also Read:
Ganesh Chaturthi 2022: 5 Most Ancient Temples Of Lord Ganesha
