Gaurala’s Varad Vinayak Temple is located in the picturesque Gaurala area near Bhadravati town in Chandrapur district, within the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra. The temple is built on a small scenic hill surrounded by natural beauty, making it a spiritually serene and peaceful location that attracts devotees from nearby towns and across the state.
The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Ganesha, worshipped here as Sri Varad Vinayak, the giver of boons and remover of obstacles. The idol of Ganesha is about seven feet tall and is in a seated posture. It is believed by devotees that the Ganesha of Gaurala is extremely “alert” and quickly responds to sincere prayers, fulfilling the wishes of those who visit with faith and devotion.
The temple is built on a small hill amidst greenery, and though modest in size, it carries great spiritual importance. The idol of Varad Vinayak is placed in a sanctum that reflects traditional Maharashtrian temple design, with a simple yet powerful presence. The surrounding area, known for its natural beauty, adds to the sacred charm of the shrine.
This ancient temple dates back to ancient times and is regarded as one of the significant Ganapati temples of Vidarbha. It is said to be one of the Ashtavinayak forms of Lord Ganesha, similar in divinity and reverence to those in Western Maharashtra. For centuries, devotees from Vidarbha and nearby regions have been visiting this temple for darshan and blessings.
According to the Ganesh Purana, there once lived a sage named Gritsamad Rishi, who was known for his intelligence and devotion. He was believed to be the illegitimate son of Lord Indra.
One day, during a Shraddha meal at the Magadha King’s house, Rishi Atri insulted Gritsamad by calling him an illegitimate child. Deeply hurt by this humiliation, Gritsamad returned home and questioned his mother, who, frightened, revealed the truth about his birth. Saddened and disheartened, Gritsamad left for the Tadak Pushpak forest to perform severe penance.
This forest, filled with flowers and tranquility, is believed to be the present site of the Gaurala Varad Vinayak Temple. Sage Gritsamad performed intense tapas (penance) here to Lord Ganesha. Pleased with his devotion, Lord Ganesha appeared before him and granted him two boons — one, to be respected as a great sage and scholar, and two, that the desires of devotees visiting this sacred place would always be fulfilled.
Lord Ganesha then disappeared, and Sage Gritsamad established this self-manifested form of Varad Vinayak Ganesha at Gaurala. Since then, this temple has been revered as a place where wishes come true.
The temple witnesses large gatherings during Ganesh Chaturthi, Sankashti Chaturthi, and Maghi Ganesh Jayanti. Devotees from across the Vidarbha region come to offer prayers and seek blessings. Throughout the year, devotees visit the temple to perform special poojas and to express gratitude for fulfilled wishes.
