Sacred Tila Ganapati Panchavati, Ganeshwadi, Nashik

The ‘Tila Ganpati Temple’ in Panchavati is recognized as the oldest and most ancient temple in Nashik. The current idol in the temple dates back to the 13th century. It is because of this temple that the local settlement came to be known as ‘Ganeshwadi’. This Ganpati holds an important place among the Ashtavinayak temples of Nashik. This deity is renowned as a ‘Jagrut Devasthan’ (a temple where the deity is spiritually awakened) that fulfills the vows of devotees.

It is said that in the 13th century, while digging the foundation for building a house in the Panchavati area, Damodar Dagdusheth Sonar (Bhadke) found an idol of Lord Ganesha with a left-turning trunk buried in the ground. While constructing his house, he built a temple in front of it and consecrated the idol. The temple structure is built using lime, sand, and bricks. Devotees believe that this Ganpati grows by a sesame seed’s size every year, which is why it is named ‘Tila Ganpati’.

The maintenance of this Ganpati temple is still carried out by the Bhadke (Sonar) family. In the interim, they undertook repair and restoration work on the temple. While doing so, they ensured the original structure remained intact by using traditional materials like jaggery, lime, and sand, restoring the temple to its former strength.

Shri Tila Ganpati Temple is one of the jewels of Nashik. The temple is located at a walking distance of 10 minutes from the Shriram Temple in Panchavati and 20 minutes from Tapovan. Consequently, many devotees visiting Nashik make it a point to seek the blessings of this Ganesha. It is said that this temple has existed here since before the Ram Temple and Kapaleshwar Temple in Panchavati.

While going towards Ganeshwadi from Gadge Maharaj Bridge in Nashik, the temple is situated on a mound to the right. The temple comes into view after climbing about 20 steps. There is a small door to enter the temple. Since the height of the doors to the assembly hall (Sabhamandap) and the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha) is very low, one has to bow down to enter. Both the assembly hall and the sanctum sanctorum have dome-shaped ceilings. The sanctum sanctorum has two windows facing each other. In the assembly hall, one can see an idol of a mouse standing with folded hands and draped in a shawl. In front of it, in the sanctum, is the 2.5-foot-tall vermilion-anointed idol of Tila Ganpati. Among the three niches in the sanctum, the main central niche houses Lord Ganesha. In the smaller niche to his right is an idol of Maruti. When this idol was found in the ground, it was small, but due to the continuous application of vermilion, the size of the idol increased.

Every year, the Sankashti Chaturthi that falls after Makar Sankranti in the month of Paush is known as Tilkund Chaturthi (Vinayak Chaturthi). A large fair is held here on this day. On this occasion, the Ganesha idol is beautifully decorated with ornaments, which further enhances its beauty. Devotees visiting the temple at this time offer sesame laddus and Tilgul as prasad to Lord Ganesha. It is said that the Sankranti of Nashik residents is not complete without offering Tilgul to this Ganpati. A grand festival is also held here on the day of Maghi Ganpati. Hundreds of devotees come to seek the blessings of this Ganesha every Tuesday and on every Sankashti Chaturthi.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery