Palicha
Shree Ballaleshwar Vinayak temple at Pali, which is located 110 km away
from Pune in Maharashtra. The temple, which was built by Nana Phadnis in
1770, was named after Ballal of Pali. The presiding deity is Lord
Ballaleshwar (Ganapati). Ganapati is known as Ballaleshwar here.
The Ganesh idol in the temple is 3 ft tall. His consorts Siddhi and
Riddhi flank Ganesha's image. The eyes of the Ganapati are studded with
diamonds. There is also another Ganesh Temple, known as Dhundi Vinayak
just behind the temple. The Peshwas in the temple installed a big
Portuguese made bell.
Nearest airport is at Mumbai. Tourists can also access this place
either from Panvel or Khopoli railway stations. It is easily accessible
as number of buses ply from Mumbai and Pune connecting Pali.
Ballaleshwar Vinayak temple was built by Nana
Phadnavis/Phadnis.