Nagpur: The entire state, along with the rest of the country, is celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi 2024 with immense enthusiasm and joy. Devotees are eagerly preparing to welcome their beloved deity, Lord Ganesha. Temples across the state are packed with worshippers, and Nagpur’s revered Ganesh Tekdi Temple, a major site among the eight important Ganesha temples in Vidarbha, is no exception. From early morning, the temple has been flooded with devotees. The temple administration has beautifully decorated the premises with flowers, lighting, and attractive designs for the ten-day festival, during which various events are scheduled.
Nagpur Hosts 1,400 Public Ganesh Mandals, 7,000 Police Personnel Deployed
In Nagpur, around 1,400 public Ganesh Mandals are celebrating the festival, along with thousands of homes setting up their own Ganesha idols. The Chitar Oli neighborhood, known for its idol makers, has been buzzing with activity since morning as people purchase idols for their homes. For devotees who have been setting up Ganesha idols for years, the arrival of Lord Ganesha marks ten days of pure joy and festivity. To ensure safety amid the large crowds, Nagpur police have deployed around 7,000 personnel across the city.
Sant Ganesh Mandal Creates Replica of Mahur Gad Temple
One of Nagpur’s famous mandals, Sant Ganesh Mandal, has installed their Ganesha idol with traditional rituals at an auspicious time. The mandal is known for creating intricate replicas of India’s renowned temples, and this year, they have constructed a replica of the Renuka Mata Temple from Mahur Gad. The unique offering of “Tambool” prasad, sourced directly from Mahur Gad, will be available for the next ten days, with special priests and artisans from Mahur Gad overseeing the arrangements.
History of Ganesh Tekdi Temple
The origins of the Ganesh Tekdi Temple date back to 1818 during the Maratha-British war, led by Appasaheb Bhonsle, the king of Nagpur. After Bhonsle’s defeat, the British took over Sitabardi Fort. While constructing the Nagpur Railway Station, a part of the hill was blasted, revealing a Ganesha idol. This is why the idol is considered to be self-manifested or “Swayambhu.” Over the years, the temple has undergone several renovations, becoming a fully equipped place of worship, attracting thousands of devotees who flock here out of deep faith.