At Theur, near the meeting of the Mula-Mutha with the Bhima, the Chintamani temple honours Ganesha as the one who removes chinta — worry and anxiety of mind. Its legend tells how the greedy Guna seized the wish-granting Chintamani jewel from the sage Kapila; Ganesha recovered the gem and restored it, and when Kapila placed it around the Lord's neck in gratitude, he became Chintamani Vinayak. The deed is said to have taken place beneath a kadamba tree, and so Theur was once known as Kadambanagar.
The temple was especially dear to the Peshwas — Chintamani was the family deity of Madhavrao I, who spent his final days here — and its wooden outer hall reflects their patronage. A serene tank, the Kadamba-teertha, lies behind the shrine.
For all who come burdened by the cares of the world, Chintamani offers the peace of mind that the Lord's own name promises.
