About this temple
Varadvinayak is the Ashtavinayak shrine at Mahad village in Khalapur taluka, near Khopoli in Raigad district. It is not Mahad town farther south. Its lake-found image tradition, Nandadeep lamp and compact temple distinguish this stop in the eight-shrine circuit.
History
Raigad district credits restoration to Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar in 1725. State tourism describes an image discovered in a nearby lake and an enduring Nandadeep tradition associated with 1892. A claim about an unbroken lamp is a religious tradition, not an independently monitored record.
Legends & Religious Traditions
The Varadvinayak name expresses Ganesha as the giver of boons. The state account connects the shrine with Rukmangada and the sage Grutsamad; versions of that cycle vary, so a compressed modern retelling is not treated as a single authenticated biography.
Architecture / Physical Features
The district notes four elephant figures guarding the sides. State tourism describes a modest domed shrine and serpent ornament.
Rituals, Worship and Seva
State tourism describes devotees being permitted direct worship and abhishek under temple arrangements. The current sanctum rules remain distinct from ordinary queue access.
Festivals and Religious Significance
Magha Chaturthi is singled out by the district as a major gathering; Ganesh Chaturthi is also celebrated.
How to Reach
Approach Mahad village near Khopoli/Khalapur. Enter that full locality in a route plan to avoid navigating to Mahad town.
Address and Location Details
Varadvinayak Temple, Mahad village, Khalapur taluka, near Khopoli, Raigad district, Maharashtra, India.
Contradictory Accounts and Variations
The state leaflet distinguishes an older image outside the sanctum from a newer consecrated image inside. Broad summaries calling the sanctum image simply the original lake-found image omit that distinction. The state page also mixes route labels and differing distances; this profile uses the district’s unambiguous Khalapur location.