ASHTAVINAYAKA 8 GANESHA TEMPLES TRIP 2027
ASHTAVINAYAKA 8 GANESHA TEMPLES TRIP INDIA TRIP 2027
MUMBAI & PUNE, MAHARASHTRA
January 28 to February 9, 2027
In 2027, there will be a rare, long and major conjunction between Jupiter and Ketu in Cancer. Jupiter and Ketu remain within a degree of each other, Lord Ganesha is the deity for Ketu, and we will seek his blessings for a calm and peaceful Ketu-Jupiter conjunction.
Ashta means eight, and Vinayaka is a name for Lord Ganesha. The Ashtavinayaka pilgrimage visits the 8 Ganesha Temples pilgrimage known as Ashtavinayaka, plus other special Ganesha temples, including Siddhi Vinayaka Temple in Mumbai. We will also visit some special goddess temples. Goddess Durga is the deity for Rahu.
One of the unique features of the Ashtavinayaka Temples is that the Ganesha idols are all covered with Sindoor, a sacred orange/red paste. And all idols of the Ashtavinayaka Pilgrimage are Syambhu; they are self-originated, and temples were constructed around them.
Komilla has organised this special pilgrimage for students and followers of Jyotisha Vedic astrologers. Komilla has vast experience in India and brings her expert knowledge to the trip. Join this special journey to get the blessings of Lord Ganesha and as a sadhana for Ketu.
The Ashtavinayaka Temples are in Maharashtra, and we will visit Mumbai and Pune.
ASHTAVINAYAKA ITINERARY
THURSDAY, 28 JANUARY
Arrival at Mumbai airport – transfer to Mirage Hotel
- ARRIVAL at Mumbai airport, our tour executive will meet and assist you.
- TRANSFER (included) from Mumbai Airport.
- IF EARLY | The hotel is included in the trip cost for the 28 January night; you must book extra nights if you arrive earlier.
- HOTEL CHECK-IN time is 2:00 PM.
- RELAX The day is free for all.
- DINNER (included) 8:00 PM Welcome dinner (included) at the hotel.
- HOTEL INFO Overnight stay at Hotel Mirage.
FRIDAY, 29 JANUARY
Mumbai to Pune Via Varada Vinayaka Temple
Drive to Pune (2 hour drive)
8:00 AM
We begin the Ashtavinayaka, 8 Ganesha temple trip on a very special day. The 7 planets, excluding Rahu and Ketu, are in 7 signs, creating a Veena Nabhasa yoga. This rare planetary combination creates an auspicious start to our journey.
Varada Vinayaka is the first of the Ashtavinayaka Temples we visit on the way to Pune. The idol of this temple, Varada Vinayak, is a Syambhu (self-originated) and was found in the adjoining lake in 1690 AD. This temple is said to have been built in 1725 AD by Subhedar Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar. Lord Ganesha faces the east and has his trunk turned to the left. There is an oil lamp in this shrine that is said to have been burning continuously since 1892. Four Elephant statues guard the temple. There are beautiful Navagraha (nine planets) paintings with mantras, and an unusual Saturn Rahu Ketu shrine.
LUNCH | Fariyas Hotel, Lonavla (included)
DINNER | Hotel Crowne Plaza (included)
Overnight stay at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Pune
SATURDAY, 30 JANUARY | Pune
Shri Mayureshwara Vinayaka Temple, Moragaon (2-hour drive)
8:00 AM | Leave for Moragaon
Shri Mayureshwara Vinayaka temple is the 2nd of the Ashtavinayaka temples. It is the most important of the 8 Ganesha Temples. Here Lord Ganesha is Mayureshwara, the lord of the peacocks. In the temple, we have both the vahana of Lord Ganesha – the rat and the peacock. There are many idols of Lord Ganesha here, including the eight avatars of Lord Ganesha Vakratunda, Mahodara, Ekadanta, Vikata, Dhrumavarna, Vighnaraja and Lambodara – positioned in eight corners of the temple. There are 23 different forms of Lord Ganesha. There are 4 gates to enter, each representing one of the 4 yugas ( epochs) and the 4 purushartha – Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha. There are idols of deities of Shukla and Krishna Chaturthi tithis.
