Historic Mahaganpati Sinnar of Sinnar, T. Sinnar, t. Nashik

The Mahaganapati Temple is considered one of the most important structures among the historical monuments that are regarded as the pride of Sinnar city in Nashik district. It is said that this holy shrine received the name ‘Mahaganapati of Sinnar’ from the city’s name. Standing about 17 feet tall, this idol was crafted at his own expense in 1947 by a local sculptor and painter named Ranganath Gangaram Lokhande.

Sinnar was a capital city during the Yadava period. During this very era, 12 Jyotirlingas were established in the city of Sinnar. These include the temples of Gondeshwar, Mukteshwar, Pataleshwar, Sangameshwar, Nageshwar, Panchmukheshwar, Aishwaryeshwar, Bramheshwar, Vittaleshwar, Siddheshwar, Vishwakarma Panchaleshwar, and Chitaleshwar. Among them, ancient Hemadpanti temples such as Gondeshwar and Aishwaryeshwar are considered significant for architecture scholars. These temples have bestowed religious and historical importance upon the city of Sinnar.

Located in the central part of Sinnar city, the seated idol of Lord Ganesha in the ‘Mahaganapati of Sinnar’ temple is made using cement, sand, steel, and bricks. This idol is entirely red in color, with only its jewelry and crown adorned in golden hue. The shrine of Mahaganapati is situated opposite the Bhairavnath Temple in the marketplace.

It is said that Ranganath Lokhande, a painter from Sinnar, had a large clay idol of Lord Ganesha in his house. After undertaking the construction of a new house, he was reluctantly forced to immerse that idol. Having to immerse an idol that had been in his home for many years left him deeply distressed. Around that same time, in 1947, an epidemic was rapidly spreading across the region. At that time, the villagers vowed to build a plinth for the Bhairavnath Temple. A few days after the epidemic came under control, the villagers decided to build the plinth to fulfill their vow. Ranganath Lokhande was awarded the contract for that work. At that time, he resolved that he would sculpt an idol similar to the one that was in his house within the premises of the Bhairavnath Temple at his own expense. As soon as the plinth of the Bhairavnath Temple was completed, he began the work on the Ganesha idol in accordance with his vow. First, he built an iron skeletal framework and then constructed it using stone and bricks. Making this idol cost him 13,500 rupees and took a period of 2 years.

Ranganath Lokhande first created this idol on a square cement platform. For many years thereafter, the idol remained in the open, enduring the sun, wind, and rain. Although more than 70 years have passed, it is still in good condition. A few years ago, a roof was constructed over this idol, protecting it from the sun and rain.

In 1962, the airline company ‘Air India’ published a photograph of this idol on its calendar, bringing fame to the Mahaganapati of Sinnar at both national and international levels. Consequently, this Mahaganapati truly reached across the globe. The ‘Sharda Industries Group’ also featured this Mahaganapati in its calendar. Ever since, there has been an increase in the number of devotees coming here for darshan. On every Sankashti Chaturthi, the idol of Lord Ganesha is adorned with flower decorations and illumination. In this temple complex lies the Bhairavnath Temple, the presiding deity of Sinnar city. Additionally, there are temples of Shaineshwar, Dakshinmukhi Maruti, and Mahadeva. A few years ago, following the renovation of all these temples, this spacious complex has become a center of religion and tourism for the people of Sinnar.

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