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Moraya Gosavi Temple, Chinchwad
Ganpati Bappa Morya!
Have you ever paused to wonder why we chant “Moraya” after “Ganpati Bappa”? Like many, I hadn’t thought about it until my recent visit to the revered Moraya Gosavi Temple near Pune. The word “Morya” isn’t just a chant—it carries the legacy of Moraya Gosavi, a 14th-century saint known as one of Lord Ganesha’s most devoted followers. According to folklore, Moraya Gosavi had a divine vision in which Lord Ganesha instructed him to establish a temple in Chinchwad, assuring him that his blessings would reach all devotees from there. Built in the early 17th century, this iconic temple has since become a major spiritual landmark in the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), blending rich history, devotion, and stunning Marathi architectural traditions.
About Saint Morya Gosavi: His Devotion, Samadhi, and Teachings
Saint Moraya Gosavi Maharaj, originally from Shali village in Karnataka, was a devoted follower of Lord Mayureshwar who lived an extraordinary life of faith and spiritual dedication. For 117 years, he regularly made pilgrimages to the Mayureshwar Ganapati temple in Morgaon without fail. However, as he grew older, traveling to the temple became increasingly difficult.
One day, while journeying to Morgaon, he arrived late, only to find the temple doors closed. Heartbroken, Moraya sat under a tamarind tree near the temple, tears flowing as he called out to Lord Mayureshwar, saying, “I have waited so long to see you, my Lord!” Moved by Moraya’s deep devotion, Lord Mayureshwar appeared before him and said, “Moraya, why do you trouble yourself so much? There is no longer any separation between us. You and I are one. You don’t need to come to Morgaon anymore—I will come to Chinchwad with you.”
The next morning, while offering prayers in the Karha River, Moraya discovered a Ganapati idol in the form of rice grains in his hands. At that moment, a divine voice proclaimed, “Moraya, I am pleased with your devotion. From now on, people will chant my name along with yours, saying, ‘Mangalmurti Moraya!’” Overjoyed, Moraya brought the idol to Chinchwad and built a small temple to honor Lord Ganesha.
Over time, Chinchwad grew into a vibrant spiritual hub. Moraya Gosavi emphasized feeding the needy, organizing festivals, and conducting rituals, attracting countless devotees. However, as the crowds grew, Moraya found it difficult to continue his meditation and spiritual practices. Seeking peace, he expressed his wish to take samadhi (final resting state). Lord Mayureshwar granted his wish, and on Margashirsha Vadya Shashti in 1561, at the remarkable age of 186, Moraya Gosavi took Sanjeevan Samadhi on the sacred banks of the Pavana River.
His son, Chintamani Maharaj, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Ganesha, later built a temple on the samadhi. This temple has become a major pilgrimage site for Ganesha devotees. To this day, the tradition of honoring Lord Ganesha alongside Saint Moraya Gosavi continues, inspiring countless devotees across Maharashtra.
Moraya’s life is a lesson in devotion, meditation, and helping others. His influence continues to inspire many people who visit the temple every year to seek blessings. His legacy remains an important part of the culture and spiritual life of the area.
A Visit Planned by the Heart
One rainy morning, my mother spotted the Morya Gosavi Temple on the news—it had been partially submerged in the Pavana River due to heavy rains. Curious, she asked me about it. I shared that the temple is dedicated to Saint Morya Gosavi, the beloved devotee of Lord Ganesha, and that his name is always included in our chant. Deeply moved by the story, she expressed a strong desire to visit the temple herself.
The following Saturday, at 8 AM sharp, we set out for the temple. October’s cloudy skies stayed with us, and light rain occasionally touched the road as we rode through Shivajinagar, Khadki, and Chinchwad. Despite the weather, my mother’s excitement was visible. After an hour-long ride, we arrived to the sight of a grand entry gate decorated with beautiful carvings of Lord Ganesha from the Ashtavinayak temples and an idol of Saint Morya Gosavi.
Exploring Shree Moraya Gosavi Temple
Outside the temple, the smell of street food filled the air on one side, while the other side had parking spaces and rows of shops selling pooja materials—flowers, coconuts, incense, and statues. My mother couldn’t resist stopping to admire the colorful idols of Ganpati and Moraya Gosavi Maharaj. As we entered the temple, a priest at the gate welcomed us, saying, “Taking darshan here is as good as receiving blessings from all eight Ashtavinayak temples.” My mother’s face brightened with happiness.
