Pavitra Malacha Ganpati Sansthan Ahamkar Deulgaon, uka, Jalna

There is a village named Ahankar Deulgaon in the Jalna taluka of Jalna district, which is also known as Nandapur. An ancient temple named Shri Malacha Ganpati Sansthan is located here. This temple was established by Shri Ranganath Swami. About one hundred to one hundred and fifty years ago, this Ganpati idol was consecrated on a vast open field (mala), which is why it is called ‘Malacha Ganpati’. Devotees believe that the Ganpati here is one who fulfills prayers. This temple, which carries the legacy of the Guru-Shishya tradition, is considered especially significant for devotees. A large number of devotees and pilgrims from the Wari (pilgrimage) visit this temple for darshan. Newlywed couples, in particular, come here to seek the blessings of this Ganesha for a happy married life.

Regarding the establishment of the temple, it is said that Saint Gajanan Maharaj of Shegaon used to go on the Ashadhi Ekadashi Wari to Pandharpur every year. While going to or returning from Pandharpur, he would stop at this field to rest. His disciple, Ranganath Swami, would also accompany him on this pilgrimage. During one such Wari, Gajanan Maharaj asked Ranganath Swami to create and install a Ganpati idol at this spot. Following his Guru’s command, Ranganath Swami carved the Ganpati idol from a large stone found right here. This idol has a ‘straight trunk’ (saral sondechi), and the Swami himself consecrated it at this location. Since it is believed that the power of two saints resides within this idol, it has attained great religious significance. Even today, the Ashadhi Wari Palkhi (palanquin) of Shegaon stops here for a rest while returning from Pandharpur. This temple is situated on the main road from Jalna to Sindkhed Raja. A large, open space is available in front of the temple for parking vehicles. A strong fortification wall is built around the entire temple premises. There is a large entrance gate in this wall. This entrance is at a higher elevation than the road, and one must climb five steps to reach it. The main courtyard of the temple is even higher than this entrance, requiring devotees to climb another five steps to enter the courtyard. A long covered walkway (rang-mandap) is built from the main gate to the temple’s assembly hall (sabhamandap). This walkway stands on iron pillars and has a curved tin roof.

The temple courtyard is paved with paver blocks. There are some large trees in this courtyard, and benches have been placed in various spots for devotees to sit. The neem tree here holds special significance, as it is said that Ranganath Swami performed penance while sitting under this very tree. The courtyard houses the temple office, residential rooms for those serving the temple, an Annachhatra (free food service) for devotees, and a hall for auspicious functions. The main structure of the temple consists of three parts: the Sabhamandap, the Antaral (vestibule), and the Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The entrance to the Sabhamandap is slightly higher than the walkway. The Sabhamandap here is semi-open and octagonal in shape. There are eight ornate pillars in this hall. All these pillars stand on square bases and are decorated with carvings of pots and lotus petals. Above the pillars are brackets and beams that support the temple roof. A brass bell is hung from this roof. The inner side of the ceiling features a chakra (wheel) design. In the center of the Sabhamandap, on a high pedestal, is a sculpture of Mushak, the vehicle of Ganpati, holding a modak in its hands.

Beyond the Sabhamandap is the entrance to the Antaral. The door frame is decorated with pillar carvings. On the upper side, there is a small sculpture of Ballaleshwar Ganpati. In the Antaral, a silver festival idol of Ganesha is kept on a table. During times of heavy crowds, devotees must take darshan of Ganpati from here. Beyond this is the entrance to the main Garbhagriha. Inside the Garbhagriha, the stone idol of Ganpati is placed on a high pedestal within a wooden shrine (makhar). This idol is smeared with vermilion and has a straight trunk. Near the main Ganpati idol is a smaller idol of Bal Ganesha. It is said that both these idols were carved from the same stone. There is a silver crown on the deity’s head and a Mushak sculpture in front. There is a circumambulation path (pradakshina marg) around the outside of the temple. The roof of the Sabhamandap has a safety railing on all four sides. On this railing, there are sculptures of the Ashtavinayakas in niches facing the eight directions. Above the roof of the Garbhagriha is a tall, square, South Indian-style Shikhar (spire) that tapers as it rises in five tiers. Each tier of this Shikhar features auspicious symbols and pillar carvings. At the very top of the Shikhar, a golden Kalash and a flag are installed.

In the courtyard in front of the temple, leaning against the wall under an old Peepal tree, is a small temple of Maruti. This temple contains a stone idol of Maruti smeared with vermilion. To the left of the Maruti temple is a Shiva temple. In this temple, there is a Shivling on the ground, adorned with a copper serpent and a silver vessel for abhishekam. Near the Lingam is a trident, and in front of it is a black stone Nandi. There is also a small temple of Mother Annapurna Devi in the temple premises. Both these temples have tall, ornate spires.

Maghi Ganesh Utsav, or Ganesh Jayanti, is the biggest festival of the year at Malacha Ganpati Sansthan. Apart from this, the ten-day Ganesh Utsav in the month of Bhadrapada is also celebrated with great enthusiasm. During this time, devotional songs of Ganpati composed by singer Anand Shinde and writer Chandrakant Nirbhavane are played extensively in the temple premises.

Their song ‘Malacha Ganpati’ is extremely popular among devotees. A small fair is held here every month on Sankashti Chaturthi. During all these festivals, thousands of devotees from Jalna and surrounding districts come here for darshan.

During festival days, Bhajans, Kirtans, discourses, and Mahaprasad are organized in the temple. The number of people visiting for darshan is higher on Tuesdays and Sundays. Devotees can take darshan of the Ganpati here every day from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

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