Among the sacred Ashtavinayak Temples of Maharashtra, the Chintamani Ganpati Temple in Theur holds a special spiritual significance. Dedicated to Lord Ganesha as Chintamani, this temple is revered as the remover of worries, troubles, and obstacles. Known as the temple of wisdom and peace, it attracts lakhs of devotees every year who come to seek blessings for prosperity, happiness, and a stress-free life.
Located near Pune, Maharashtra, Chintamani Ganpati Temple is a must-visit pilgrimage site, especially for devotees undertaking the Ashtavinayak Yatra. The divine atmosphere, combined with its rich history and well-preserved traditions, makes it one of the most important Ganesh temples in India.
If you are planning a visit, this complete guide covers everything you need to know about Chintamani Ganpati Temple Theur – including temple timings, darshan schedule, aarti rituals, pooja list, history, and travel tips to make your journey smooth and spiritually fulfilling.

Chintamani Ganpati Temple Theur Timings, Darshan Schedule & Aarti Details
The Chintamani Ganpati Temple in Theur, one of the sacred Ashtavinayak Temples in Maharashtra, follows a well-defined daily routine for devotees. If you are planning your visit, knowing the temple timings, darshan schedule, and aarti rituals will make your experience more smooth and devotional.
The temple opens early in the morning and remains accessible till late evening, with specific slots for darshan and pooja. Below is the updated Chintamani Ganpati Temple Theur timings:
Ritual / Darshan | Timing |
---|---|
Morning Temple Opening | 6:00 AM |
Morning Darshan | 6:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
Afternoon Break | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM |
Evening Darshan | 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
Special Darshan (Angarki Chaturthi) | 4:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
Maha Aarti | 7:30 AM |
Madhyan Aarti | 12:00 Noon |
Maha Prasad Distribution | 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
Shej Aarti (Closing Aarti) | 10:00 PM |
Daily Aarti & Pooja Rituals at Chintamani Ganpati Theur
Devotees visiting the temple can participate in daily aartis and book special poojas to fulfill personal wishes. The following rituals are performed every day:
- Kakad Aarti (Morning Aarti): 5:30 AM – 6:00 AM
- Maha Aarti: 7:30 AM
- Madhyan Aarti (Noon Aarti): 12:00 Noon
- Evening Aarti: 8:00 PM
- Shej Aarti (Closing Aarti): 10:00 PM
Apart from these daily rituals, several special poojas are offered:
- Abhishek Pooja – performed for prosperity and blessings
- Ganesh Chaturthi Mahapooja – grand celebrations during Ganesh Chaturthi
- Sankashti Chaturthi Rituals – attracts thousands of devotees every month
Key Highlights for Devotees
Crowd Days: Ganesh Chaturthi, Sankashti Chaturthi, and Angarki Chaturthi.
Best time to visit Chintamani Ganpati Temple: Early morning darshan or during special Angarki Chaturthi.
Prasad Distribution: Every day from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit Chintamani Ganpati Temple Theur
The best time to visit Chintamani Ganpati Temple in Theur depends on whether you prefer experiencing festivals or peaceful darshan.
- Ganesh Chaturthi (August–September): The temple witnesses a grand 10-day celebration with lakhs of devotees.
- Maghi Chaturthi (January–February): A major festival celebrated with spiritual fervor.
- October to March: Pleasant weather makes it ideal for darshan and sightseeing.
- Early mornings and weekdays: Recommended for devotees who wish to avoid long queues and enjoy a peaceful darshan.
Festivals Celebrated at Chintamani Ganpati Temple
The temple is known for its vibrant and sacred festivals, attracting devotees throughout the year:
- Ganesh Chaturthi: A 10-day grand celebration with cultural programs and spiritual rituals.
- Maghi Chaturthi: A winter festival celebrated with great devotion.
- Rama-Madhav Punyotsav: Dedicated to Peshwa Madhavrao I and Ramabai, observed inside the temple.
- Sankashti Chaturthi: Monthly special Ganpati pooja draws large crowds seeking blessings.
How to Reach Chintamani Ganpati Temple Theur
Reaching the Theur Ganpati Temple near Pune is convenient via multiple routes:
- By Road: Located about 25 km from Pune and 170 km from Mumbai, the temple is easily accessible by buses, taxis, and private vehicles.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Pune Junction, well connected to major Indian cities.
- By Air: The Pune International Airport (Lohegaon) is just 22 km away, offering daily domestic flights.
