Shri Pavan Ganesh Temple Dewan Devadi, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The Pavan Ganesh Mandir, located in the Diwan Devdi area—a Nizam-era settlement in the heart of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar city—is a revered place of worship for the city’s residents. The Ganesh idol here is renowned for being the first and tallest idol in the Marathwada region. The height of this Ganesh idol is 21 feet, while the temple itself stands 50 feet tall. This temple was built on the very spot where the Ganesh Utsav pavilion was erected, as the idol could not be taken for immersion on Anant Chaturdashi. Known as the Ganesh who grants wishes, hundreds of devotees visit for his darshan every day.

During the Nizam era, the Diwan resided in the area where this temple is located; hence, the settlement came to be known as Diwan Devdi. The Pavan Ganesh Mandal has been celebrating Ganesh Utsav with great fervor for many years. In 1992, during the festival, the Mandal decided to install the tallest idol in Marathwada. However, as crafting such a magnificent idol was no easy task, many sculptors declined the challenge. Finally, the city’s renowned sculptor, Ratan Bagale, accepted the challenge. He began crafting the idol on a sturdy iron trolley capable of bearing the weight of such a massive figure. Through tireless efforts, he created the magnificent 21-foot idol as desired by the Mandal.

The Diwan Devdi area was filled with many mansions and fortifications during that period. Consequently, navigating the idol from the workshop to the pavilion through narrow lanes was a daunting task. In light of this, many citizens voluntarily broke down the walls of their homes to clear a path for the idol. It took two days to bring the idol to the pavilion. Since such a magnificent idol was being installed in Marathwada for the first time, it became a center of attraction for everyone. Crowds of citizens gathered on both sides of the road to catch a glimpse of the idol. The idol was consecrated in the pavilion on 31 August 1992. During the ten days of Ganesh Utsav, various programs were held with devotion and enthusiasm. As the devotees had formed a deep emotional bond with the Lord during this period, many found it difficult to bid farewell. Moreover, at the time of immersion, the idol would not budge from its place. After several failed attempts, the Mandal decided to build a temple for Ganesh right there. The idol was consecrated in the same spot after performing the prescribed rituals. In the first year, the idol had no roof. After some time, a tin shed was installed, and eventually, a small temple was constructed. The facade of the temple is attractive, and the shikhara (spire) above it is built with artistic precision. On this shikhara, above the temple entrance, is an idol of Lord Shiva, and in the niche below, are the idols of Ganesh along with Riddhi and Siddhi. In the small shrines on both sides of this niche, there are idols representing two forms of Ganesh. This Pavan Ganesh idol has its trunk turned to the left and possesses four arms. In one hand, he holds a parashu (axe), in the second a lotus, the third hand is in the varada mudra (gesture of bestowing boons), and in the fourth hand, he holds a silver modak. The serpent around the waist of this crown-wearing idol, adorned with silver ornaments, also captures the attention of devotees.

Daily morning and evening prayers and aarti are performed at the Pavan Ganesh Mandir. The temple is crowded with devotees during Sankashti and Vinayak Chaturthi. During the festival, various religious and cultural programs are organized here for all ten days. A smaller idol is installed in the pavilion, which is taken out in a procession and immersed on Anant Chaturdashi. Food is distributed daily during the festival period. The Mandal’s dhol pathak (drum troupe) is famous in the city. Being the first dhol pathak in Marathwada, it includes a significant number of women. Maghi Ganesh Utsav is also celebrated here with great enthusiasm. On Ganesh Jayanti, a Ganesh Yaga is performed, in which many couples and newlyweds participate. Currently, the idol in this temple is the second tallest in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The first place is held by the Ganesh idol installed at Chauraha in 1994, which stands 23 feet tall. The third tallest idol is at the Jagrut Ganesh Mandir in the Kunwar Phalli area. The 13.5-foot-tall idol in that temple was also crafted by sculptor Ratan Bagale.

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