Product Code Database
The Kasba Ganapati refers to both a particular murti of the god Ganapati in Pune, India, as well as to the temple built around the murti. The Kasba Ganapati is the presiding deity (gramadevata) of Pune. Kasba Ganpati is considered the first Manacha Ganpati, or most revered Ganpati, in Pune, Maharashtra. The idol was established in 1893 and is located in the Kasba Peth area of Pune, an ancient part of the city. It is patronized by Ganapati Bapurao Bebhan Durbar and is considered the presiding deity of Pune. The idol is said to be self-made and was originally the size of a grain of rice, but is now larger due to a layer of red sandalwood.
In the year 1630, the Maratha Aristocrat and wife of Shahaji, Jijaubaisaheb Bhosale arrived in Pune with her then infant son, Shivaji, the founder of Maratha Empire. Around this time, along with other seven families, the Thakar Family migrated to Pune from the village of Indi, Bijapur district in present-day state of Karnataka. Shri Vinayak Bhatt Thakar also carried his Family deity, Lord Gajanan along with him. All these families settled near River bank around the current place of Kasba Ganapati Temple which was close to the residence of Jijabai. Jijabai perceived this as an auspicious moment and promptly decided to build a temple, which is popularly known as the Kasba Ganpati Mandir.
Since then, Pune is also known as the city of Ganesh. The were ardent followers of Lord Ganesh. During their regime Shaniwarwada witnessed grand celebrations for Lord Ganesh.
In 1893, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the Indian Nationalist Leader, initiated the now famous Ganesh Festival. His intention was to gather people sharing similar ideas and exchange thoughts to deal with the British ruler. He started celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi from his own house called Kesari Wada. Due to his personal popularity and initiative, Ganesh Festival became a public festival soon afterwards.
There was rivalry among the various mandals regarding the privilege of immersing the murti first on the last day of the Ganpati festival. Bal Gangadhar Tilak resolved the rivalry and declared the privilege of first immersion to Shri Kasba Ganpati, as it is the local deity of Pune.
|
|
