Shri Ganapati Temple is located in Shegaon (Bu.) village, Warora Taluk, Chandrapur District, Maharashtra. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha, this sacred temple is one of the most revered Ganesh shrines in eastern Maharashtra. The temple is famous for its Swayambhu (self-manifested) idol of Shri Ganapati and is closely associated with the great saint P.P. Late Shri Anyaji Maharaj (Shri Gajananrao Dixit), whose extraordinary devotion established this place as an important centre of Ganesh worship. Devotees from different parts of Maharashtra visit the temple with deep faith, believing that Lord Ganapati blesses sincere worshippers with peace, prosperity and the removal of obstacles.
The exact age of the Swayambhu idol is not known, as it is believed to have manifested on its own. The temple gained prominence several decades ago after the miraculous discovery of the idol by Shri Anyaji Maharaj. Since then, it has remained an important centre of Ganesh devotion, preserving its sacred traditions and spiritual heritage.
The presiding deity is Lord Shri Ganapati in his Swayambhu form. Revered as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles, He is worshipped as the bestower of wisdom, prosperity, happiness and spiritual strength. Devotees offer prayers seeking success in their endeavours, family well-being and inner peace.
The temple is built in a simple traditional style that reflects the devotional heritage of rural Maharashtra. The sanctum sanctorum houses the sacred Swayambhu idol of Lord Ganapati, while the serene surroundings create a peaceful atmosphere for worship, meditation and spiritual practices.
The history and sacred legend of Shri Ganapati Temple are deeply intertwined with the life of P.P. Late Shri Anyaji Maharaj (Shri Gajananrao Dixit), an ardent devotee whose entire life was dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Such was his unwavering devotion that every moment of his life revolved around the worship and remembrance of Shri Ganapati.
According to the temple tradition, Lord Ganapati appeared before Shri Anyaji Maharaj in a divine vision and instructed him, “Take Me out of the dung heap.” Considering the command to be the Lord’s direct blessing, Shri Anyaji Maharaj immediately searched the place indicated by him. To his astonishment, a sacred Swayambhu idol of Shri Ganapati emerged from the dung heap. Recognising it as the Lord’s divine manifestation, he consecrated the idol at the very spot where it had appeared.
Following the installation, Shri Anyaji Maharaj performed uninterrupted worship, prayers and penance for twenty-one consecutive days. His intense devotion sanctified the place, and over time the temple became a revered pilgrimage for devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Ganapati. His complete surrender to the Lord was reflected in his oft-quoted words, “This is my Kashi; this is my pilgrimage,” expressing that he saw no greater holy place than the abode of his beloved Ganapati.
One of the unique traditions established by Shri Anyaji Maharaj is the observance of Kadak Sovala, a strict system of ritual purity followed during all temple worship and religious ceremonies. This sacred practice has been carefully preserved by the temple administration from the time of the saint and continues to be observed with utmost discipline and devotion even today.
Over the years, countless devotees have shared experiences of obstacles being removed, wishes being fulfilled and lives being transformed after offering sincere prayers at this temple. These experiences have strengthened the faith of devotees and established Shri Ganapati Temple at Shegaon (Bu.) as one of the most spiritually significant Ganesh pilgrimage centres in the Vidarbha region.
Ganesh Chaturthi is the most important festival celebrated at the temple with great devotion. The celebrations include Vedic chanting, Abhishekam, Mahapuja, Aarti, Bhajans, Kirtans and various religious programmes. Sankashti Chaturthi and other important Ganesh festivals are also observed with traditional rituals, attracting thousands of devotees from across Maharashtra every year.
