Kasba Ganapati
Encyclopedia
The Kasba Ganapati refers to both a particular idol of the god Ganapati in Pune
, India
, as well as to the temple built around the idol. The Kasba Ganapati is the presiding deity (gramadevata
) of Pune
.
The temple was commissioned by Jijabai
, after Dadoji Konddeo
reported to her that an idol of Ganapati had been found in Pune. The idol's status as the premier idol in Pune was decided by Bal Gangadhar Tilak
.
In the year 1630. The Royal Queen Jijabai Bhosale arrived in Pune with her son Shivaji. Shivaji was disturbed by the pathetic plight of the mavals, at a very young age. At the age of 12, he vowed to liberate the mavals from the mughal powers. Around this time, an idol of Lord Ganesh was found near the house of Vinayak Thakar, 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 Peshwas were ardent followers of Lord Ganesh. During their regime Shaniwarwada has witnessed grand celebrations for Lord Ganesh.
In 1893, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the great freedom fighter and Cub of India, 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 Festival from his own house Kesari Wada. Due to his influencing personality and initiative, everyone started celebrating this festival and thus it became a public festival in 1893.
There was rivalry among the various mandals regarding the privilege of immersing the idol on the last day of the Ganpati festival. Bal Gangadhar Tilak resolved the rivalry and declared the privilege of immersion to Shri Kasba Ganpati, as it is the local deity of Pune.
Till 1925, Shri Kasba Ganpati Mandal celebrated the festival within the premises of the temple and from 1926 it is celebrated in an enclosed mandap. Presently, the ten days of the festival is a platform to display ones talents through various cultural programs thus allowing a large number of devotees to participate in the celebrations. On the last day, Shri Kasba Ganpati plays the leading role during the immersion procession. For more information on Immersion Procession.
Maharashtra°N date=December 2010°W
Pune
Pune , is the eighth largest metropolis in India, the second largest in the state of Maharashtra after Mumbai, and the largest city in the Western Ghats. Once the centre of power of the Maratha Empire, it is situated 560 metres above sea level on the Deccan plateau at the confluence of the Mula ...
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, as well as to the temple built around the idol. The Kasba Ganapati is the presiding deity (gramadevata
Gramadevata
A gramadevata is a Sanskrit term for the presiding deity in Hindu villages, towns and cities.Examples:* Kasba Ganapati is the gramadevata of the city of Pune.* Nookalamma is the Gramadevata of Anakapalle city....
) of Pune
Pune
Pune , is the eighth largest metropolis in India, the second largest in the state of Maharashtra after Mumbai, and the largest city in the Western Ghats. Once the centre of power of the Maratha Empire, it is situated 560 metres above sea level on the Deccan plateau at the confluence of the Mula ...
.
The temple was commissioned by Jijabai
Jijabai
Jijabai was the mother of Shivaji, founder of the Maratha Empire.-Birth date and family life:Jijabai was born on 12 January 1598 and a daughter of Lakhoji Jadhav in present-day Buldhana district of Maharashtra State...
, after Dadoji Konddeo
Dadoji Konddeo
Dadoji Kondev was a 16th century revenue expert from India, particularly known for his loyalty towards Shahaji...
reported to her that an idol of Ganapati had been found in Pune. The idol's status as the premier idol in Pune was decided by Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Bal Gangadhar Tilak
Lokmanya Tilak –, was an Indian nationalist, teacher, social reformer and independence fighter who was the first popular leader of the Indian Independence Movement. The British colonial authorities derogatorily called the great leader "Father of the Indian unrest"...
.
In the year 1630. The Royal Queen Jijabai Bhosale arrived in Pune with her son Shivaji. Shivaji was disturbed by the pathetic plight of the mavals, at a very young age. At the age of 12, he vowed to liberate the mavals from the mughal powers. Around this time, an idol of Lord Ganesh was found near the house of Vinayak Thakar, 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 Peshwas were ardent followers of Lord Ganesh. During their regime Shaniwarwada has witnessed grand celebrations for Lord Ganesh.
In 1893, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, the great freedom fighter and Cub of India, 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 Festival from his own house Kesari Wada. Due to his influencing personality and initiative, everyone started celebrating this festival and thus it became a public festival in 1893.
There was rivalry among the various mandals regarding the privilege of immersing the idol on the last day of the Ganpati festival. Bal Gangadhar Tilak resolved the rivalry and declared the privilege of immersion to Shri Kasba Ganpati, as it is the local deity of Pune.
Till 1925, Shri Kasba Ganpati Mandal celebrated the festival within the premises of the temple and from 1926 it is celebrated in an enclosed mandap. Presently, the ten days of the festival is a platform to display ones talents through various cultural programs thus allowing a large number of devotees to participate in the celebrations. On the last day, Shri Kasba Ganpati plays the leading role during the immersion procession. For more information on Immersion Procession.
External links
Maharashtra°N date=December 2010°W