The temple, located on the banks of the Pavana River, is a stunning example of black-stone architecture, with its colorful spire standing out against the lush greenery.
After descending the stone steps, we first visited the Chintamani Maharaj Samadhi Temple, where Moraya Gosavi’s son is laid to rest. The peaceful atmosphere and detailed carvings reflected the devotion of centuries past. From a small window in the sanctum, we caught a glimpse of the main Ganesh idol in Moraya Gosavi’s samadhi temple, a sight that brought a sense of calm. The temple’s unique design, with structures at different levels, added to its beauty.
Next, we moved to the main temple, the Moraya Gosavi Samadhi Mandir. Above the entry gate, there was a large portrait of Moraya Gosavi, which is also seen on the gates of all Ashtavinayak temples. As we passed through a small door, we entered the main temple, where my mother was immediately drawn to a huge Shivling near the entrance. “This is the largest Shivling I’ve ever seen,” she said in awe, asking me to take a picture. She gave that classic Indian mother pose a mix of prayer and pride and I couldn’t help but smile as I clicked the photo.
Inside, we paid our respects to the Ganpati idol placed above Moraya Gosavi’s samadhi. According to legend, after Morya Gosavi attained samadhi, his son placed the idol to honor his father’s deep devotion. The atmosphere inside was calm and peaceful, with the air filled with the sweet fragrance of flowers and incense.
After receiving blessings, we continued to explore the temple grounds. The walls of the temple are covered with beautiful carvings and paintings that tell the life story of Moraya Gosavi. One legend tells of Lord Ganesha’s blessing to Morya Gosavi, promising that his family would remain under divine protection for seven generations.
Nearby, we discovered smaller shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kaka Maharaj, and other saints, as well as the samadhis (memorials) of Moraya Gosavi’s descendants. A tall deepmala (lamp tower), made of black stone, stood proudly, ready to be lit during special occasions like Ganesh Chaturthi.
Before leaving, we sat in a meditation hall with Ashtavinayak carvings, taking a moment to relax and find peace. As I watched my mother close her eyes in prayer, I felt a deep connection to the moment. On our way back, she couldn’t stop talking about the temple and insisted on taking prasad for the family.
This visit wasn’t just about exploring a temple—it was about connecting with history, faith, and my mother in a way that words can’t fully explain. The happiness on her face was the greatest blessing of all.
Final Thoughts On Saint Moraya Gosavi Temple
Visiting the Moraya Gosavi Temple was not just about exploring a spiritual place; it was a journey of connecting with history, devotion, and family. My mother’s joy and the peace I felt while walking through the temple grounds were beyond words. The temple, with its rich history and serene atmosphere, reminded me of the power of faith and the importance of honoring our roots.
Saint Moraya Gosavi’s life teaches us the true meaning of devotion, and his legacy continues to inspire everyone who visits. It wasn’t just the beautiful carvings or the sacred idols that touched me, but the sense of timeless devotion that echoed through every corner of the temple.
If you ever find yourself near Pune, make sure to visit the Moraya Gosavi Temple. It’s more than just a place of worship; it’s a living story of faith, love, and spiritual connection. And who knows? Maybe, like my mother, you’ll also find your heart touched in ways you didn’t expect.
How to Reach Saint Moraya Gosavi Temple
The Morya Gosavi Temple is located in Chinchwad, approximately 18–20 kilometers from Pune city center. You can reach the temple by car or taxi, which takes around 30–40 minutes. The easiest route is via Shivajinagar-Khadki-Chinchwad road, well-connected for smooth travel. If you prefer public transport, you can take a bus from Pune Station or Shivajinagar to Chinchwad and then hire an auto-rickshaw to the temple.
If you are coming by train, the nearest railway station is Chinchwad Railway Station, about 5–6 kilometers away. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or cab to reach the temple. For those traveling within Chinchwad or nearby areas, two-wheelers or auto-rickshaws are the most convenient options. The serene location on the banks of the Pavana River makes for a peaceful and spiritual visit.
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