The Shastrokt Ashtavinayak Cycling Parikrama with Mitesh Modi as he covers 750 km in 6 days on his cycle riding around the Western Ghats…
Meet Mitesh Modi from Palanpur, Gujarat. He recently cycled 750 km around Pune covering the Shastrokt Ashtavinayak circuit. This 26-year-old medical student uses his bicycle for everything, from commuting to exploring the world around him. He chose to take his faithful companion with him on this ride as well.
Cycling for him is about ‘freedom & fun’ and not about competing. It was never about speed or the fancy gears which cyclists typically identify with. Here he tell us about his fuel-free way of exploring, meeting people and enjoying the journey at a leisurely pace.
In his words:
Shastrokt Ashtavinayak Parikrama on Bicycle Solo
Welcome to the story of my solo cycling pilgrimage to the sacred Ashtavinayak temples—a journey that blended devotion, endurance, and discovery. Over six days, I cycled 753 kilometers across Maharashtra, starting and ending in Pune, visiting the eight holy abodes of Lord Ganesha.
This journey wasn’t just about visiting temples—it was about connecting with nature, testing my limits, and finding peace along the way. A couple of years ago, I undertook the Narmada Parikrama on a bicycle. That journey changed me, both internally and externally. Going solo on unknown paths for days transforms you.
The idea of this pilgrimage began years ago when I first heard about the Ashtavinayak Yatra from a colleague in Pune. At that time, I was already drawn to cycling, and the thought of combining a spiritual quest with an adventurous ride appealed to me.
Quick Glimpse: https://youtu.be/WICsxeYYNO4?si=vhceGXCcKPFgJ92A
The Beginning
Before starting, many of my friends questioned my decision. They wondered why I would take on such a physically demanding task and whether it would add any value to my professional life. But for me, the reason was simple—to spend time doing what I love, to break free from the monotony, and to embrace the joy of the journey.
I prepared for the trip with minimal gear: a helmet, sunglasses (which I, unfortunately, lost along the way), a backpack, a spare t-shirt, ORS packets, a water bottle, a charger, and a nutrition bar. My girlfriend lovingly designed a small poster for my cycle, which explained my Ashtavinayak Yatra to curious onlookers. It saved me the trouble of answering repetitive questions and became a conversation starter on the road.
The pilgrimage started at Shri Mayureshwar Ganapati Temple in Morgaon. According to legend, Lord Ganesha arrived here on a peacock, and the temple marks the spiritual beginning of the Ashtavinayak Yatra. The early morning ride to Morgaon set the tone for the journey—calm yet exciting.
From there, I cycled to Shree Siddhivinayak Mandir in Siddhatek, located along the banks of the Bhima River. This temple is unique as it houses the only right-trunked Ganesha idol among the eight. The climb to the temple was challenging, but the peaceful atmosphere made it all worthwhile.
Day 2 to 4
On Day 2, I cycled 146 kilometers to Mulshi, where I stayed overnight. The real adventure began as I passed through Mulshi Ghat and Tamhini Ghat on Day 3. These routes are known for their steep inclines, hairpin turns, and stunning natural beauty. Every uphill climb tested my stamina, but the breathtaking views of the Sahyadri ranges were worth the effort.
Reaching Shree Ballaleshwar Temple in Pali was a rewarding experience. Named after the devoted child Ballal, this temple is filled with vibrant energy, and the locals were warm and welcoming. After spending some time here, I continued cycling to Shree Varad Vinayak Temple in Mahad. Known for its self-manifested idol and an ever-burning lamp, this temple exudes simplicity and serenity.
Cycling through lush greenery, I reached Shree Chintamani Ganapati Temple in Theur. This temple holds the story of Lord Ganesha retrieving the Chintamani jewel for Sage Kapila. The surroundings were peaceful, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude and connection with nature.
Throughout the journey, I stayed fuelled with local Maharashtrian food—vada pav, misal pav, kanda poha, jowar bhakri, and matki. My love for tea and sugarcane juice kept me energized during the long rides. Local vendors, kind strangers, and even truck drivers often stepped in to guide me when Google Maps failed.
Day 5 & 6
On Day 5, I cycled to Shree Girijatmaj Ganpati Temple in Lenyadri. This temple, carved into ancient rock-cut caves, is a marvel of architecture. Reaching it required a steep climb, but the panoramic views and the spiritual atmosphere made it worth the effort.
The next stop was Shree Vighnahar Ganapati Temple in Ozar. The temple’s fort-like structure stood out, and the blessings I received here gave me the motivation to complete the final stretch of the pilgrimage.
The final day of my journey took me to Shree Mahaganapati Temple in Ranjangaon. This temple is associated with Lord Shiva, who sought Ganesha’s blessings before defeating the demon Tripurasura. It is considered one of the most powerful temples of Lord Ganesha.
Cycling back to Pune after receiving blessings from all eight temples was a moment of pure joy and satisfaction. It wasn’t just a physical achievement—it was a journey of faith, resilience, and self-discovery.
Reflections from the Road
Every day of this journey brought new experiences and lessons:
• Children’s Inspiration: Along the way, I noticed children watching me with wide-eyed wonder. Many had recently learned to ride bicycles themselves, and seeing me on this journey seemed to spark their imagination. For them, as for me, the bicycle represents freedom and possibility.
• Faith and Simplicity: The temple trusts provided affordable and clean accommodations, making the journey easier for pilgrims. It reminded me that faith is not about extravagance but about finding meaning in simple things.
• The Beauty of Nature: Cycling through the Sahyadri ranges allowed me to witness Maharashtra’s natural beauty up close. Each sunrise and sunset, each chai stop and sugarcane juice break, added to the richness of the experience.
• Breaking Routine: This journey was a reminder that stepping out of your comfort zone is essential. It’s easy to get caught up in routines, but taking time for what you love can transform your perspective.
What This Journey Means to Me
The Ashtavinayak cycling pilgrimage wasn’t just a trip—it was a journey of transformation. It taught me to value patience, resilience, and the joy of the present moment. It wasn’t about how fast I reached my destination but about the memories and connections I made along the way.
So, if you’ve been holding off on pursuing your dreams, take this as a sign. Don’t let doubts or routines hold you back. Whether it’s a cycling expedition, a creative pursuit, or something you’ve always wanted to try—go for it.
Ganpati Bappa Morya! Let’s keep moving forward, one pedal stroke at a time.
The Route
- Day 1: Pune to Mayureshwar to Siddhatek
- Day 2: Siddhatek to Pune to Mulshi
- Day 3: Mulshi to Tamhini to Pali to Mahad
- Day 4: Mahad to Pune to Theur
- Day 5: Theur to Lenyadri to Ozar
- Day 6: Ozar to Ranjangaon to Mayureshwar
You can read about Mitesh’s previous ride here: https://cyclingmonks.com/topic/narmada-parikrama-bicycle/
