- Ganesh
Vishal Ganpati Temple
- Maliwada,Maharashtra
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Overview
Vishal Ganpati Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganesha, is unarguably the most sacred religious destination of Ahmednagar city. It is located in the southern part of Ahmednagar city, very near to Malwadi bus stand.
About The Temple
This immensely sacred temple is completely draped in pristine white marble, which also makes it very architecturally beautiful. The temple’s construction in white marble was largely inspired by the famous Birla Temple in Jaipur city. However, unlike famous Birla Temple in Jaipur, Vishal Ganpati Temple isn’t recently constructed temple. The construction of this temple dates back to more than 100 years and for many generations it has been like a spiritual oasis for people of Ahmednagar.
There is a very interesting story about how this temple gained prominence and fame among the local people of Ahmednagar city. The story is that many decades back visiting devotees suddenly witnessed Lord Ganesha deity sweating. Seeing Lord Ganesha deity in perspiration was nothing short of miracle for devotees and since that day the Lord Ganesha deity enshrined in this temple is considered as the most special god deity of entire Ahmednagar city.
However, this temple’s Lord Ganesha deity clad in red color is so beautiful that it doesn’t require any miracle stories to convey how beautiful and special it is. Besides being naturally beautiful, the idol is also pretty huge and also bears many unique features. It is 3.6m tall and its unique blessing posture and shivalinga coiled by snake originating from navel further adds to the aura of this deity. It is suffice to say that more than the architectural beauty of the temple and the make-believe miracle story, it is the sheer beauty of Lord Ganesha deity that has been and even today continues to draw thousands of devotees’ every day.
Festivals
Every year during Ganesh Chaturthi festival this temple, needless to say, really comes alive with beautiful decorations and thousands of visiting devotees. In fact on the first day of Ganesh Chaturthi the entire precinct of this temple turns into a devotional carnival, as thousands of Ganesha bhakts from far across Ahmednagar district come here on the auspicious day for Lord Ganesha’s darshan.
How To Reach Ahmednagar
Airport
Ahmednagar does not have an airport. Nearest airport is Lohegaon Airport.
Railways
One can easily get regular trains to Ahmednagar from other major cities of the country.
Road
There are regular buses from other major cities of the country to Ahmednagar.
Temple Address
Vishal Ganpati Temple,
Behind old bus stand,
Old Maliwada Road, Maliwada,
Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra state,
Pincode - 414001.
Significance
Devotees visit this temple to seek fulfillment of the following:-
- Auspicious beginnings of work
- Removal of obstacles
- Renewal of energy
- Success
- Wisdom
- Agricultural productivity
Shlokas
Vakratunda Mahakaaya Suryakoti Samaprabha Nirvighnam Kuru Mey Deva Sarva Kaaryeshu Sarvada
Meaning -I pray to thee O Lord, who has a curved trunk and a strong body, the shine of a million suns, to remove all the hurdles that may block me from all the tasks I intend to perform.
Agajaanana Padmaarkam Gajaananam Aharnisham Anekadantham Bhaktaanaam Ekadantam Upaasmahey
Meaning -The sun to Mother Parvati's lotus face, I worship Lord Ganesh, with the elephant face, the one who grants a lot of wishes, the one with the single tusk, I salute thee to grant my wish.
Gajaananam Bhoota Ganaadhi Sevitam Kapitta Jamboophaala Saara Bhakshitam Umaasutam Shoka Vinaasha Kaaranam Namaami Vighneswara Paada Pankajam
Meaning -Oh elephant-faced Lord, who is served by all the Ganas, who consumes the essence of Kapitta and Jamboophala, His favourite fruits, who is Uma's son, who destroys the gloom of His devotees, who handles hurdles, we worship your lotus feet.
Tatpurushaaya Vidmahe Vakratundaaya Dheemahe Tanno Danthihi Prachodayaat
Meaning -We meditate on the great power, we call upon the single tusked Ganesh, who grants wishes.
Timings
The temple is open from 6 A.M to 9 P.M