Sri Dhoondiraj Mandir (Dhundiraj Mandir) (Pali)

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This temple is of Dhoondiraj. The Ganesh idol faces West which is not very common. Devotees sometimes visit this temple first before visiting the Ballaleshwar temple.
The story is that the son of Kalyan shetji, Ballal was worshipping Ganesha idol, and made all the kids of the village devotees of Lord Ganesh. This was disliked by the villagers and his father, Kalyan. They beat Ballal up and threw away the idol.
It is this idol in the form of big stone which is placed here behind the Ganesha idol.
Ballal used to worship this stone as Ganesha idol.
|| Shri Ballalo Vinayako Jayate ||
Village Pali is at a distance of 30kms from Karjat in Sudhagad taluka of Raigad district. It is situated between fort Sarasgad and river Amba flowing on the other side. Among Astavinayakas, Pali's Ballaleshwar is the only vinayak who is famous by his devotee's name.This place is very famous and spiritually awakened. Pali comes in Konkan region and so there is greenery everywhere,coconuts and banana trees are abundant. From Mumbai via Panvel & Khopoli,Pali is at a distance of 124kms. From Pune via Lonavala & Khopoli,Pali is at a distance of 111kms.

Shape of the stone temple is in the form of letter "Shree" & faces east. During Dakshinayan at sun-rise, the sun rays falls exactly on the Vinayaka. There are two Sanctums (Gribhagriha) in the temple. Inner sanctum is quite big & is 15 feet high. Outer sanctum is 12 feet high & it has rat idol with Modak in his hands & facing Ganesh. Temple walls are made quite strong by mixing lead with cement while construction.Hall of the temple is 40 feet long & 20 feet broad & it was built by late Shri Krishnaji Ringe in 1910 A.D. Hall is very beautiful with 8 pillars resembling cyprus throne tree. Temple complex is tiled & it encircles two lakes. Water of one lake towards right is reserved for Vinayaka's Pooja.

Idol of Vinayaka sitting on stone throne, faces east. The shining diamonds are embedded in the eyes & naval. The background is of silver where one finds Riddhi & Siddhi waving chamaras. Temple complex has a big bell made in Europe.After defeating portuguese in Vasai & Sasthi, Chimaji Appa brought these bells & offered them at different Ashtavinayak places.