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The Chintaman Ganesha of Ujjain

← Back to Puranic Stories The Chintaman Ganesh Temple in Ujjain, a pillared shrine with a domed spire. Photo: Gyanendra_Singh_Chau… / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Along the banks of the Kshipra river in Ujjain stands Chintaman Ganesha, one of the region's most significant Ganesha temples, its origin traced to a moment during the Ramayana's own forest exile.

Installed by Sita Herself

Tradition holds that Sita, during the years of exile alongside Rama and Lakshmana, personally installed this idol of Shree Ganesh, seeking his protection and the removal of obstacles during a period marked by genuine hardship and uncertainty.

One of Six Protective Vinayakas

Regional tradition connects Chintaman Ganesha to a set of six Vinayakas established by Sita during this journey for the group's safety, this particular form specifically associated with dispelling worry and anxiety, fitting for the name Chintaman itself, "remover of worries."

What Devotees Seek

Devotees carrying their own anxieties and worries continue to visit this self-manifested idol seeking the same relief Sita once sought during her own difficult exile — a temple whose founding story speaks directly to genuine hardship met with sincere devotion.