Ashtavinayak (अष्टविनायक) literally means “eight Ganeshas” in Sanskrit. Ganesh is the Hindu deity of unity, prosperity & learning and removes obstacles. The term refers to eight Ganeshas. Ashtavinayaka yatra trip refers to a pilgrimage to the eight Ganesh Hindu temples in Maharashtrastate. All these murtis are called Swayambhu effigies, or the self-existent in Sanskrit. This is to indicate that they were not sculpted but they were found formed by nature.