There is a sequence for offering prayers to Lord Ganesha: Traditionally, first "Nagna Bhairava" is prayed, then Mayureshwara (the main idol), and then Sakshi Vinayaka. Sakshi Vinayaka is "a witness" to the prayers offered to Mayureshwara.
This temple requires time spent understanding the significance of the various deities and forms of Lord Ganesha. Komilla will guide you and explain.
LUNCH | Hotel Crowne Plaza (included)
4:00 PM | OPTIONAL
Goddess Chattushringi temple is busilt on the slope of a mountain. She is a form of Goddess Durga and is the presiding deity of Pune. We have to climb nearly 170+ steps. There are temples to Goddess Durga and lord Ganesha, plus a shrine to the Ashtavinayaka.
DINNER | Hotel Crowne Plaza (included)
Overnight stay at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Pune
SUNDAY, 31 JANUARY | Pune
Siddhivinayak of Siddhatek
8:00 AM | Siddhivinayak of Siddhatek
Siddhivinayak of Siddhatek is situated by the sacred river Bhima. This is the third of the eight Ashtavinayaka temples we visit. In this temple, Lord Ganesha has his trunk turned to the right, a more powerful Lord Ganesha, yet more difficult to please. Lord Ganesha here expects you to follow the dharmic path. Lord Ganesha, whose trunk is to the right, is named "Siddhi-Vinayaka", the giver of siddhi ("accomplishment, success", "supernatural powers"). Vishnu performs penance at Siddhatek, invoking Ganesha with his mantra – "Om Sri Ganeshaya Namah". Pleased, Ganesha bestows his blessings and various siddhis on Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu built the temple; however, the present one was built on this site in the 18th century.
Evening | Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati temple in the heart of Pune. This is a powerful Ganesha temple with a large idol in Pune's busiest area.
LUNCH and DINNER (included)
Overnight stay at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Pune.
MONDAY, 1 FEBRUARY | Pune
Shri Chintamani Vinayaka Temple, Theur (1/2hour drive)
This is the fourth Ashtavinayaka Temple.
8:00 AM | Chintamani Temple of Theur
This is a beautiful, serene temple where Lord Ganesha pacifies the minds of his devotees, gives them stability and removes their worries/ anxieties. According to the Temple lore, Bhagwan Ganesh retrieved the wish-granting jewel Chintamani for his devotee, the sage Kapila, from the greedy king Gana, and how he pacified the uneasy mind of the god Brahma, who meditated on him in Theur. While the temple's location dates back to creation, the present structure was built in the 18th century.
We will perform Abhishekham at the temple; the group will share the costs.
3:30 PM OPTIONAL
Shaniwar Wada. It is called Shaniwar Wada because the construction Muhurta was laid on Saturday. Within Shaniwar Wada, we will visit the Pataleshwar Shiva temple. Saras Baug & Ganesh Temple, Shaniwar Wada, is a historical fortification in Pune, India. Built in 1732, it was the seat of the Peshwas of the Maratha Confederacy until 1818.
LUNCH and DINNER (included)
Overnight stay at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Pune
TUESDAY, 2 FEBRUARY
Shri Maha Ganapati of Ranjangaon | PUNE 2-hour Drive
Shri Maha Ganapati is the fifth of the Ashtavinayaka Temples.
8:00 AM | Shri Maha Ganapati of Ranjangaon
This is where Lord Shiva meditated and worshipped Lord Ganesha for victory over the demon Tripurasura. He established the temple after his victory. The temple is full of exquisite, divine art painted on its walls, which we can learn about through the legend behind it. Although the temple's location is ancient, the current structure dates to the 18th century.
EVENING - OPTIONAL | Parvati Hill Temples are dedicated to Lord Shiva and Parvati. There are five temples atop the Parvati Hill. Devdeveshwar temple (Shiva and Parvati), Kartikeya Temple, Vishnu Temple, Vitthal(avatar of Lord Vishnu)Temple, Rama Temple, plus temples of Surya (the Sun) and Goddess Bhawani ( form of Goddess Durga). We have to climb around 108 steps to reach the temples.
