Christmas in India has begun and the Ganesh Chaturthi festival is knocking on our door. The festival usually takes place in August or September, this time on August 31, 2022. Ganesh Chaturthi, also known as Ganeshotsav, is a 10-day festival that culminates in Anant Chaturdashi. Ganesh Visarjan is the last day of the festival. This year Ganesh Visarjan is September 9th. Here are 5 iconic Ganesh temples in India you can visit this Ganesh Chaturthi:
Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai
This is one of the most popular Ganesh temples in Mumbai and has been visited by celebrities and dignitaries, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, who reportedly started his India tour by visiting the Siddhivinayak temple. The god here is also called Navasacha Ganpati, which means that if a person really wants something, it is granted.
Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple, Pune
Located in Pune, this 130-year-old temple draws thousands of devotees. According to history, Shrimant Dagadusheth Halwai was a trader and sweet maker from Nandgaon and he and his wife Laxmibai were settled in Pune. The temple’s website reads, ” The deity of Lord Ganesha was incepted by Shri Dagdusheth Halwai and his wife Lakshmibai way back when they lost their only son to the plague epidemic. Every year, the Ganpati festival was celebrated with deep faith and enthusiasm, not only by Dagdusheth’s family but the entire neighbourhood.” As per some reports, Lokmanya Tilak, the famous leader, started the Ganesh festival here.
Moti Dungri Ganesh Temple, Jaipur
The temple was built in 1761 and has a history of more than 250 years. Surrounded by forts and hills, it is one of the ancient temples of Jaipur. According to reports, the statue of Ganesha is said to be 500 years old and was brought from Udaipur. There is also a Shiva lingam in the temple and devotees worship it on Mahashivratri. The torso of the statue of Sindor Seganesh points to the right.
Varasiddhi Vinayagar Temple, Chennai
This is the iconic Ganesha Temple in the capital of Tamil Nadu in Besant Nagar, Chennai. Large celebrations are held every year during Ganesh Chaturthi, and the temple also hosts a music program. Pujas are often held and temples also undertake social activities such as providing food for the poor.
Kalamassery Mahaganapathy Temple, Kerala
This temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and other Hindu deities such as Subramanian, Navagrahas, Shiva, Parvathi and Rama etc. This temple was built in the 1980s by a famous and devout man who lived in the town of N Ragunatha Menon, Cala Masseri. The temple also organizes Aanayottu on the first day of Karkkidakom month in Malayalam calendar. Gajapuja is held every four years and devotees call the elephant an incarnation of Lord Ganesha.