விக்னேஸ்வரர் (விக்னஹரர்) கோயில், ஓஜர்Vigneshwara (Vighnahar) Temple, Ozar

Sthala Mahātmyam

The Vigneshwara (Vighnahar) Temple at Ozar, on the banks of the Kukadi river in Junnar taluka, venerates Ganesha as the Lord and remover of obstacles. Sthala mahatmya: the demon Vighnasura, created to disrupt a king's sacrifice, ran rampant obstructing the rites of sages; they invoked Ganesha, who battled and subdued him. The repentant demon begged that his own name be joined to the Lord's and that Ganesha remain here, so he is worshipped as Vigneshwara or Vighnahar, the town's obstacles removed. The east-facing murti has a left-turned trunk with rubies set in the eyes, a diamond on the forehead and a jewel in the navel, and is flanked by his consorts Riddhi (prosperity) and Siddhi (spiritual power). Uniquely among the Ashtavinayaka, the temple bears a golden dome and pinnacle, gilded by Chimaji Appa, brother of Peshwa Bajirao I, after his victory over the Portuguese at Vasai Fort. Festivals: Ganesh Chaturthi and Maghi Ganesh Jayanti are celebrated with great fervour and palanquin processions.