Khajrana Ganesh Temple Indore – Enigmatic 18th Century Idol
The most renowned Hindu temple in Indore, India, was the Khajrana Ganesh Temple. It was a temple of Lord Ganesha, who is identified by his elephant-headed body and considered the remover of obstacles as well as the god of wisdom and prosperity. When Aurangzeb captured the city of Indore in 1735 and subsequently destroyed almost all Hindu temples, in an effort not to let his hands reach the idol, devotees hid the idol of lord inside the well. It was later renovated by Rani Ahilyabai Holkar in the year 1875.
Rani Ahilyabai Holkar wanted to shift the lord from the well and attempted to construct the temple in her palace, she tried much she even used elephants to shift but all her efforts became futile. This depicts that without the wish of the Lord, not a stone can be pelted.
Time went on and the temple grew from a humble hut to a gigantic temple. Khajrana Ganesh holds the biggest Ganapathi statue in the world. The idol when measured from crown to foot, is 8 meters in length. You find Lord Ganesh along with his wife Siddhi and Riddhi along with his sons Subh and Labh and Goddess Saraswati.
It is believed that when a devotee prays lord with all his heart, all his wish will be fulfilled. So you find this is crowded the devotees all the time so the Khajrana Ganesh Temple is taken over by the Government. On Wednesday and Sunday, devotees throng in huge to offer their prayers. Devotees regularly offer the lord precious jewels, diamonds, and gold. The outer wall, upper wall, and gate of garbahgriha is made of Silver. The eyes of the deity are made with precious diamonds.
With the grace of the lord there is Nitya annadhan also. Apart from the Main deity, you find 32 temples around the temple. It enshrines the form of Lord Ganesha, who happens to be the most worshiped deity in the Hindu deities; he is counted as the remover of obstacles and god of wisdom and intellect.
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The history of the Khajrana Ganesh Mandir is rich and fascinating:
Origin: The temple is said to be eighteenth century in origin. According to local folklores, Rani Ahilyabai Holkar was the queen of the Holkar dynasty that ruled over the state of Malwa with Indore as its capital. A famous story goes around that it was constructed by her in the year 1735. She was one of the biggest patrons of Hindu temples and is known to have established and even renovated many temples in those regions.
It is popularly known for its unique and gigantic idol of Lord Ganesh. The temple is famous for that particular icon only. The idol is said to be made up of limestone, jaggery, and sesame seeds and thus it has a look that is unique and unusual. It was even said to have been discovered when a well was being dug in the area and then was enshrined inside this temple.
Renovation and Extension: For all these centuries, the Khajrana Ganesh Temple has undergone various renovations and extensions. Holkar rulers and various devotees went on to contribute immensely to its growth and development, architectural wonders and religious value.
For the people of Indore and other places, it is a symbol of religiosity. It perhaps one of the most visited temples in the city, especially on Ganesh Chaturthi when thousands of devotees gather and hope to receive blessings from Lord Ganesh.
Architectural Features: The structure of the temple is very beautiful and delicately carved with features characterizing Maratha and Malwa Architectural sculptures. Intricacy is high in the shikhara-the spires as ornaments and carvings and sculpture there on. Besides the largest shrine, there are other smaller shrines designed to Hindu gods.
The most important festival performed at Khajrana Ganesh Temple is Ganesh Chaturthi. In the festival, very pompous manner is given to the statue of Lord Ganesh, and great processions are taken outside in the neighborhood of the temple. People come from different areas to participate in the festival.
Beliefs of the Devotees: The devotees believe that a visit to the Khajrana Ganesh Mandir, prayers offered to Lord Ganesh help clear obstacles from their way and makes their desires true and brings happiness and good fortune.
Beliefs and Myths of Khajrana Ganesh Temple:
The temple is extremely popular due to the miracle power of fulfilling devotees’ wishes. Various beliefs and myths are associated with the temple, some of which follow:
According to one belief, if one ties a sacred thread in the premises of the temple with devotion, surely Lord Ganesha will fulfill that wish.
According to them, it’s said that if an upside-down swastika is drawn using cow dung on the back wall of the temple and then wish is made, it will be sure to be met.
It is also said that if you do three rounds of the temple chanting the Ganesha mantras, then your wishes will be met.
Most of them believe that the temple is full of positive energy and maybe felt once inside the temple.
People also believe in this temple to be haunted by ghosts. However, these spirits are good and aid their devotees to achieve their wishes.
One of the greatest myths prevalent with Khajrana Ganesh Temple is the story of the upside-down swastika. It is said that some devotee once went to this temple with a wish so impossible to fulfill. He was advised by one of the priests to draw an upside-down swastika on the back wall of the temple and make his wish. The devotee did so, and was amazed to see, within some days, his wish actually coming true.
This is the second most-popularly believed myth. According to the story, a young girl who died on the temple premises haunts the temple until now. However, the spirit is good-natured and assists worshippers in fulfilling their desires.
More Mystical Temples to Explore:
Kanipakam Varasiddhi Vinayaka Swamy,
Sri Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple, Titwala, Mumbai,
Sri Swayambhu Siddhivinayak Temple – Rejinthal,
Arupadai veedu | Six Abodes of Lord Murugan
Places to visit near Khajrana Ganesh Mandir:
Central Museum (Indore Museum): Central Museum is 6 km from Khajrana Ganesh Temple, and thus it is a good place to understand the local historical and cultural heritage. Valuables of artefacts, sculptures, and other relics are present in this museum.
Lal Bagh Palace: One of the most beautiful places, this palace is nearly 7 kilometers from Khajrana Ganesh Mandir. This is not only an architectural wonder but a beautiful garden with very beautiful carvings and an interesting museum about the Holkar dynasty.
Rajwada: Popularly known as the Holkar Palace, Rajwada is the historical palace that lies in Indore’s central region some 5 kilometers from the temple. This is one of the finest examples of the Maratha architecture that depicts the era of the kings that ruled the city a long time ago.
Kanch Mandir (Glass Temple): About 7 km ahead, this wonderfully unique glass and mirror-made temple takes attention unto itself. It is an example of architecture as well as art as well.
Patalpani Waterfall: The destination is about 35 kilometres away from the Khajrana Ganesh Temple. This is a highly quiet destination out of the city. The entire enjoyment of the trip through green forests to the waterfall itself is enjoyable.
Krishnapura Chhatri: This is near about 8 kilometers and is known for grand cenotaphs and beauty in architecture. Here, one can take photos along with educational experience of history about local places.
Regional Park and Zoo : It is about 10 kms from Khajrana Ganesh Mandir. Regional park is a very relaxing place with zoo gardens and rest facilities.
Gomatgiri: About 10 km from here. The colossal statue of Lord Gomateshwar is there. It’s a peaceful meditative place along with any spectacular views of the city.
How to reach Khajrana Ganesh Temple:
By Air:
Nearest airport: Indore Airport (Devi Ahilya Bai Holkar Airport)
Distance: Approx. 10-12 kilometers.
By Train:
Main railway station: Indore Railway Station
Distance: around 20-30 minute drive away.
By Bus:
Indore has a well-developed bus network to reach Khajrana Ganesh Temple.