Nearby Attractions around Theur Ganpati Temple
A visit to the Chintamani Ganpati Temple Theur can be combined with several nearby tourist attractions, making your trip even more memorable:
- Pune City Attractions – Explore historical landmarks such as Shaniwar Wada, Vishrambaug Wada, Parvati Hill, and the famous Aga Khan Palace.
- Hill Stations near Pune – Popular weekend getaways like Lonavala, Khandala, and Mahabaleshwar are just a few hours’ drive, perfect for nature lovers.
- Other Ashtavinayak Temples – Devotees can extend their pilgrimage by visiting nearby shrines: Ranjangaon Mahaganapati (42 km), Siddhatek Siddhivinayak (83 km), and Morgaon Mayureshwar (63 km).
Travel Tips for Devotees Visiting Theur Ganpati
To make your Chintamani Ganpati Temple darshan smooth and hassle-free, here are some useful travel tips:
- Temple Entry – Entry is free for all devotees, but donations and special pooja bookings are available.
- Dress Code – Wear simple and modest clothes suitable for a holy shrine.
- Summer Visits – Carry essentials like water bottles, caps, and sunglasses, especially if visiting in May–June afternoons when the heat is high.
- Best Time for Darshan – Early mornings and weekdays are less crowded compared to weekends.
- Festival Rush – During Ganesh Chaturthi and Maghi Chaturthi, expect heavy crowds. To save time, devo
About Chintamani Ganpati Temple Theur
The Chintamani Ganpati Temple in Theur is the fifth shrine in the traditional Ashtavinayak Yatra of Maharashtra. Situated at the confluence of the Mula, Mutha, and Bhima rivers, this temple is around 25–30 km from Pune in Haveli Taluka. Surrounded by a serene riverside setting, the temple offers both spiritual strength and natural beauty, making it one of the most visited Ganesh temples in the region.
History and Significance of Chintamani Temple
The exact origin of the Chintamani Ganpati Temple remains unknown, but references in legends and local history suggest that it has existed for centuries. The current structure was developed by the descendants of saint Moraya Gosavi, one of the most revered devotees of Lord Ganesha.
Later, Peshwa Madhavrao I contributed to the temple by constructing the Sabha Mandap and installing a large bell, which still remains intact. After his passing, a memorial garden was also created within the temple premises to honor his memory.
The temple is recognized as a Jagrut Devsthan — meaning Lord Ganesha is ever-present here, actively blessing devotees who come with faith. The idol of Chintamani Ganpati has eyes studded with precious gems, which adds to its divine aura and unique charm.
Architecture of Chintamani Ganpati Temple Theur
The Chintamani Ganpati Temple, one of the largest Ashtavinayak Temples, showcases a perfect blend of spirituality and heritage.
- The temple entrance faces north, while the idol of Lord Ganesha (Chintamani) faces east.
- The wooden Sabha Mandap adds a rustic traditional charm.
- The Peshwa Wada within the temple complex reflects the rich Maratha architecture and heritage.
This architectural beauty makes the temple not only a spiritual hub but also a cultural landmark near Pune.
Legends of Chintamani Ganpati
Several fascinating legends highlight the spiritual significance of Chintamani Temple Theur:
1. Brahma’s Tapasya
According to scriptures, Lord Brahma performed intense penance at this site to calm and stabilize his mind. Moved by his devotion, Lord Ganesha appeared as Chintamani, granting him peace and wisdom. This is why devotees believe that visiting the temple helps in removing worries and achieving mental clarity.
2. King Abhijeet and Gunasur
Another popular legend narrates the story of King Abhijeet’s son, Gunasur, who misused a wish-fulfilling gem (Chintamani Ratna). To restore cosmic balance, Lord Ganesha defeated Gunasur and returned the gem to sage Kapila, who had originally possessed it. Since then, Lord Ganesha has been worshipped as Chintamani, the divine fulfiller of true and righteous wishes.
FAQs About Chintamani Temple Theur
Q1. What are the Chintamani Temple Theur opening and closing timings?
The temple opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM. On Angarki Chaturthi, it opens as early as 4:00 AM.
Q2. What time is the first aarti at Chintamani Ganpati Theur?
The first aarti, Kakad Aarti, is performed at around 5:30–6:00 AM.
Q3. Is there any entry fee at Chintamani Temple Theur?
No, entry is completely free for devotees.
Q4. How far is Theur Ganpati Temple from Pune?
The temple is about 25–30 km from Pune city.
Q5. Which festivals are best to visit Chintamani Ganpati Temple?
Ganesh Chaturthi and Maghi Chaturthi are the most popular times for darshan.
Q6. Can I do online booking for Ashtavinayak darshan?
Yes, online booking is available to make darshan easier, especially during festivals.