Prasanna Shree A wooden Ganpati idol of great value, Khamgaon, Khamgaon, Buldana

The revered Wooden Ganapati Temple, situated in the ‘Ayya’s Kothi’ area near the Sarafa Bazaar in Khamgaon, is the presiding deity of the city. It is said that the Ayya (cook) community, who settled here from Andhra Pradesh, consecrated this six-foot-tall wooden idol 130 years ago. The area where this temple is located is also renowned as ‘Ayya’s Kothi’. Devotees from Maharashtra, as well as Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh, come to seek the darshan of this wish-fulfilling Ganesha. During the Ganesh Utsav in the month of Bhadrapada, the consecration (Pranpratishtha) of idols by other public mandals in the city is not performed until this idol is worshipped first. On the day of Anant Chaturdashi, this idol holds the foremost honor in the immersion procession; however, this idol itself is never immersed.

In the past, Khamgaon city was a major cotton market. Cotton traders from far and wide used to come here to purchase cotton. During this period, many Ayya (cook) people from Andhra Pradesh settled in this area for their livelihood. They had an idol of Ganesha carved from special wood and subsequently consecrated it in the Sarafa Bazaar area. As there was a large settlement of Ayya people in this area during that time, this locality came to be known as ‘Ayya’s Kothi’. According to another legend, 130 years ago, a large wooden log floated in the floodwaters of the Bordi River, which flows through the central part of the city. As its shape remarkably resembled an idol of Ganesha, the villagers retrieved it from the water. Subsequently, this idol was consecrated.

Previously, this idol was enshrined on a simple platform (chabutra). Initially, local residents of Khamgaon performed the worship and rituals for this idol. In the 1960s, some miscreants even attempted to desecrate this idol. In 1957, under the initiative of Messrs. Jaynarayan Nandlal Joshi, a commission agent from Khamgaon, the temple’s Trust Board was established. Balabhagat Agrawal of the city donated land for this temple. Initially, the temple was modest in size. The temple’s Trust Board undertook the first renovation of this temple in 1997. In September 2025, this temple has been newly renovated.

The temple is situated a short distance from the temple archway. The beautiful temple architecture comprises a Darshan Mandap (viewing hall), a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). On both sides of the entrance to the Mukhmandap (front hall), there are sculptures of majestic elephants (Gajraj). The pillars at the entrance feature distinctive artistry. Within the Garbhagriha, the wooden idol of Ganesha is enshrined on a silver pedestal (pat) within a marble makhar (altar). The original wooden idol is adorned with vermillion (shendur) color. In the upper right hand of the idol, there is a parashu (axe), and the lower hand is in the posture of blessing (Ashirwad Mudra). In the upper left hand, there is a pasha (noose), and in the lower hand, a modak. The hands, ears, and the middle part of the trunk are covered with silver plating. The crown and the prabhaval (halo) behind the idol are also made of silver. The idol is also adorned with silver ornaments. To the right of the idol is a Mushak (mouse, Ganesha’s vehicle). To the left of the pedestal where the idol is seated, there is a silver Mushak. In the lower part of the peethasana (seat), there are Gajraj (elephants) on both sides, and a lotus in the center.

As this idol is considered ‘awakened’ (Jagrut), many devotees come here for darshan with the faith that all their wishes are fulfilled by its sight. On Tuesdays, Sankashti Chaturthi, and Angarki Chaturthi, the temple is bustling with devotees coming for darshan. During the Ganesh Utsav in the month of Bhadrapada, the Pranpratishtha (consecration) of idols by other mandals in the city is not performed until this idol is worshipped first. From Ganesh Chaturthi to Anant Chaturdashi, long queues of devotees form for the darshan of Ganesha here. Some devotees say that during this period, the expressions on the idol’s face appear to change. During this festival, various religious programs are organized here. Hundreds of devotees from Vidarbha, Khandesh, Marathwada, Mumbai, and Pune in Maharashtra come here for darshan during this festival. The number of devotees from states like Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat is also significant.

On the day of Anant Chaturdashi, this idol holds the foremost honor in the immersion procession. The procession in the city does not commence until this idol sets out. Before the procession, the Aarti of the revered Wooden Ganapati is performed at ‘Ayya’s Kothi’. The idol’s procession proceeds on a bullock cart. However, this idol is not immersed; only a symbolic immersion is performed by moving the idol. After the procession, the idol is brought back to the temple.

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