Dhumravarna Ganpati Mandir- Nashik

Dhumravarna Ganpati Mandir- Nashik

Dhumravarna Ganpati Mandir is a hindu temple located in Nashik, Maharashtra.
Dhumravarna is Ganesha’s eighth and last incarnation. He slew a demon named Ahamkarasura who embodied evils of ego and pride. He was born out of a sneeze of God Sun.

As per the mythology, once Lord Brahma called the God Sun, rewarding him to rule over Karma (deeds). He was now called the Lord of Karma Rajya. The Sun could feel the power racing through his blood. This feeling consumed his mind. He became arrogant.

Sun thought that he was superior to any mortal and immortal being. At that very moment, he sneezed. His prideful thoughts were so powerful that they came together and took the form of a giant demon.

The demon took shelter under Guru Shukracharya, who was Guru of demons. Shukracharya named him Aham and taught him many demonic rituals. Guru Shukracharya had seen Ganesha annihilate many of his disciples over the years. So, he advised Aham to perform penance for Lord Ganesha. Aham completely devoted his time to please Ganesha. For many years, he performed austerities in severe conditions. Ganesha was satisfied with his devotion. He asked Aham for a wish. Aham asked for immortality and sovereignty over the three realms. Ganesha granted him the boon.

When Aham came back to the hinterlands, Shukracharya was overjoyed to see his plan working. Shukracharya made him the King of Asuras (demons). Acting upon Shukracharya’s advice, he conquered all three worlds. His rule created turmoil in the world.

Just like the Sun, this win made him arrogant. He thought that he was a supreme entity.

The gods summoned Lord Ganesha to solve this problem. Ganesha wanted to avoid bloodshed. So, he sent a peace message to Aham through sage Narada. The message read that Ahamkarasura should step down from his rule and end the violence over innocents. This made Aham furious. Arrogantly, he dismissed Ganesha’s request.

When the peace treaty failed, Dhumravarna attacked the army of Ahankarsur with his Fiery Snare. Soon the snare started killing the army, and none could oppose it. Fearing for his life, Ahankasur consulted demon guru Shukracharya who advised him to seek forgiveness from Dhumravarna. Ahankasur had no other option but to seek asylum, so he fell on his knees and asked for forgiveness. Shri Dhumravarna forgave him and asked him to go at a place where Dhumravarna is not worshipped.
Shri Dhumravarna killed the ego without killing the demon.

This temple of Lord Ganapati at Nashik is one of the most famous and this manifestation of Shri Ganesh is the form of Shiv-Brahm and the vehicle is a mouse.