The word Ashtavinayak is formed by combining the two words 'Ashta' and 'Vinayak'. Ashta means eight and Vinayaka means our beloved deity Ganapati. Ganapati is first worshiped before beginning any auspicious work. Because this Ganapati, the deity of knowledge, provides prosperity by removing all obstacles. These temples are situated in a scenic place. The architecture of all these eight temples is very excellent and they are pleasing to the mind.

Ashtavinayaka's pilgrimage is to visit the temples of the eight ancient holy Ganapatis located in and around Pune. Each of these temples has its own independent history and its own legend attached to it. And all this information is as unique as the idols of Lord Ganesha in every temple are fantastic.

The form of Ganesha idol in each of these temples and the placement of Ganesha's trunk are different from each other. It is said that in order to complete this yatra, after taking darshan of all the eight Ganapatis, one should take darshan of the first Ganapati again. Every Ganapati in each of these eight temples is considered to be self-existent and very awake. Among these various temples, Ganapati has different names like Morshwar, Mahaganapati, Chintamani, Girijatmak, Vighneshwar, Siddhivinayak, Ballaleshwar and Varad Vinayak.

These temples are located at Morgaon, Ranjangaon, Theur, Lenyadri, Ojhar, Siddhatek, Pali and Mahad and are located in Pune, Ahmednagar and Raigad districts. Although 6 of these 8 temples are in Pune district and 2 in Raigad district, they are relatively close to Pune.