Varad Vinayak of Mahad

 Ashtavinayak Series

Varad Vinayak of Mahad

King Bhima of Kaudinya had a son named Rukmangad.

One day, as Prince Rukmangad was out hunting in a forest, he came into the attention of Mukundaa, wife of Sage Vachaknavi. She expressed her love for Rukmangada who was tremendously shocked and instantl6 refused her attention. Enraged, Mukundaa cursed Rukmangada that he would turn into a leper.

Rukmangada immediately prayed to Lord Chintamani and was released by this curse.

However, Lord Indra took the form of Rukmangad and deceived Mukundaa. A son was born to them named Gritsaamav. This boy grew up to be a learned person.

Once, Gritsaamav decided to participate in a debate where sages like Vishwamitra, Atri and Vasishta were also to participate. Sage Atri refused to debate with Gritsaamav, on the grounds that the later was not a Brahmin. Gritsaamav who was unaware of his birth, consulted his mother who told him the truth. In a moment of anger, Gritsaamav cursed his mother and moved into the Pushpak forest where he started an intense penance for Lord Ganesha.

The Lord was pleased and offered to fulfill Gritsaamav's wishes. The later asked for two wishes - firstly, that he may be recognized as a Brahmin, and secondly, that a form of Lord Ganesha should stay in the Pushpak forest. The Lord obliged him with both the boons. Gritsaamav named this form of the Lord as Varad Vinayak (the One Who fulfils all wishes) and consecrated the Lord's idol in a temple which now is known as Varad Vinayak temple.

This is said to be the only temple where devotees are allowed near the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, as near as the idol as is possible. Also, it is said that an oil lamp near the idol has been burning since 1892! Akhand Jyoti!