The year 2026 is blessed with an extra month and hence is known as “Adhik Maas”. This month, while the worldly celebrations like weddings, housewarming, or starting a new business take a pause, it is the cosmic window for spiritual travel. Talking about spiritual travel, you all must have heard about the Astavinayak Yatra. It is a sacred pilgrimage to visit 8 self-manifested Ganesha temples or Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra, and Adhik Maas is actually one of the best times to visit them. Why? Let’s find out more about the Adhik Maas pilgrimage and know why you must visit Asthavinayak temples during this extra month.
Adhik Maas Pilgrimage 2026: Ashtavinayak Temples Maharashtra
Adhik Maas Significance Hinduism
Adhik Maas is an extra “intercalary” lunar month or the 13th month of the Hindu lunar calendar. It is a rare occurrence that occurs every 32 months, 16 days, and 8 hours.
According to Hindu mythology, to kill a demon named Hiranyakashyapu, the universe conspired and gave birth to an extra month. This month was known as Mal Maas and later was revered as Purushottam Maas after the blessings of Lord Vishnu. It is also known as Adhik Maas because Adhik in Sanskrit means extra.
As per science and astrology, there are two types of years, Lunar year and Solar year. The moon based year (354 days) is shorter than the sun based year (365 days). This gap of 14-15 days adds up to become a month after 2.5 months and to adjust the time gap, it is added to the calendar as an extra month.
This month is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered to be a highly sacred month in Hinduism. Adhik Maas is said to offer everyone a unique opportunity for performing charity, cleaning karma and achieving spiritual growth.
Also Read: Understanding Adhik Maas: Why 2026 Features A Rare Extra Lunar Month
Ashtavinayak Yatra Pilgrimage
The divine circuit of 8 self-manifested (Swayambhu) Ganesha temples in Maharashtra is known as Ashtavinaya Yatra. Here are the temples that come under this circuit:
| Temple Name | Location | Significance |
| Mayureshwar | Morgaon | This is the starting and ending point of this pilgrimage or yatra. |
| Siddhivinayak | Siddatek | The idol here is considered to be extremely powerful as the trunk of Lord Ganesha is turned to the right. It is a rare occurrence. |
| Ballaleshwar | Pali | This is the only Ganesha that is named after a devotee. |
| Varadavinayak | Mahad | This temple has an eternally lit lamp. |
| Chintamani | Theur | A visit to this temple is said to drive away anxiety and brings you peace of mind. |
| Girijatmaj | Lenyadri | This temple is located inside a cave complex. |
| Vighneshwar | Ozar | The Ganesha here is worshipped to specifically destroy negative ego and hurdles. |
| Mahaganapati | Ranjangaon | The idol here is multi-armed cosmic form of Ganesha. |
Also Read: Padmini Ekadashi 2026: Rituals For The Rare Adhik Maas Fast
Why Should You Visit Ashtavinayak Temples During Adhik Maas?
Adhik Maas is known enhancing spiritual growth and hence a pilgrimage done in this month enhances the blessing recieved from it. Performing the Yatra during this month brings in positivity and peace to the devotee’s life. It also is known to remove negative karma out of the life.
Lord Ganesha is known as the remover of obstacles and hence honouring him and beginning your spiritual journey will surely bring lasting blessings. Visiting the eight self-manifested or Swayambhu during this period will also resolve life’s hurdles.
The combination of Adhik Maas and Ashtavinayak Yatra is the best for Karma cleansing. This is because Adhik Maas is considered to be the best period for inner cleansing; Ashtavinayak Yatra is known to neutralize past karma and negative planetary influences.
All the eight idols of Ashtavinayak Yatra are self-manifested and hence has a rare natural energy in them. This energy combined with high-vibrational timing of Adhik Mass creates the perfect environment for prayers.
Also Read: Ashtavinayak Tour From Mumbai: Route, Distance, Packages & Darshan Guide
Tips For Ashtavinayak Darshan 2026
- Follow the traditional Shastrokta sequence of visiting the temples. This means you visit it in this order: Moregaon, Siddhatek, Pali, Mahad, Theur, Lenyadri, Ozar, Ranjangaon, and finally back to Moregaon.
- Try and visit the temples in weekdays and avoid weekends. This will result in smaller queue and peaceful darshan.
- Plan for atleast 3 hours per temple during busy days. On quieter days you can actually complete each temple in an hour.
- It will take about 2-3 days for you to complete this yatra so make sure you plan accordingly.
- Carry sufficient cash as these temples are located in rural areas. So access to UPI payment sources or ATM may or may not be available.
- You can hire an experienced driver who is familiar with the route for a smooth experience.
- Try and not rush through different temples just to finish the pilgrimage as soon as possible. Stay back, meditate, pray and feel the warmth of the presence of Lord Ganesha in every temple.
- Wear modest and decent clothes.
- Respect and follow the rules and regulations of every temple that you visit.
- Note that you will have to trek up 300-400 steps at Lenyadri.
Also Read: Ashtavinayak Yatra Guide: Route, Map, Temples, Darshan & Travel Tips
Summing Up
Ashtavinayak Yatra is one of the most important pilgrimages in Hinduism which is dedicated to the eight temples of Lord Ganesha. Completing this pilgrimage in Adhik Mass or extra month helps in karma cleansing and pushing negativity away. It also helps in achieving spiritual growth and is perfect to begin your spiritual journey by seeking blessings of Lord Ganesha.
