Manache Ganpati of Pune
Lord Ganesha who is considered to be the God of wisdom and prosperity has been worshipped right from the Vedic times. Every religious ceremony is performed even today with invoking his blessings at the very beginning. Pune being the birthplace of Ganesh Festival, now celebrated all over India, has its own share of rich history. The city has the five Manache Ganpati — The respected and honored Ganpati idols at different places. Let us get to know each of these five Manache Ganpati in Pune.
Kasba Ganpati — कसबा गणपती (मानाचा पहिला गणपती)
Kasba Ganpati is the presiding deity also known as the gramadevata of Pune. Kasba Ganpati originated during Shivaji Maharaj era which was found near the house of Vinayak Thakar, who was residing close to the residence of Shivaji’s Mother Masaheb Jijabai Bhosale. Shivaji Maharaj a keen devotee built the temple in the year 1638.
Tambdi Jogeshwari — तांबडी जोगेशवरी (मानाचा दूसरा गणपती)
Tambdi Jogeshwari is another peculiar spot to visit which holds the significance of being the oldest one in Pune. It is a Temple of Goddess Durga which is also regarded and determined as the patron deity of Pune city. The Ganpati idol is immersed every year at the end of Ganesh Festival and re-established again in the successive year. The temple was built in 1545 A.D. by Trimbak Bendre which was originally small one and surrounded by farms. Later on in the year 2000, Ganesh Idol was established in the temple and offered with pooja.
Guruji Talim — गुरुजी तालीम (मानाचा तिसरा गणपती)
Guruji Talim Ganpati hold the third most respected place or is the third most revered Ganpati in Pune which was established by two Hindu and Muslim families of Bhiku Shinde and Ustaad Nalban. It is unique as it symbolizes the unity of Hindu — Muslim. The Mandal holds the rare distinction of being pioneer in celebrating on the public forum much before Lokmanya Tilak initiated the tradition in 1893.
Tulshibaug Ganpati — तुळशीबाग गणपती (मानाचा चौथा गणपती)
Tulshibaug Ganpati is the 4th respected Ganpati in Pune. It was first established in 1901. This mandal holds the honor of establishing the first Glass Fiber statue since 1975. It is located in the heart and the most crowded part of the city.
The statue is 13 ft. tall and wears ornaments that weigh more than 80 kgs. Artist D.S. Khatawkar has been decorating the statue since years.
Kesari Wada Ganpati — केसरीवाडा गणपती (मानाचा पाचवा गणपती)
Kesari Wada Ganpati is the 5th most honorable Ganpati in Pune which was installed by freedom fighter Lokmanya Tilak himself in 1893 at his own house Kesari Wada thereby named as Kesari Wada Ganpati. He made it an official public festival by forming Ganesh Mandal known as Kesari Wada Ganapati Mandal in 1894.
The Ganpati festival in Pune is eye-pleasing and celebrated with great pomp. Every year people eagerly wait to welcome their beloved Bappa and look forward to relish Bappa’s favourite food ‘Modaks’.
