According to the Ganesha Purana, Brahma once gave sage Kapila an incomparable gem called the Chintamani — believed to be a jewel that could awaken all desires. Sage Kapila cherished and guarded this gem with great devotion.
The Ganesha Purana tells us that a demon named Gana set his eye on this gem. He attacked the sage's ashram and snatched the Chintamani away by force. Sage Kapila was heartbroken and turned to Ganesha in prayer.
According to the Ganesha Purana, Ganesha went to battle against that demon, defeated him, and recovered the gem for sage Kapila. In gratitude, the sage placed the Chintamani around Ganesha's own neck. From that moment onward, Ganesha at this place came to be known as Chintamani.
Tradition places this shrine at the meeting point of the Mula and Mutha rivers. Devotees travel from far to take darshan here and also offer prayers on the riverbank at the confluence.
According to the Ganesha Purana, sage Kapila placed the Chintamani gem around Ganesha's neck in gratitude — and so Ganesha here came to be called Chintamani.
The Chintamani temple at Theur stands about 25 kilometres from Pune, right at the confluence of the Mula and Mutha rivers. It is the fifth stop on the Ashtavinayak pilgrimage. The river confluence gives this place a calm, verdant atmosphere that devotees find peaceful.
According to tradition, devotees gather here in especially large numbers during Magh Chaturthi and Ganesh Chaturthi. Large peepal and banyan trees shade the temple precincts. Pilgrims also sit quietly by the riverbank and offer prayers to the water.
- The temple is open throughout the year. Devotees come daily for darshan.
- Aarti is performed every morning and evening. A special celebration is held on Ganesh Chaturthi.
- Devotee numbers rise greatly during Magh Chaturthi and Bhadrapad Shukla Chaturthi.
- Many devotees enjoy sitting quietly on the riverbank near the temple in the peaceful surroundings.