The Varadvinayak temple is one of the eight Ashtavinayak shrines and stands in Mahad village near Khopoli in Khalapur taluka, not in Mahad town further south. The present temple was built in 1725 by Ramji Mahadev Biwalkar, a Peshwa general, and an oil lamp in the shrine is said to have burned continuously since 1892. Devotees are allowed into the sanctum to see the idol up close. It is just off the Mumbai Pune Expressway near Khopoli, so it makes an easy stop on the road between the two cities.
- Address: Mahad village, near Khopoli, Khalapur taluka, Raigad district, Maharashtra 410203
- How to Reach: About 3 km from Khopoli off the old Mumbai Pune highway, about 80 km from Pune. Khopoli has buses and suburban trains.
Share a quick rating, tip, or photo so the next traveler knows what to expect.