Moreshwar Temple Pune

"Nije Bhuswanandjadbharat Bhumya Paratare
Turiyostire Paramsukhdevta Nivasasi

Mayuraya Nath Stawamasich

Ataswa sandhyaye Shivharini Brahmajanakam"

Meaning: Oh! Lord Mayureshwar of Morgaon, you stay on sage Jadbharat's land, on the banks of river Karha that is known as'Bhuswanand'(means happiness on land). Shree Moreshwar, who is far from three qualities, who is Swayambhu , who is without any form , Who resembles Omkar , who is always in fourth state of yoga and who rides on peacock may accept my salutation.

The stanza is written on the entrance of Shree Mayureshvara Ashtavinayak temple at Morgaon. As is mentioned in the stanza this place is called 'Bhuswanand', the highest abode of joy and thus can be compared to Vaikuntha, the highest abode of Vishnu and Kailash, the highest abode of Shiva.

Ashtavinayaka or eight Ganeshas is located in Maharashtra state of India, The Ashtavinayaka yatra or pilgrimage covers the eight holy temples of Ganesha which are situated around Pune.

The main temple facing towards north is in the centre of village and looks like a small fortress or chateu. The temple complex comprising of a dome, surrounded by a 50 ft high encloser and decked with four pillars in each corners, portrays from afar and image of a mosque. While going towards the temple a huge Deep-mala (stone pillar for oil lamps)will be seen at first. In front of this Deep-Mala, there is one Nagarkhana (where kettledrums are kept). Near this Nagarkhana, thee is a mouse made up of black stone,holding 'Laddu' in his front two legs. On climbing the steps you will see a big 'Nandi is present before Ganapati instead of Lord Shiva? You will find answer to this question in this legend :-

'Years ago, this Nandi was taken on a cart for its consecration in front of a near by Shivalaya. However, the cart carrying Nandi broke in front of Mayureshwara's temple and Nandi-Maharaj sat before Mayureshwar's temple for ever. People tried their best to shift Nandi from this place but nandi did not move an inch. The artisan carrying cart had omen in the night. Nandi appeared in his dream and said, "I want to stay before Mayureshwar only. Don't try to shift me elsewhere forcefully, I won't come." People left with no other alternative dropped the idea of shifting Nandi to other place. Like this Nandiji was consecrated before Mayureshwar.

The main temple is made up of black stone. The temple constructed during Bahamani regime was built in typical Moghule style by Mr.Gole,a Hindu officer in the court of patshah.

The temple has four gates. In the eastern gate is Lakshminarayan, giver of Dharma. In the sourthern gate are parvati & shankar givers of Artha (desired goals). Then comes western gate where Rati & kama resides. Lastely in the northern gate reside, Mahivaraha (Earth & SUn).

Thus all deities & all sages resides in this temple. In the eight corners, there are eight statutes of Ganapati called EKDANTA, MAHODARA,GAJANANA,LAMBODAR,VIKATA, VIGHARAJA, DHUMRAVARNA & VAKRATUNDA.

In the temple complex there are trees of Shami, Mandar & Tarati. The tree of Tarati is also called as Kalpavruksha.

Devotees meditate under this tree & attain desired goals.

Before taking darshan of Mayureshwar, first take darshan of 'Nagnabhairava' on the left side of Mayureshwar, and offer him naivaidya of coconut & jaggary.

Nobody is allowed to enter the Sanctum & do the Pooja of Moreshwar on his own.The various virtuous deeds performed here are Abhishek Pooja, Sahastravartan,Japa Yadnya,Mahadwar Yatra etc.