Situated behind the Dandiya Bazar Brahmin Sabha Hall, the Aashirwad Ganesh Temple is home to a highly revered Ganesh idol. Established in 1965 by the renowned Kathakaar Shri Dongereji Maharaj, this temple features an 11-inch idol of Ganeshji in the Siddhivinayak form, crafted from a blend of 40% gold and 60% panchdhatu (a five-metal alloy). Also known as Shrimant SVPC Trust Ganeshji, this temple is recognized as one of the most opulent Ganesh shrines in Vadodara. The Shri Siddhi Vinayak Public Charitable Trust (SVPC) oversees the temple’s management and activities.
Year-Round Worship and Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations
The Aashirwad Ganeshji idol remains in the sanctum sanctorum throughout the year. However, during Ganesh Chaturthi, which lasts for ten days, the idol is moved from the sanctum to the pandal to offer devotees a chance for darshan.
Traditions and Celebrations
It is said that Ranjitsinh Gaekwad performed the Aarti (ritualistic worship) during Chaturthi. Even today, the Gaekwad family, central government ministers, saints, and devotees visit the temple during the festival. Additionally, on the fourth day of each month, 11 Brahmins conduct an Abhishek (ritualistic bathing) of the idol with 1008 Adhvarashishta (sacred substances). Devotees often offer Chikki to the Ganeshji idol, seeking fulfillment of their desires. Ganeshji is believed to resolve devotees’ problems, as noted in their letters.
Devotees’ Belief in Ashirwad Ganeshji
The divine grace of Aashirwad Ganeshji is widely recognized among devotees, similar to the famous Ganesh idol in Mumbai’s Lalbagh. It is believed that Aashirwad Ganeshji fulfills the wishes of his devotees. According to the temple’s Managing Trustee, numerous childless couples who pray here have had their prayers answered. They also have documented instances to support this belief, confirming the idol’s reputation for granting wishes and resolving personal challenges.
Notable Contributions
In 2004, Narendra Modi, the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, presented a gold crown weighing one and a quarter kilograms to Ganeshji. This gesture highlights the significance and respect bestowed upon the deity.
Tradition of Clay Idols
Ranjitsinh Gaekwad’s tradition of installing clay idols of Ganeshji continues to this day. Twenty years ago, Gaekwad established a custom of placing clay idols and stone replicas in the pandal. Since then, both the clay idols and the revered Ganeshji idol from the sanctum have been prominently displayed in the temple.
Social Welfare Initiatives
The Shri SVPC Trust’s contributions extend beyond merely establishing and worshipping Ganeshji. The trust has actively engaged in social welfare activities. They have integrated the Anandam building, constructed by the Brahmin Sabha-Dandiya Bazar, into community service. The hall is used for various beneficial activities such as yoga, dance classes, seminars, discourses, Navchandi ceremonies, medical camps, and scholarships for those in need.
Temple Rituals and Practices
For the establishment of Ganeshji, traditional rituals are performed, including the playing of the shehnai and the recitation of Mangala Aarti. The temple follows a structured schedule with Shringar Aarti at 9:30 AM, Rajbhog Aarti at 12:30 PM, and Sadhya Aarti in the evening. Additionally, the temple observes Nivedh and Shayan (night rituals) without seeking any offerings or donations for the Ganesh establishment.
No Comments