About Ballaleshwar Temple

Ballaleshwar at Pali is the third shrine in the Ashta Vinayak circuit and uniquely the only Ganesha form named after a devotee rather than a divine attribute. Ballal was a young boy, a fervent Ganesha worshipper, whose father and villagers tried to forcibly stop his devotion. Ganesha appeared in person to protect him and named himself after his young devotee. The idol faces east, holding a modak, and is made from pale yellow stone. The temple is set on the western Sahyadri slopes near Khopoli, with excellent road connectivity from both Mumbai and Pune.

The current temple was built in 1760 by Peshwa Balaji Baji Rao. The swayambhu idol's exact location was revealed through a vision, according to temple tradition. The story of Ballal is recorded in the Mudgala Purana.

Darshan & Aarti

🚌 How to reach

Last mile: Local jeeps and autos from Khopoli (30 km). Ample parking at the temple complex.

Where to stay

Estimated expense (per person)

Estimated for a short 2-day pilgrimage.

Gallery