Shree Varad Ganesha Mandir Samthargarh, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The Ganesh idol at the Varad Ganesh Temple in Samarth Nagar, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, is considered one of the most revered deities in the city. Built through public participation, this temple is famous for housing a deity who fulfills the wishes of devotees. Consequently, many citizens of the city begin their daily affairs only after seeking the blessings of this Ganesh. Devotees believe that if a couple begins their married life by taking seven rounds around this deity, they are blessed with happiness and prosperity for their entire lives.

About ५५ years ago, the first colony was established in the Samarth Nagar area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly known as Aurangabad). Following this, local residents raised funds through public participation to build a Ganesh temple in the area, which was completed in १९७१. The idol was consecrated by Vedamurti Vishnupant Nidhonkar Guruji. This idol was brought from Jaipur. After renovations carried out a few years ago, the temple attained its current spacious form. Previously, this temple was located near the city entrance. As the city expanded over time, the temple became situated in the central part of the city. Being within walking distance from the Central Bus Stand, many devotees from across Marathwada, along with locals, visit here for darshan.

The two-story Varad Ganesh temple is located at a square in Samarth Nagar. The exterior walls feature attractive carvings around arch-like windows. Near the entrance, sculptures of elephants are carved on both sides in the upper section, while peacock sculptures are placed in the niches below. After climbing twelve marble steps near this grand entrance, one enters the spacious assembly hall (sabhamandap). To the right of the assembly hall, past the circumambulation path, is the sanctum sanctorum (garbhagriha), and to the left is a hall for cultural programs.

In front of the sanctum sanctorum, there is a large panchaloha (five-metal) idol of a mouse holding a modak. On the vajrapitha in the sanctum, upon a gold-plated throne with unique carvings, sits the white marble idol of Ganesh. This four-armed idol holds a noose in one hand, a goad in the second, the third hand is in the varada mudra (blessing gesture), and the fourth hand holds a modak. Ganesh wears a jewel-studded gold crown on his head, and there is a prabhaval (halo) behind him. Near the feet of the main idol is a small metal replica of the same Ganesh, which is used for abhishek and other rituals. 

On the occasion of the temple’s fiftieth anniversary in २०२१, a gold-plated throne was crafted for this Ganesh. This teak wood throne is adorned with ४० kilograms of silver and one and a half kilograms of gold. On the cultural stage located in front of the sanctum sanctorum, beyond the assembly hall, are replicas of the Ashtavinayakas. 

Daily abhishek is performed on the idol, and aarti is held every morning and evening. There is a large influx of devotees on Tuesdays, Sankashti Chaturthi, and Vinayaki Chaturthi. Sahastravartans (thousand recitations) are performed here on Sankashti and Vinayaki Chaturthi. Religious activities such as Akshay Puja, Chirantan Puja, Ganesh Yaga, Ganesh Jayanti, Adhik Maas, Kirtan Saptah, Gajanan Vijay Parayan, and Varad Lecture Series are conducted here. Social initiatives include health camps, blood donation camps, yoga classes, an educational adoption scheme for needy and poor students, Annachhatra (free food distribution), and competitions for women during Ganeshotsav, such as rangoli, singing, modak making, and general knowledge quizzes. Devotees can seek the darshan of Varad Ganesh at this temple daily from ५.३० AM to १.०० PM and from ४.०० PM to १०.०० PM.

It is the faith of devotees that if one takes seven rounds in the presence of Varad Ganesh, both partners are blessed with lifelong happiness and prosperity. Therefore, many people are eager to get married at the temple office. As a result, one usually gets a date for a wedding only after registering one and a half to two years in advance. The Varad Ganesh Temple Trust also operates a matrimonial bureau here. Bride-groom meets are also held two to three times a year. 

A Shri Ram temple has been built behind the Varad Ganesh temple. To connect both temples, a Ram Setu has been constructed starting from the assembly hall of the Varad Ganesh temple. This bridge is २५ feet long, १० feet wide, and २० feet high from the ground.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery