Dhundi Raj Vinayak Temple - A Shrine of elephant god in Varanasi
Among 108 temples described in Kedarkanda, each temple has its own significance. But a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, known as Dhundiraj Vinayak is a unique one. Though small,his greatness is personified by his accompliments in kashi. Though 56 temples dedicated to him are found here. Among them this temple is reverred by trimurtis. He is referred to as gana natha, the head of all ganas. It is said that without worshipping Shri Dhundiraj Ganesh a pilgrimage of Kashi remains incomplete, such is the greatness of this form of Shri Ganesh.’
Vishwanath Radhakrishna
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The city of Varanasi has aptly been penned as the city of temples. As per sources the Panchakroshi circuit has a total of 108 sacred sites (or stations) along the route, some of which are of Shiva , Devi temples, Vishnu others little known shrines in the lanes. The pilgrimage starts and finishes at Manikarnika Ghat
For a visitor to Kashi, the yatra brochures is customised to prominent shrines such as Kal Bhairav, Ashta Bhairav, Kashi Vishwanath, Annapoorna and Vishalakshmi temples and finally Adi keshava temple.
So was to me, until i deciphered few hidden temples away from the ordinary.One such temple was the temple dedicated to elephant god, Lord Ganesh.
Temple of Dhundiraj Vinayak & its Origin
According to a story mentioned in Kashi Khand, Dhundhiraj Vinayak form of Lord Ganesha is the part of Ashta Pradhan Vinayak Yatra. According to story mentioned in Ashta Pradhan Yatra, when Lord Ganesha succeeded in finding the deficiency in the rule of King Divodas, he settled down in Varanasi in the form of fifty six idols (56) (Chhapan Vinayak). Thereafter, Lord Vishnu dethroned King Divodas as per the vow. Lord Vishwanath arrived Kashi from Mandarachal along with all the Gods. As soon as Lord Vishweshwar stepped in Kashi he firstly worshipped and praised the Ganayak - Who is the leader of all ganas (Lord Ganesha) and chanted the hymns of Dhundhiraj and proclaimed that at this place Lord Ganesha will be known as Dhundhiraj and pilgrims who will offer prayers to Dhundhiraj prior to the Lord Vishwanath will be graced by the blessings of Lord Vishwanath. It is believed that those who offer prayers to Dhundhiraj Vinayak will get rid of all the sins,obstacles and attain salvation.
Being located in the narrow alleys of Varanasi,it might be difficult to spot the temple because of its size and proximity to shops.The sanctum consists a idol of Lord ganesh, which is said to be self incarnated. Just before Annaporneshwari temple and Kashi Vishwanath temple is Dundhiraj Vinayak temple.
Jostling for space you might find it difficult to walking fast, as the long beeline of pilgrims heading to darshan of Kashi Vishwanath & Annapoorna Matha will also deviate your attention.
Just behind the temple is the moola Idol ( vigraha ) of Lord inside the premises of Vishwanath temple. A flight of steps leads to ( Five faced ) Panchamukha Vinayak shrine adjacent to it.
Devotees can visit and worship at temple throughout the day.As its less known,you will be find only few devotees visiting the premises.
Whatever be it, the glories of dhundiraj vinayak is been mentioned in holy scriptures of Kedarkand in Skanda purana and revered by gods as well.
You might also like to visit near Gaurikund, enroute to Kedarnath,then you might have missed a similar temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh without head known as Mundkatiya.
