Shri Vighneshwar, Ozar

The history encompassing this idol states that Vighnasur, a demon, was created by the King of Gods Indra to destroy a prayer organized by King Abhinandan. However, the demon went a step further and destroyed all Vedic and religious acts. To answer the people's prayers for protection, Ganesha defeated him. On being conquered, the demon begged Ganesha for mercy. Ganesha granted his plea on the condition that the demon should not go to any place where Ganesha worship is going on. In return, the demon asked that his name be taken before Ganesha's name. Thus the name of Ganesha became Vighnahar or Vighneshwar (Vighna in Sanskrit means a sudden interruption in ongoing work due to some unforeseen or unwarranted cause).

The Ganesha here is called Shri Vighneshwar Vinayak. The temple faces east and is surrounded by a thick stone wall on which one can walk. The main hall of the temple is 20 feet long and the inner hall is 10 feet long. This idol, facing the east, has its trunk towards the left, with rubies in its eyes. There is a diamond on the forehead and a jewel in the navel. Idols of Riddhi and Siddhi are placed on the two sides of the Ganesha idol.

The golden temple top was possibly built by Chimaji Appa after defeating the Portuguese rulers of Vasai and Sashti. The temple was probably built around 1785 CE. This temple is located just off the Pune-Nashik Highway, in the town of Ozar. It is enclosed on all sides by high stone walls, and its pinnacle is made of gold. The temple is situated on the banks of the river Kukadi.

Via Mumbai–Thane–Kalyan–Bapsai–Saralgaon–Otur, Ozar is 182 km.