Situated around 50 km from Pune, this temple is one of the most popular tourist attractions. The architectural expertise that has gone into its making is hailed – it has been created such that during the winter and summer solstice (dakshinayan and uttrayan), the sun’s rays fall directly on the idol of Lord Ganesha. He sits facing east, with his trunk to the left and has an exceptionally broad forehead. Ranjangaon Temple is one of the ashtavinayaks – the eight temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha - and falls fourth in the circuit. Such is the reputation of this shrine, it is believed that Shreemant Madhavrao Peshwa used to stop here on his way to take the lord’s blessings before going to war. Legend has it that Lord Shiva prayed to his son Lord Ganesha to help him win his battle with demon Tripurasur, and thus built this shrine for him.