In a remarkable feat of infrastructure development, the Public Works Department (PWD) has announced a groundbreaking advancement in pilgrimage accessibility, allowing devotees to visit all eight Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra within a single day. This monumental achievement marks a significant reduction in travel time previously required for the revered darshan, showcasing the transformative impact of enhanced road connectivity.
Formerly necessitating a daunting 48-hour journey by four-wheeler, the pilgrimage to the Ashtavinayak temples has now been streamlined, thanks to the diligent efforts of the PWD in optimizing road networks and eliminating travel barriers. Among the eight sacred temples, five are nestled in Pune district (Morgaon, Theur, Ranjangaon, Ozar, and Lenyadri), while Siddhatek Nagar, Mahad, and Pali temples grace the Raigad district.
The comprehensive road improvement initiative spearheaded by the PWD has been instrumental in revolutionizing the pilgrimage experience for devotees and tourists alike. According to PWD Superintendent Engineer Bappa Bahir, meticulous planning and execution were pivotal in connecting the roads leading to the Ashtavinayak temples, encompassing a vast network spanning 252 km.
With a state government-sanctioned budget of 900 crores, the roadworks encompassed an array of essential upgrades, including repairs, widening, and reinforcement of existing routes. Entrusted to a private company through a rigorous tendering process, these infrastructure enhancements have significantly enhanced accessibility and convenience for pilgrims embarking on the sacred journey.
Bahir emphasized that the successful completion of these roadworks has effectively halved the previous two-day pilgrimage duration, enabling devotees to embark on the spiritual odyssey and pay homage to Ashtavinayak Ganesha within a condensed timeframe of 24 hours. This monumental achievement is poised to catalyze a surge in pilgrimage activity, drawing devotees from far and wide to partake in the revered traditions and spiritual blessings offered by the Ashtavinayak temples.
