Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali
श्री बल्लाळेश्वर अष्टविनायक मंदिर
Ganesha (Ballaleshwar) temple · Pali, Raigad, Maharashtra, India
Photo: Pradeep717 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons
Ballaleshwar Temple is a Ganesha temple at Pali in Raigad district, Maharashtra, and one of the eight Ashtavinayak shrines of Ganesha. Maharashtra Tourism notes that it is the only Ashtavinayak temple named after a devotee, the boy Ballal, rather than after the deity.
The Raigad district administration places Pali near Sarasgad fort and the Amba river, about 60 km from Karjat. The temple is managed by the Ballaleshwar Devasthan Trust and draws large crowds, especially on Sankashti Chaturthi.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali
According to tradition, a boy named Ballal in Pali gathered his friends to worship Ganesha. His father, Kalyan, angered by this devotion, broke up their worship and tied Ballal to a tree. Ganesha is said to have appeared to Ballal as a sage, freed him and, at Ballal's request, agreed to remain at Pali, where he is worshipped as Ballaleshwar, the Lord of Ballal.
Before entering the main shrine, devotees visit Dhundi Vinayak. Maharashtra Tourism describes this self-manifested (swayambhu) image as the stone that Ballal and his friends are believed to have worshipped. These are matters of faith and are presented here as tradition.
Heritage
History of Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali
The Raigad district administration says the temple is said to have been built in 1640 CE by Moreshvar Vitthal Sindkar (Dighe). The original wooden temple was renovated in 1760 into a stone temple designed by Shri Fadnis. Maharashtra Tourism also gives 1760 for the stone rebuilding but dates the first wooden shrine to the 11th century, so its origins are not settled.
A bell in the temple is said to have been brought back by Chimaji Appa after he defeated the Portuguese at Vasai and Sashti, according to the Raigad district administration.
Architecture and sacred features
According to Maharashtra Tourism, the stone temple was laid out in the shape of the Devanagari letter 'Shri', and lead was mixed into the mortar for strength. It faces east, so the rising sun falls on the image during morning worship. The main hall is about 40 feet long and 20 feet wide, with eight pillars carved to resemble cypress trees. The inner sanctum is about 15 feet high and the outer one about 12 feet.
The image of Ballaleshwar is seated on a stone throne with its trunk turned to the left, and its eyes and navel are set with diamonds, according to Maharashtra Tourism.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
Expect long queues on Sankashti Chaturthi, Ganesh Chaturthi and Magha festival days. During busy periods the Devasthan Trust and local police manage crowds and traffic, as reported by Sakal. Confirm current darshan arrangements with the Ballaleshwar Devasthan Trust before travelling.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with Ballaleshwar Devasthan Trust before travelling. Last reviewed 5 October 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali
Bhadrapada Utsav (Ganesh Chaturthi)
Maharashtra Tourism describes a festival lasting several days at Ballaleshwar, with daily processions, devotional singing and community meals.
Maghi Utsav
A major festival at the temple, with special rituals and cultural programmes, according to Maharashtra Tourism.
Sankashti Chaturthi
Thousands of devotees come to Pali for darshan on Sankashti Chaturthi, as reported by Sakal.
Location
How to Reach Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali
Pali is in Raigad district, about 60 km from Karjat, according to the Raigad district administration. The district lists Pen and Roha among the Konkan Railway stations serving Raigad, and Panvel and the Mumbai and Pune stations on the main lines.
The airports listed by the district administration for Raigad's tourist places are Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport, Mumbai and Lohegaon Airport, Pune. Pali is reached by road from these points.
Location: Pali, Raigad, Maharashtra, India
Nearest airport: Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji) or Pune (Lohegaon)
Nearest railway station: Roha or Pen (Konkan Railway); Panvel
More in Hindu temples in Maharashtra · Ganesha (Ballaleshwar) temples · Temples in pali · Temples in Sudhagad - Pali Taluka · Temples in Raigad District
Questions
Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali: Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Pali Ganesha called Ballaleshwar?
According to tradition, Ganesha agreed to stay at Pali at the request of his boy devotee Ballal and is worshipped as the Lord of Ballal. It is the only Ashtavinayak named after a devotee.
What is Dhundi Vinayak?
It is a self-manifested Ganesha image near the main temple, believed to be the stone Ballal worshipped. Devotees visit it before Ballaleshwar.
Who built the Ballaleshwar temple?
The Raigad district administration says it was built in 1640 by Moreshvar Vitthal Sindkar and rebuilt in stone in 1760 to a design by Shri Fadnis.
What is special about the temple bell?
The district administration says the bell was brought back by Chimaji Appa after his victory over the Portuguese at Vasai and Sashti.
Which way does the temple face?
It faces east, so the rising sun falls on the image during morning worship, according to Maharashtra Tourism.
How far is Pali from Karjat?
The Raigad district administration puts Pali about 60 km from Karjat.
Who manages the temple?
The temple is managed by the Ballaleshwar Devasthan Trust, as reported by Sakal.
Sources and attribution
- © OpenStreetMap contributors — location data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL)
- Wikidata Q13119166 — structured data (CC0)
- Wikipedia — Ballaleshwar_Pali — text facts from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
- Department of Tourism, Government of Maharashtra — Pali – Ashtavinayak
- District Administration Raigad, Government of Maharashtra — Religious Places in Raigad District
- Sakal — Palit hajaro bhavik dakhal; Ballaleshwarachya darshanasathi ranga (Marathi)
Further reading: Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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