Historic Vishal Ganapati temple, Malivada, Ahilyanagar, Ahilyanagar

The city of Ahilyanagar was formerly known as Ambikanagar. In the Maliwada area, located in the southern part of this city, stands the ancient Vishal Ganpati Temple, renowned as the presiding deity of the city. This awakened (Jagrut) site, where prayers are answered, holds the honor of leading the city’s Ganesh Utsav procession. The idol of Ganpati here is exactly 11.5 feet tall, and the temple itself stands 75 feet high.


This Ganpati has existed in Maliwada for 900 to 950 years. Evidence of its existence from the 12th century is available in the Modi script. While it is said that the city of Ambikanagar (Ahilyanagar) was established in 1490, documents record the presence of the Vishal Ganpati Temple in Maliwada for about 200 to 250 years prior to that. Although information regarding who founded this temple is unavailable, these records contain details about the deity’s worship, temple lands, and income-expenditure accounts. These documents are in the possession of Vinayak Namdevrao Koke-Patil, an entrepreneur and hotelier in Ahilyanagar.


The legend of this temple states that when Lord Shriram arrived in Dandakaranya, he worshipped this Ganpati. When Aurangzeb came here, he attempted to desecrate the idol to spread terror; however, after experiencing the power of Lord Ganesha, Aurangzeb suffered the consequences of his actions and immediately made arrangements for the temple’s lighting and daily maintenance. From then on, even Aurangzeb began to visit this Ganesha for darshan. The size of this self-manifested (Swayambhu) idol used to increase bit by bit every year, which is how it became so large. It was feared that if the idol continued to grow, it might cause difficulties. Therefore, a nail was driven into the head of the idol, and its growth stopped from that moment on. This temple is also mentioned in the Ganesh Puran.

This temple is located in a bustling area of Ahilyanagar city. This grand structure was built by Muslim artisans from Rajasthan using white marble. The temple has two assembly halls (Sabhamandaps); the idol of Vishal Ganpati is situated in the center of the first hall. The second hall provides open space for religious rituals and discourses. Additionally, the temple houses a meditation hall and an office. The idol of Ganpati here is a magnificent 11.5 feet tall and 7 feet wide. This four-armed (Chaturbhuj) idol has a trunk turned to the right. In its seated posture, one hand holds a modak, while the remaining three hands are in a gesture of blessing. An idol that bestows blessings with three hands simultaneously is considered rare. The idol features a serpent coiled around its waist, a Shiva Linga on its stomach, and a turban on its head.

This temple was founded by a saint of the Nath sect. His mother was a devotee of Ganesha, and he built this temple in her memory. The saint’s living samadhi (Sanjivan Samadhi) is located behind the inner sanctum (Gabhara) of the temple, where a Shiva Linga is also present. All rituals in the temple, starting from worship, are performed according to the Nath tradition. It is said that the Nath tradition of worshipping Ganesha has been practiced here for over 100 years. This tradition, which existed even before Guru Gendanath Maharaj, continues to this day. According to the Nath tradition, Ganesha is considered one of the Navnath (nine Naths). Therefore, Vishal Ganpati is worshipped every morning and evening according to Nath sect mantras, followed by the regular worship and Aarti. The nine Naths in this tradition are Onkar Adinath, Udaynath Parvati, Satnath Brahma, Santoshnath Vishnu, Achele Achambe Nagnath, Gajbheli Gajkanthadnath (Ganesha), Gyanparkhi Siddhachandra Chauranginath, Mayaswarupi Dada Machindranath, and Jyotiswarupi Guru Gorakshnath. During the Kumbh Mela in Nashik, many Nath sect ascetics take shelter here. Before heading to the Kumbh Mela, they make it a point to have darshan of this Ganesha.

On Ganesh Jayanti and Sankashti Chaturthi, devotees flock to the temple from early morning. Every night between 7:45 and 8:30, during the Aarti performed according to the Nath tradition, specific instruments including the Nagara (kettledrum) are played. Hundreds of devotees are present at this time. During the Ganesh Utsav and the immersion procession, Vishal Ganpati holds the first position of honor. On the first day of this festival, the worship is performed by the Ahilyanagar District Police Chief, while the concluding ritual (Uttarpuja) is performed by the District Collector.


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