Pavitra Jagrut Ganesh Temple Kunwar Phalli, Chatrapati Sambhajinagar, Chatrapati Sambhajinagar

The Jagrut Ganesh Mandir, located in the Kunwar Phalli area of historic Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, is a place of deep faith for many devotees. This idol, standing approximately thirteen and a half feet tall, was originally crafted for installation during the Ganesh Utsav. However, due to its immense weight of over a ton, it could not be immersed, leading to the construction of this temple at the site. It is the third tallest Ganesh idol in the city. This Ganesha is renowned as ‘Navsala Pavnara’ (a deity who fulfills the vows of devotees).

It is said that this temple belongs to the Veer Ganesh Mandal in Kunwar Phalli. In 1985, during the public Ganesh Utsav, the Mandal had commissioned the idol from the workshop of sculptor Ratan Bagale. However, while the idol was being crafted, Bagale fell ill and had to be hospitalized. Consequently, the ‘Mushak’ (the mouse, Ganesha’s vehicle) could not be completed. When the Mandal members went to the workshop to collect the idol, it would not budge. After several failed attempts, the members prayed to Lord Ganesha. Some members then visited the hospital and had Bagale complete the Mushak. The following day, three members of the Mandal walked to Rajur, and after offering prayers there, the idol finally moved.

After bringing it from the workshop, the members found it impossible to remove the trolley from beneath the idol during installation. The idol was consecrated while still on the trolley, with 21 Brahmins performing the Abhishek. Due to its excessive weight, the idol could not be immersed at the end of the festival. Eventually, a platform was built around the trolley, and a small temple was erected. It has been 40 years since the establishment of this temple. Originally known as the Veer Ganesh Mandir, it gradually came to be known as the Jagrut Ganesh Mandir.

This compact temple is situated in the Kunwar Phalli area of the city. Nearby, in Rajabazar, is the Sansthan Ganpati temple, the presiding deity of the city. The white-colored spire of the Jagrut Ganesh Mandir features idols of the Ashtavinayaka. Ganesh Stotras are inscribed in the upper part of the sanctum sanctorum, and the ceiling is adorned with attractive paintings.

Inside the sanctum, there is a magnificent thirteen-and-a-half-foot-tall Plaster of Paris idol of Ganesha. Of the four hands of the crowned idol, one is in a blessing posture, and another holds a Modak. The idol, which has its trunk turned to the left and is draped in a red pitambar, is adorned with silver ornaments weighing about 25 kilograms. A Mushak sits near the feet of this beautiful seated idol, and peacocks are carved on both sides at the base.

Devotees believe that this Ganesha is one who grants wishes, drawing hundreds of worshippers to the temple for his Darshan. To fulfill their vows, many devotees offer various items to the deity; one devotee once offered a silver crown. During Ganesh Utsav, the area is filled with crowds. A smaller idol is also installed near this main idol during the festival, which is then immersed on Anant Chaturdashi. During the Utsav, bhajans, kirtans, and cultural programs are held here. The temple and its surroundings are beautifully illuminated, and the entire area is decorated with rangolis.

In terms of height, this idol ranks third in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar area. The first rank belongs to the Ganesh idol established in 1994 at Chauraha, which stands 23 feet tall. The second rank is held by the idol of the Pavan Ganesh Mandal at Diwan Devdi. Due to its heavy weight, this idol also could not be immersed. This idol was also crafted by Ratan Bagale. Standing 21 feet tall, this Ganesha is also renowned for fulfilling the vows of devotees.

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