Chintamani Temple

Chintamani Temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha located in Theur, Pune district, Maharashtra. It is one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples and sits at the confluence of the Mula and Mutha rivers. The current structure was built by saint Morya Gosavi or his descendants and later renovated by Peshwa Madhavrao I in the 18th century. The temple houses a self-manifested east-facing idol with diamond-studded eyes and remains a significant spiritual center for the Ganapatya sect.

Visitors can expect darshan of the swayambhu Ganesha idol facing east within a historic temple complex featuring a wooden sabha mandap and black stone fountain. The premises include smaller shrines dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu-Lakshmi, Hanuman, Kalika, and Bhairavnath, as well as the adjacent Peshwa Wada. Photography is prohibited inside the sanctum. Devotees may participate in daily rituals, and on Sundays, a simple lunch is served at nominal cost. The temple is situated on the riverbank and attracts pilgrims throughout the year.

The temple is believed to be an ancient Ganapatya pilgrimage site. The current structure was built by saint Morya Gosavi or his descendant Dharmadhar. Peshwa Madhavrao I (1761–1772) renovated the temple, built the wooden sabha mandap, and installed a large bell. He spent his final days here and passed away in the temple premises. The temple has been administered by the Chinchwad Devasthan Trust since the Peshwa era.

Chintamani Temple is the fifth temple in the traditional Ashtavinayak Yatra sequence and holds immense religious importance for the Ganapatya sect. According to legend, Ganesha retrieved the wish-granting Chintamani jewel here and pacified Brahma's mind, earning the name Chintamani. The temple hosts twelve annual festivals including the four-day Bhadrapada Dvārayātrā pilgrimage and celebrates Ganesh Chaturthi with elaborate rituals following traditions established by Morya Gosavi.