Happy Ganesh Chaturthi 2024

7 Famous Ganesh Temples to Visit in India During Ganesh Chaturthi

Lord Ganesha is the much loved Hindu God who is said to bring security and good fortune. He is the son of God Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and according to Hindu tradition he is one who is worshipped first. Ganesh Chaturthi is the grand festival of Western and Southern parts of India. The large idols, gorgeous celebrations attract pilgrims and tourists from all over. We have created a list of Temples to visit during Ganesh Chaturthi in India for all you Ganpati lovers. 

7 Ganesh Temples in India

1. Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai

One of the famous Ganesh temples in Mumbai that is visited by dignitaries and celebrities is the Siddhivinayak in Mumbai.  Established in the year 1801 it is one of the grand temples of Mumbai. The Ganesha here is also called Navasacha Ganpati which means if you truly wish something then it is granted. It is said that the Apple CEO, Tim Cook started his India tour with a visit to the Siddhivinayak temple. 

2. Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune

The giant 7.5 feet tall and 4 feet wide Ganpati idol here is ornately decorated with precious gold jewellery. It is believed that Dagdusheth Gadve who sold sweets lost his son in an epidemic. Sad and forlorn after losing a child he built this Ganesha temple. And Lokmanya Tilak; the famous leader started Ganesh festival from here. 

3. Ganpatipule Temple, Ratnagiri

It is believed that all Hindu Gods face the east; while here in Ganpatipule the idol faces the west, guarding the west. This is almost a 400-year-old Ganpati idol.  It is believed that the idol naturally evolved. The temple gets the first rays of sunlight all through February to November. Located on the Konkan coast this is also a beach retreat for most of the locals. 

4. Ganesh Chaturthi in Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Tiruchirappalli

Ucchi Pillayar Temple is situated at the top of Rockfort in Trichy. Cut from rock by the Pallavas; this temple has amazing rock architecture. It was the Nayak rulers from Madurai who finished the structure during the Vijayanagara dynasty rulers. From here you can get glorious views of Trichy and Kaveri River. It is believed that Ganesha disguised himself as a shepherd boy and convinced Vibhisan to keep the idol of Vishnu and an angry Vibhisan unknowingly hits the Lord. So that mark is there on the idol’s head as well. 

5. Kanipakam Vinayaka Temple, Chittoor

Built by the Cholas in 11th century this Ganesh temple has a historic structure and intricate designs. The idol has white, yellow, and red colours on the head that is believed to have come from taking a dip in the holy water. Ganesh Chaturthi is also celebrated with the annual festival Brahmotsavam. The festival goes on for 21 days. Grand processions are taken out during this time. 

6. Varasiddhi Vinayagar Temple, Chennai

Located in Besant Nagar in Chennai this is a famous lord Ganesha temple in Chennai. Dedicated to the Hindu elephant God Vinayaka this is where you can see the idol of Vinayakar with Siddhi. There is also a small idol that was worshipped initially.  Every year during Ganesh Chaturthi you can hear elaborate music program that attracts pilgrims and music lovers from all over India. The temple also has an auditorium where the cultural programs are conducted. 

7. Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, Jaipur

More than 250 years old; the Moti Dungri temple was built in the year 1761. Surrounded by forts and hills this is one of the ancient temples of Jaipur. The idol is believed to be around 500-year-old. A limestone and marble creation that reminds you of Scottish architecture; this is built in the Nagara style.  Devotees also worship the Shiva lingam in the temple on Mahashivratri. It is around 6 km away from the city of Jaipur and is a famous Ganesh temple in Rajasthan.