Sthala Mahātmyam
Varadvinayak at Mahad, in Khalapur taluka of Raigad district, honours Ganesha as Varada-Vinayaka, the bestower of boons and success, set amid picturesque groves. Sthala mahatmya: the sage Gritsamada (Grutsamad), troubled after learning of his origins, performed intense penance to Ganesha in the Pushpaka forest; pleased, the Lord granted him the boon of being esteemed a Brahmin and promised to reside there eternally. A related legend links the deity to Prince Rukmangada and a powerful Ganesha mantra that manifested him. The murti is swayambhu (self-originated), found in an immersed position in the adjoining lake around 1690 CE, and the temple was built by the Peshwa general Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar in 1725 CE. A celebrated Nandadeep (perpetual oil lamp) is said to have burned continuously since 1892. The east-facing idol has a left-turned trunk and is flanked by images of four elephants. Uniquely, devotees are permitted to enter the sanctum to worship the deity personally. Festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi and Maghi Ganesh Jayanti (Magha Shukla Chaturthi) are the chief celebrations.
