The temple of Vighnahar is one of the most significant temples that constitute Ashtavinayak range of temples. This temple is located just off the Pune-Nashik Highway, in the town of Ozhar. It is enclosed on all sides by high stone walls, and its pinnacle is made of gold. This Ashtavinayaka Temple is in the banks of Kukadi River which is in Junnar District and around 85 kms from Pune. The Deity of this shrine is known as Vigneshwara which means `remover of all obstacles`.

Legend of Vigneshwar Temple
The legend of the Vigneshwar Temple states the incident that Vighnasur, a demon was created by the King of Gods, Lord Indra to destroy the prayer organized by King Abhinandan. However, the demon with his attained powers inflicted humans with pain and destroyed all Vedic, religious acts performed by the saints. Being terrorised the Gods and man began praying to Lord Ganesha for their protection. Pleased with their devotions Lord Ganesha answered their prayers. He raged a battle with the demon and vanquished him. The story goes on to say that on being conquered, the demon begged and pleaded with Ganesha to show mercy on him. Ganesha granted his plea on the condition that the demon should not go to the place where Ganesha worshipping is going on. In return the demon made a request to the Lord that his name should be taken before Ganesha`s name. Hence the name of Ganesha became Vighnahar or Vighneshwar. The Ganesha here is called Shri Vighneshwar Vinayak.

Architecture of Vigneshwar Temple
The temple of Vigneshwara is probably built around 1785AD. The temple is probably built around 1785AD and is possibly built by Chimaji Appa after defeating the Portuguese rulers of Vasai and Sashti. The temple is situated on the banks of river Kukadi.

The temple of Vigneshwar faces the east direction and is surrounded by a thick stone wall. The top of the temple is made of gold. The main hall of the temple is 20feet long and the inner hall is 10feet long. The temple has interesting features such as a spacious courtyard and a grand entrance. At the entrance of the Temple there are 2 stone pillars for oil lamps and 2 Dwarpalaks guarding the temple. The Ganesha idol of this Mandir faces east with its trunk towards the left. The idol of Ganesha is flanked by the brass idols of his consorts Siddhi and Riddhi. The idol of Ganesha is studded with precious stones like diamonds, rubies and emeralds. The main temple has two halls out of which one has the idol of Dhundiraj and the other has an idol of rat in running position made in white marble. There are also images of Lord Surya, Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu and Shakti in this temple. The temple has beautiful sculptures and mural works. This Temple was renovated in between 1958 to 1968. During the 4 Day Tripuri Pournima Festival huge crowds gather in the temple to worship Lord Ganesha.