Varad Vinayak (Mahad)

Varad Vinayak of Mahad is the granter of boons (varadana) — the fourth Ashta Vinayaka. According to legend, a prince named Rukmangada performed penance here and Ganesha appeared to grant him his wishes. The temple lamp (nandadeep) is said to have been burning continuously since 1892. Devotees can personally offer worship to the deity — in most Ganesha temples the idol is accessible only to the priests. This is one of the most intimate darshan experiences among the Ashta Vinayaka.

Self-manifested left-trunk idol, seated with a serene expression, four arms. The idol is said to have been found in the adjacent lake in 1690 by a devotee who dreamed of its location. The temple has a four-sided sanctum topped with golden kalashas.