Ashta Vinayak Yatra - March, 2021 (Part 3)

We checked into Novotel at Viman Nagar, Pune at around 3.15 p.m. Initially, the security of the hotel did not allow entry to our LCV as this was unusual for them. They are used to guests coming in private sedans or taxis. It took some time for him to get the clearance. Then there was a long wait at the reception to sign up. The air-con was not cool enough and the reception gave a vague explanation for it. Finally, after nearly 30 minutes, we were allotted our rooms. 

The rooms were very comfortable and spacious. We had a refreshing bath and hot cup of coffee post that. After relaxing for an hour or so, we assembled again to go to our next destination - Ranjangaon Maha Ganapati temple.

Ranjangaon was 44 kms away from our hotel - a short hour long drive. Thanks to Covid19, there were few vehicles on the road and we reached our destination by 6.15 p.m. The beautiful well maintained east facing temple is very close to the parking lot. The temple was built by Sardar Kine around the Sanctum constructed by Peshwa Madhavrao. During the dakshinayan (Southern movement of the Sun), the rays of the Sun fall on the Swayambu deity. 

It is believed that Lord Shiva sought the blessings of Ganesh ji at this place before proceeding to destroy Tripurasur. Ganesh ji can be observed sitting in a cross legged position with trunk turned towards left and with Riddhi & Siddhi on two sides. He is known as Maha Ganapati here. There is a small Shiva temple on one side of the temple. There is also a Vittal Rukmai temple on another side.

We had a comfortable darshan with no one asking as to move away. Sufficient time was available for chanting our prayers, offering our prostrations and filling our eyes & mind with His image. There is a nice courtyard around the temple where we relaxed for a while and took pictures. When we came out, we could see a large bonfire made for celebrating Holi in the outer ring of the temple.

It was nearly dark when we came out of the temple. The birds were settling down for the night in a nearby tree and each wishing each other 'good night' loudly. We boarded the vehicle and stopped at a restaurant on the way for a sumptuous dinner. By the time, we returned to our hotel, it was nearly 10 p.m. We slept soundly that night tired after a long day in which we had driven more than 300 kms...