LUNCH and DINNER (included)
Overnight stay at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Pune
WEDNESDAY, 3 FEBRUARY | Pune
Girijatmaj of Lenayadri and Vigneshwara of Ozhar
Girijatmaj of Lenayadri - 6th Temple (3-hours)
Vigneshwara at Ozhar - 7th Temple (40 minutes
7:00 AM | Girijatmaj of Lenayadri Temple
Girijatmaj means "The Son of Parvati", referring to Lord Ganesha. The idol of Lord Ganesha is believed to be in the form of an infant and carved into a rock. The entire temple is carved from a single stone and has no supporting pillars. The Girijatmaj temple is within the Lenayadri caves, and we have to climb 300 to 350 steps. The caves house the Ganesha Girijatmaj temple, and the nearby caves are rock-cut Buddhist caves. They are from the 1st to 3rd centuries AD. Those who find it difficult to climb can take the palki (palanquin) service. Costs for this service will only be known on-site, usually around $50 or more.
LUNCH at Cafe (Costs to be Shared)
AFTER LUNCH | Vigneshwara Temple of Ozhar
The Ganesha form worshipped here is called Vignahar, the Remover of obstacles, and is associated with the legend of Ganesha defeating Vignasura, the demon who created obstacles. The temple walls are beautifully decorated with murals and sculptures.
DINNER (included)
Overnight stay at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Pune
THURSDAY, 4 FEBRUARY | Pune
Manache Ganapati Temples Five Temples
8:00 AM | The Manache Ganapati Temples
The Manache Ganapati Temples (Most Revered Ganesha Idols) are five specific, highly respected Lord Ganesha temples, traditionally leading the Ganesh Chaturthi immersion procession. The Five Manache Ganapati are:
- Kasba Ganpati: Considered the presiding deity and patron saint of Pune. Its history dates back to 1638.
- Tambdi Jogeshwari: This is one of the oldest Ganpati idols in the city, dating back to 1545.
- Guruji Talim: This Ganpati symbolises unity and harmony between the Hindu and Muslim communities.
- Tulshibaug Ganpati: Known for its large, 13-foot-tall idol and traditional decorations.
- Kesariwada Ganpati: This idol is associated with freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak and was established to promote public celebration of the festival.
EVENING | Free or Shopping
LUNCH and DINNER (included)
Overnight stay at Hotel Crowne Plaza, Pune
FRIDAY, 5 FEBRUARY | Mumbai
Shree Ballaleshwara Ganapati Temple | Pali (3-hour drive)
Shri Ballaleshwara Ganapati Temple in Pali is the eighth and last of the Ashtavinayaka Temples.
8:00 AM | Ballaleshwara Vinayaka Temple
Ballaleshwara Vinayaka Temple is named after Lord Ganesha's devotee Ballal. The original temple was wooden and was later renovated with stone in 1760. The stone temple is shaped like the Devanagari script letter "Shree" and faces east.
LUNCH Fariyas - Lonavala, on the way (included)
DINNER (included)
Overnight stay at Gordon House, Mumbai
SATURDAY, 6 FEBRUARY | Mumbai
Shree Siddhi Vinayaka Ganapati and Shree Maha Lakshmi Temples
8:00 AM | Shree Siddhi Vinayaka Ganapati Temple
hree Siddhi Vinayaka Ganapati Temple is one of the important places of worship in Mumbai. Devotees visit it to ask Lord Ganesha to fulfil their wishes, hence the name 'Siddhivinayak', meaning 'Ganesha who grants your wish'. Childless couples especially go, and it is a tradition to visit the temple on your birthday.
Shree Siddhi Vinayaka Ganapati Temple was first consecrated on Thursday, 19 November 1801. ( Sun in Scorpio, Moon in Bharani and Jupiter/Saturn conjunction in Leo). The temple was then a small structure housing the black stone idol of Shree Siddhivinayak, which was 2.5 feet wide. The outstanding feature of this deity is the tilt of its trunk to the right. The idol has four hands (Chaturbhuj), which hold a lotus in the upper right, a small axe in the upper left, holy beads in the lower right, and a bowl full of Modaks. Flanking the deity on both sides are Riddhi & Siddhi, goddesses signifying sanctity, fulfilment, prosperity and riches. Etched on the forehead of the deity is an eye, which resembles the third eye of Lord Shiva. The black idol is covered in Sindoor, an auspicious orange paste, so the black idol is not visible to the devotees.
