Chintamani Temple, Theur

The Chintamani Temple at Theur, about 25 km from Pune near the meeting of the Bhima and Mula-Mutha rivers, is one of the larger and better-known of the Ashtavinayaka, Maharashtra's eight revered Ganesha shrines. It is officially the fifth stop on the circuit, though pilgrims often come here second, after Morgaon, as the route is easier.

Temple lore tells how Ganesha won back the wish-granting jewel Chintamani for his devotee Kapila after the grasping king Gana seized it, and how he calmed the mind of Brahma, who meditated on him at Theur. Though a shrine is believed to have stood here since ancient times, the present building is credited to the Ganapatya saint Morya Gosavi or one of his descendants. The Peshwas held the temple dear, and Madhavrao I renovated and added to it.