Famous Temples in India

Religious Significance

To remove all the huddles, obstacles and bring happiness on the earth all the sages performed a ‘yadnya’ on Himalayas. In which they didn’t give any offering to King Indira. This angered lord Indra and hence he ordered Kala (Time/Death) to take the form of demon Vignasura and bring Vighna (hurdles ) in the ‘yadnyas’ of sages. The strong demon then not only destroyed the yadnyas but also all the ‘vaidik’ rituals as were practiced at that time. Scared by the actions and reactions of Vignasura, and under the guidance of Narad Muni sages started worshipping Ganesha, who then began a battle against the demon. Vignasura soon realized that it was impossible to win a battle against Ganesha.

Vignasura ran from Himalaya and started staying in Junnar taluka on the bank of river Kukadi. At this place also, Vighnasur started troubling people and would bring Vighna (obstacles) in the good deeds of people. The people at this place also got scared and worshiped lord Ganesha. Listening to the prayers of the people Lord Ganesha finally arrested Vignasura. Vignasura realized his mistake and prayed to lord Ganesha asking him to stay at this place in the name of Vigneshwara or Vighnahar. He also requested Ganesha to keep Vignasura with him at this place. Lord Ganesha agreed to the request of Vignasura and made Vignasura a solider in his army. Thinking that Vignasura been a demon will never forget his original nature, lord Ganesha said “If I am worshiped at the beginning of any work or good deed, then you won’t be able to bring obstacles in such event”. Also, “ If someone chants the name Vigneshwara or Vighnahar continuously then the person will be saved from all Vigna”. Saying this Lord Ganesha disappeared. Since, Vignasura was arrested, all the sages and gods became happy. The relieved sages and gods consecrated an idol of lord Ganesha as Vigneshwara at Ozar to mark the event. This is how the Ashtavinayak temple of Shri. Vighnahar temple Ozar came into existence.