The Kelzar Ganesh Temple, also known as Kelzar Sree Siddhi Vinayaka Swamy Temple, is a well-known and ancient temple dedicated to Sri Ganesh. It is located in Kelaz, Wardha, Maharashtra. The primary deity of the temple is Lord Siddhi Vinayak. The temple is famous for its enormous idol of Lord Ganesh, which measures 4.6 feet in height, and 4.40 meters in diameter and 14 feet in width.
The Kelzar temple, located amidst a scenic landscape of hills, is an integral part of the country’s ancient history. Known as the ‘Varadavinayak’ Ganesh, this temple is believed to fulfill all wishes and attracts devotees throughout the year. It is situated just 52 km from Nagpur and 26 km from Wardha.
The village’s religious and historical importance makes it a place of huge reverence, particularly during the Ganeshotsav festival. The present 10-day festivities are marked with devotional activities like ‘bhajans’ and ‘kirtans’ amid the sonorous beats of the tal and veena. At daybreak, the temple priest bathes the idol, and performs ‘Abhishek’.
Kelzar Vinayaka Temple Opens at 5:00 AM and Closed at 12:00 AM
Kelzar Temple Aarti pooja Timings
Morning: 8:00 AM
Evening: 8:00 PM
Kelzar Temple Abhishek Time
From 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM
History and Significance of Kelzar Ganesh Temple
As per the Vasishtha Puran, Kelzar was the abode of Rishi Vasishtha, the guru of Sri Ram. The great Rishi installed the idol of Lord Ganesh in the temple and used to worship it. Scriptures mention that the Wardha river was born around the same time, and the Purana refers to Kelzar’s Lord Ganesh as ‘Varad’ Vinayak. The Mahabharat also mentions that the Pandavas resided in Ekchakranagar for a while, which is located near the Buddha Vihar, presently known as ‘Tondya Rakshas Maidan’ on Wardha-Nagpur National Highway. The hillock where the temple of Lord Ganesh stands also has a grand fort of the Vakataka period.
The idol of Varad Vinayak Shri Ganesh in Kelzar is 4.6 feet high, and the base is 14 feet. In 1993, the temple underwent renovation work, and in 1994, a ‘Shivlinga’ was found while digging. The place also holds high importance for Jains, as an ancient idol of the 8th Tirthankar of the Jains Chandraprabhu Swami was found in the village. Experts believe that the idol must be from the 8th century. Similarly, the Mahalaxmi Jyotirlinga found there could be over 2,000 years old, as per experts.
Siddhi Vinayaka Temple Contact
Kelzar Village,
Wardha Tehsil
Maharastra – 442104.