On the bank of the Kukadi at Ozar, Ganesha is worshipped as Vighneshwar — the Lord of obstacles, Vighnahar. Its legend tells of the demon Vighnasura, created to disrupt the sacrifices of the righteous; when Ganesha subdued him, the demon begged for mercy and prayed that his own name might endure joined to the Lord's — and so Ganesha, who both places and removes every obstacle, is honoured here as Vighneshwar.
Distinctive among the Ashtavinayak, the temple is crowned by a golden dome and spire added by grateful devotees, and its east-facing idol, trunk turned to the left, is adorned with jewelled eyes. It stands within a stout stone courtyard beside the river.
Devotees come to Vighneshwar above all to have their difficulties dissolved, trusting the Lord whose very name assures that no obstacle can stand before sincere prayer.
