Shri Ichchapurti Ganesh Wadbare, Chandwad, t. Nashik

The town of Chandwad in the Nashik district, located on the Mumbai-Agra Highway, is famous for the temple of Renuka Mata. A short distance from this Renuka Mata temple, nestled in the lap of the hills in the nature-rich village of Wadbare, lies the Ichhapurti Ganesh Temple. The idol of Lord Ganesha here is Swayambhu (self-manifested), and it is the firm belief of devotees that this Ganesha fulfills the wishes of those who pray to Him.

According to historical references, this Ganpati was formerly known as the ‘Ganpati of Vadbare village.’ This ancient temple was situated at the foothills of a mountain outside the village. Over the course of time, due to its dilapidation, the vermilion-anointed idol of Lord Ganesha was buried under the soil. Dr. Salgaonkar from Chandwad used to visit many villages in the area to treat patients. In 1972, while traveling along a mountain path in Vadbare, he stopped to rest under a tamarind tree. At that moment, he perceived the form of a Ganesha idol in a stone that was partially protruding from the ground. When they cleared the soil from that spot, they realized it was an idol of Lord Ganesha smeared with vermilion (sindoor). Dr. Salgaonkar was a devotee of Lord Ganesha. When he informed the villagers of Wadbare about this, it was unanimously decided to establish a sacred space for Ganesha there. They prepared a pedestal for the idol and began performing worship and rituals right there. Subsequently, the villagers constructed a beautiful temple and consecrated the idol within it. According to scholars, this Ganesha idol is believed to be 1,200 years old or even more ancient.

References to this Ganesha shrine in Vadbare village can be found even during the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. After the second raid on Surat in 1670, while Shivaji Maharaj was on his return journey following the successful campaign, the Mughals had laid siege to the Salher region. The Marathas cleverly broke this siege and, furthermore, captured several Mughal officers. Upon learning of this, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj chose this route while returning from Surat to personally commend these brave warriors. Historical records regarding this site indicate that, for safety reasons, a stay was made at the ancient Ganesha temple located in Wadbare, a hilly area far from human settlements.

Located just a ten-minute walk from the Renuka Mata Temple in Chandwad on the Mumbai-Agra Highway, this Ichhapurni Temple has been newly renovated. Due to its proximity to the highway, the temple remains bustling with devotees seeking darshan. This modern temple is situated in a clean, well-maintained, and picturesque environment. The use of marble and granite in its construction has further enhanced the beauty of the temple.

The idol of Lord Ganesha is enshrined on a large pedestal in the sanctum sanctorum, located in front of the Sabha Mandap (assembly hall). The Sabha Mandap is spacious and features a statue of a white Mushaka (mouse) holding a modak. The entire sanctum sanctorum is adorned with intricate carvings on golden plates. The Ganesha idol here is 4 feet tall and 3 feet wide. In the left hands of the idol, there is a modak and a mace, while one of the right hands rests on the thigh and the other holds a parashu (axe).

Thousands of devotees throng the Ganesh temple on Tuesdays and during Sankashti Chaturthi. Abhishekam of the Lord is performed on every Sankashti Chaturthi. On Angarika Chaturthi, the temple premises take on the appearance of a fair. To facilitate this, the temple administration has created separate paths for devotees to enter and exit the temple through a beautiful garden developed in front of it. A grand festival is celebrated at the temple on Ganesh Jayanti. During this time, one thousand recitations of the Shri Ganesh Atharvashirsha are performed. Mahaprasad is distributed to the devotees who arrive for this festival. Previously, this Ganesh did not have a specific name; it was referred to as the ‘Baritil Ganpati’ or the ‘Wadbare Village Ganpati’. However, as devotees experienced the divine power of this awakened (Jagrut) site and many had their wishes fulfilled through their devotion to this Ganesh, the temple was officially named ‘Ichhapurti Ganesh Mandir’ in the year 1971-72.

For the convenience of devotees, accommodation (Bhakta Niwas) has been arranged here. In addition, the Temple Trust has provided facilities such as clean drinking water, a garden for sitting, and play equipment for children. The Aarti of Lord Ganesha is performed in this temple every morning and evening. During this time, many outside devotees along with the villagers are present.

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