Shree Maha Lakshmi temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, the divine consort of Lord Vishnu, who is revered as the bestower of wealth, prosperity, and auspiciousness. The Mahalaxmi temple contains images of the Tridevi goddesses Maha Kali, Mahalakshmi and Maha Saraswati. Lotus flowers are offered to the goddesses. There are many beautiful idols of the goddesses within the temple.
AFTERNOON FREE
We are staying in the heart of Colaba, a buzzing area of Mumbai with wonderful, eclectic shopping and cafes within walking distance.
LUNCH and DINNER (included)
Overnight stay at Gordon House, Mumbai
SUNDAY, 7 FEBRUARY | Mumbai
Shree Mumbā Devi Temple, Gateway of India, Marine Drive
8:00 AM | Shree Mumbā Devi Temple
Shree Mumbā Devi Temple is the most beautiful and divine temple. Mumbā Devi is the goddess of Mumbai and is at the heart of the steel and clothing markets, yet an oasis of calm within. Goddess Mumbā, the incarnation of Parvati (Mother Goddess). She is depicted as a black stone sculpture in the temple, covered in red Sindoor. "A popular etymology of Mumbā is 'Maha Amba,' or 'Great Mother." It is a sacred pilgrimage site visited daily by hundreds of people. It is not a tourist place, more a personal, spiritual journey to honour the Mother Goddess. Komilla did darshan of Mata Mumbai Devi in 2025, and it was a profoundly beautiful experience.
The Gateway of India is famous for its impeccable design and architecture. This iconic structure was completed in 1924, on the waterfront of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. It was erected to commemorate the landing of King George V of the United Kingdom for his coronation as the Emperor of India in December 1911. There is also a great view of the Old Taj Mahal Hotel.
EVENING | OPTIONAL
Sunset Walk on Marine Drive. Marine Drive, Mumbai, often called the "Queen's Necklace," is an iconic 3.6-kilometre C-shaped promenade along the Arabian Sea in South Mumbai, famous for stunning sunsets, Art Deco buildings, and as a lively hub for walks, jogging, cycling, and street food.
LUNCH and DINNER (included)
Overnight stay at Gordon House, Mumbai
MONDAY, 8 FEBRUARY | Mumbai
Bollywood Experience, ISKON Krishna Temple, Juhu
10:00 AM | Bollywood Experience and Studio Visit
Watch a film or TV series shoot, depending on what is happening on the day. Get a backstage experience of how Bollywood films are made. Bollywood is one of the world's largest film industries.
1:30 PM ISKCON Krishna Temple, Juhu | LUNCH (Cost to be shared)
8:00 PM FAREWELL DINNER (included)
Overnight stay at Hotel Residency Towers, Rameshwaram
TUESDAY, 9 FEBRUARY | Mumbai
END OF PROGRAM LAST DAY
Checkout is at 11 AM - Individual Transfer to the Airport (included)
No Hotel on 9 February, but BREAKFAST is (included) on the 9th
--- TOUR ENDS ---
HOTEL & MEAL SCHEDULE
| Date | Location | Hotel | Lunch | Dinner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28 JAN | MUMBAI | Mirage | No Lunch | Mirage |
| 29 JAN | PUNE | Crowne Plaza | Crowne Plaza | Crowne Plaza |
| 30 JAN | PUNE | Crowne Plaza | Crowne Plaza | Crowne Plaza |
| 31 JAN | PUNE | Crowne Plaza | Crowne Plaza | Crowne Plaza |
| 01 FEB | PUNE | Crowne Plaza | Crowne Plaza | Crowne Plaza |
| 02 FEB | PUNE | Crowne Plaza | Crowne Plaza | Crowne Plaza |
| 03 FEB | PUNE | Crowne Plaza | No Lunch (direct payment at local restaurant) |
Crowne Plaza |
| 04 FEB | PUNE | Crowne Plaza | Crowne Plaza | Crowne Plaza |
| 05 FEB | MUMBAI | Fariyas - Lonavala | Gordon House | Gordon House |
| 06 FEB | MUMBAI | Gordon House | Gordon House | Gordon House |
| 07 FEB | MUMBAI | Gordon House | Gordon House | Gordon House |
| 08 FEB | MUMBAI | Gordon House | No Lunch (direct payment at ISKCON restaurant) |
Gordon House |
ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodations are in boutique hotels and 4-star hotels.
Most Meals are Included
AIR TRAVEL TO INDIA | NOT INCLUDED
Check-in 28 FEBRUARY 2027 - Check-out 09 February 2027
EARLY BIRD Sign-up - You can save money & your spot if purchased ahead of time. India Trips tend to close early.
Note: Participants must make arrangements between those who wish to share a room before the purchase - there will be no matching up after the purchase.
COST for Shared Room
2-PERSON SHARED ROOM- per person
*** DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRFARE ***
$4,800
Now through 3 September, 2026 - $4,800 | After 3 September, 2026 - $5,300
(There is no set end date to purchase, it depends only on availability, such as if someone were to cancel.)
The Trip can fill up quickly - so it's a smart idea to book early.
*** IMPORTANT *** To purchase a Shared Room, pre-arrange it with a friend. Due to the different levels of caution, everyone who wishes to share a room must agree before selecting the "shared room" option.
COST for Single Room
SINGLE ROOM - per person
*** DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRFARE ***
$5,800
Now through 3 September, 2026 - $5,800 | After 3 Septembe, 2026 - $6,300
(There is no set end date to purchase, and it depends only on availability, such as if someone were to cancel.)
The Trip can fill up quickly - so it's a smart idea to book early.
Per Person Price Includes:
- Rooms are shared double/single/twin at the hotels mentioned above
- Complimentary Breakfast at the same hotels as above
- Lunch and dinners as per the schedule above
- AC Urbania – Luxury Van for the transfers and sightseeing with a knowledgeable driver
- AC Car for the 'Individual Arrival and departure transfer service' in Mumbai on or before 28 January 2027 and on 9 February 2027
- All the expenses related to transport, like fuel, tolls, parking fees, driver, and interstate permits
- Complimentary Mineral Water bottle in the Vehicle
- Complimentary Wi-Fi Device in the Van
- All the applicable taxes
Tour Cost Per Person DOES NOT Include:
- Any flight fares to India, including domestic flights
- Lunch & Dinner (other than the above specified); any other chargeable activities
- EEntrance fee, Camera fee, tips and personal expenses like phone, laundry, porterage
- Hotel on 27 January & 9 February 2027, early check-in and late checkout at the hotel
- Dakshina for the Temple Priests, Archana, Abhishekham, Homa, Flowers/ Garlands for the deities, Pooja, Darshan ticket
- Anything which is not mentioned in the inclusion list
- Services before 28 January & after 9 February 2027
CANCELLATION POLICY
$300.00 service charge on all refunds - no refunds are available after 3 September, 2026.
*** IMPORTANT ***
Purchasing Travel Insurance as you purchase your airline ticket is vital. Travel insurance is beneficial in all cases, should you become too ill or injured to board a plane home. In addition, Travel Insurance typically includes air ambulance transportation back home - be sure to check your policy, though, as each policy may differ in what it contains.
It may also be possible to find an insurance company or, depending on your credit card agreement, purchase insurance for your India Trip, but you must do this on your own. Unfortunately, we cannot issue a refund for your trip purchase.
Sign-up for Ashtavinayaka 8 Ganesha Temples India Trip
*** Does Not Include Air Fare ***
SHARED ROOM
$4,800 Now thru September 3, 2026
$5,300 After September 3, 2026
*** IMPORTANT ***
Participants must make arrangements between those who wish to share a room before the purchase - there will be no matching up after the purchase.
SINGLE ROOM
$5,800 Now thru September 3, 2026
$6,300 After September 3, 2026
CANCELLATION POLICY
$300.00 service charge on all refunds - refunds are UNAVAILABLE AFTER SEPTEMBER 3, 2026.
About India Temple Trips
Komilla has been doing courses and trips to India since 1999.
You will be introduced to the land of the Jyotish on each different India Trip. Your India adventure will take you to historic landmarks with great meaning within the Vedic Astrology world.
You will visit unique temples and pilgrimages, broadening your knowledge and exploring their deep connection to Vedic Astrology.
Examples from 2020 India Trip
