Vedo Sanstuvaibhavo Gajmukho Bhaktabhimaniti Yo |
Ballaleravya Subhaktapal Narataha Khyataha Sada Tishtati ||
Kshetre Pallipure Yatha Kritayuge Charimashta Laukike |
Bhakterbhavit Murtiman Ganapati Siddhiswhar Tam Bhaje ||
Meaning
Whose greatness is mentioned in Vedas, whose face is like an elephant, who is famous in his devotees, who is famous in his devotees, who is busy in looking after his devotees for protection. In Krita-yuga who is living in Pallipur alias Pali who idol is liked by all devotees. I worship such a great Lord Ganesha.
How to reach Pali
The Ballaleshwar Vinayak is situated in District Raigad, Taluka Sudhagad in the village Pali. This place Pali is about 30 km from the railway station Karjat.
1)From Mumbai, it is 124 km one can reach Pali from Mumbai via Panvel, Khopoli.
2)From Pune, Pali is 10 km via Lonavala & Khopali.
3)There are some direct buses from Pune & Mumbai to Pali.
4)One can go by train till Karjat & from Karjat buses are available to Pali.
5)Buses are available from Khopoli & Panvel.
6)From Mumbai one can go to Dharamtar by boat and from their buses are available to Pali.
Stories about Shree Ballaleshwar Pali
Long ago, in Krita-Yuga this place is known as Kokan Pallir. A businessman called Kalyan Sheth was living there with his wife Indumati & son Ballal. Ballal was the great devotee of Lord Ganesha. His friends were also devotees of Lord Ganesha. Their parents did not like this. They complained about this to Kalyan Sheth. Kalyan Sheth was also not like his son, Ballal to become the devotee of Lord Ganesha, instead he wanted him to become a businessman like him. Kalyan Sheth became very angry about daily complaints of his son. Once Ballal went to forest along with other children for playing. They made a statue of Lord Ganesh and were so engrossed in performing his worship that they forgot everything even though it became dark. The parents of everyone became angry, they went to the forest where they saw Ballal and other children were playing and worshipping Lord Ganesha. They threw the idol and scattered the puja. Kalyan Sheth beat Ballal very much with the stick. Blood came out of his body. He left his son in that condition with his body fasten by rope. Kalyan Sheth asked his son, now let us see how your God will rescue you. He began to make his prayers to Lord Ganesh. In disguise of one Brahmin Lord Ganesh came to Ballal and healed his wounds. Lord Ganesha gave him a blessing that you will be the great promoter of my cult (the devotees of Lord Ganesha, great spiritual leader and you will have long life. Ballal said, Oh Lord Ganesha! you live at this place and fulfill the desires of the devotees and this place should become famous. Lord Ganesha agreed this and disappeared in a rock. The rock is nothing but the idol of Lord Ballaleshwar and the idol, which was thrown by Ballal's father, was installed in the nearby temple as Lord Dhundi-Vinayak.
The Temple
The original wooden temple was re-built with rock by Mr. Phadanvis during 1760’s. The temple is facing towards East. Two small lakes are built near the temple. Water from the right side lake is used for Lord Ganesha’s worship and other auspicious occasions. During Southern declination of the sun the rays directly fall on the idol of Lord Ballaleshwar. The temple is very strong while building the walls of the temple, lead was put in it. The pinnacle of the temple was build by bricks and a small room was built inside the pinnacle. there is a terrace in front of the room. There are two naves in the temple. The inner or main nave is bigger the naves were built in such a way that all right directions are covered in it. It is like an octagon. The height of the main nave is 15 feet and the height of other nave is 12 feet where the statue of mouse holding modak in its two legs was installed.
The Idol
In the main nave, there is a gaily decorated frame which is made up of stone. The idol of Lord Ballaleshwar is about 3 feet. The idol is facing towards East and the trunk is going towards left. There are diamonds in the eyes and navel of the idol. The decorative frame behind the idol is made of silver. The idol is installed on the throne and decorated with silver. Idols of Goddess, Shri Buddhi and Goddess Shri Siddhi are present near the idol of Lord Ballaleshwar. Many ornaments of gold, silver & diamonds are put on the idol everydy.
Daily Programs and festivals
The temple opens at 5 O’clock in the morning and at 5.30 am one can see and worship Lord Ballaleshwar. At 5 a.m. kakad arati(prayer which is done in early morning) & Panchopachari puja(worship with sandalwood, flowers, red lead, pastin stick/dhoop and light deep) done by the priest. Before 12 noon Shodopachari puja (a worship which embodies 16 items). After sunset Panchopachari puja and at night dhoop arti (worshipping with pastin sticks) takes place. The temple closes after last prayers in the night.
Festivals
Bhadrapada ( 6th month of the Hindu calendar) Shuddha Pratipada(first day) to Panchami (5th day) are celebrated as a big festival. Similarly Magha (11th month of the Hindu calendar) Shuddha Pratipada to Panchami are celebrated as a big festival.
There is a special story about the offering at night of Maghi Chaturthi to the god. After offering doors of the nave used to close and after some time when doors are open, one can see the marks of God’s fingers on the offering. To see this miracle many devotees
come to Pali.
Other information
1)The Management of temple is looked by the trust called `Ballaleshwar Devasthan’ the donations given by devotees are the only income for the trust.The address for correspondance for lodging & boarding is Shree Ballaleshwar Devasthan, Post Pali, Taluka Sudhagad, District Raigad, Phone-(02142) 42263.
2)One can do the religious performing over here. It is managed by the trust.
3)A caravansary is built by the trust for the devotees.
