The temple is intrinsically linked to Morya Gosavi, the most prominent saint of the Ganapatya tradition, who found enlightenment here. During the era of the Deccan Sultanates, the temple's outer walls and minarets were deliberately designed to camouflage it from a distance to protect it from iconoclastic attacks.

The Camouflaged Citadel

The temple complex is enclosed by a massive 50-foot high basalt stone wall. The four minarets at the corners are unique in Hindu temple architecture and feature distinct Islamic architectural influence, used strategically for protection. The temple has four gates representing the four Yugas. Inside, the idol of Mayureshwar is seated with his trunk turned to the left, his eyes and navel studded with sparkling diamonds. He is flanked by brass idols of his consorts, Riddhi and Siddhi.

According to the Ganesha Purana, the demon Sindhusura swallowed the amrita (nectar of immortality) and wreaked havoc across the three worlds. Ganesha incarnated as Mayureshwar, riding a celestial peacock, and slew the demon by attacking his navel where the nectar was stored. Uniquely, a massive stone Nandi sits facing Ganesha here; legend states that a cart carrying Nandi to a Shiva temple broke down at this spot, and Nandi refused to leave Ganesha's presence.

Before entering the main temple, devotees must first offer prayers to Nagnabhairava (a fierce form of Shiva) to seek permission to enter the complex. The primary offerings are Durva grass, red hibiscus flowers, and Modaks. The completion of the Ashtavinayaka yatra requires a final darshan at this specific shrine to seal the pilgrimage's merit.

Ganesh Chaturthi (Bhadrapada month) and Magha Shukla Chaturthi (Ganesh Jayanti) are the primary festivals. During Dussehra, the palanquin of Lord Mayureshwar is taken out in a grand, joyous procession through the village.

Modern folklore insists that the actual, original idol of Mayureshwar—said to be smaller and made of sand, iron, and precious cosmic stones—is hidden in a secret underground chamber directly behind the current idol. It was allegedly concealed by the gods to protect it from the corruption of the Kali Yuga. Locals also believe that the spirits of ancient Ganapatya sages take the form of peacocks that still occasionally wander into the temple courtyard at dawn.