Pune: Every year, the pandal of ‘Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir’ sees massive crowds of devotees from across Pune and areas beyond, however, very few are aware of its rich heritage.
Built by Dagdusheth Halwai, a famous confectioner of the 1800s, the first idol of Ganesha in the temple was made using marble and clay. Legend has it, the idol was revered by the Bal Gangadhar Tilak who often prayed to the idol and it was he, who started the ritual of public Ganeshotsav in the year 1894.
The idol is currently installed in the Maruti Temples at Shukrawar Peth and is worshipped regularly.
In the year 1896, another idol of Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati was made that came to be known as public Ganapati of Bahuli Haud. Around the same time, Dagdusheth Halwai also passed away due to old age.
After Dagdusheth's death, the citizens took upon themselves to keep the Ganesh Mahotsav alive. The festival used to be organized by Suvarnayug Tarun Mandal.
On the 75-year-celebration of Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati, in 1967 a new idol was commissioned to replace the old damaged one by Pratap Godse of Suvarnayug Tarun Mandal.
The idol that we see today, is the one installed in 1967.
What sets this Ganesha temple apart from all other temples in India is that every year during Ganesha Chaturthi replicas of several famous temples is installed in its premises. The purpose being, to able to serve the devotees who cannot visit all the pilgrimages.
Also read: Ganesh Chaturthi 2020: Aarti performed at Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai
Throughout the ten days celebration of Chaturthi, different flowers are used for decoration and the entire temple is illuminated with attractive lighting.
From the pooja vidhis to the last day of immersion, all the processes are carried out according to the methods described in sacred scriptures.
Although traditional, the Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandir provides a combination of modernity and enlightenment, giving a touch of tradition and modernity to humanity and service.
However, this year the celebration will be a toned-down affair due to the pandemic.
"The Dagdusheth Halwai Sarvajanik Ganpati Trust has decided to install a Ganesh idol in its temple premises and not erect a pandal in Kotwal Chawdi due to the coronavirus outbreak, the move a first in the 127- year history of one of the country’s most famous Ganpati celebrations," said trustee Mahesh Suryawanshi on August 10.
“To avoid crowding in the temple as well, we are only allowing online darshan of the deity. No devotee will be allowed inside the temple,” Suryawanshi added.
