Ujjain Bada Ganesh Ka Mandir, Madhya Pradesh

Address

Ujjain Bada Ganesh Ka Mandir, Inside Mahakal Mandir, Jaisinghpura, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh 456006

Deity

Bada Ganesh Ka

Introduction

• Location: This temple is located in the temple town of Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, near the famous Mahakaleshwar Temple, situated atop a pond.
• Deity: The temple is dedicated to a grand, towering idol of Lord Ganesh, which is one of the tallest and largest statues of Ganesh in the world. Locals believe the deity to be extremely auspicious, with thousands of devotees visiting to seek blessings and fulfillment of their wishes.

Puranic Significance

• Establishment: The Ganesh idol was established by Maharishi Guru Maharaj Siddhant Vagesh Pt. Narayan Ji Vyas. This idol is unique because of the materials used in its construction. Unlike typical idols made from cement, this idol was created using traditional and sacred ingredients.
• Construction Materials:
  • The idol is made from a combination of bricks, lime, and sand, with a special mix of jaggery and fenugreek to add strength and sanctity.
  • Holy Water: Water from all sacred pilgrimage sites and soil from the seven Mokshapuris (Mathura, Haridwar, Ayodhya, Kanchipuram, Ujjain, Kashi, and Dwarika) were also included.
  • Gemstones and Metals: Elephant emerald, Gaushala clay, and gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds, topaz, pearls, and rubies were incorporated. Gold and silver were used for the face, copper for the ears, hands, and trunk, and iron bars for the feet.
• Historical Roof Construction: Initially, the idol remained under the open sky for 13 years after its consecration. A temporary tin roof was placed initially, but a permanent roof was constructed in 1954.
• Chola Tradition: Four times a year, a Chola (ceremonial garment) is offered to Lord Ganesh. The offering process takes around 15 days, and the Chola is prepared using 25 kg of vermilion and 15 kg of ghee, highlighting the deity’s importance in the local tradition.
• Construction Timeline: The construction of this magnificent idol took approximately two and a half years to complete.

Special Features

• Dimensions: The idol is about 18 feet high and 10 feet wide, with the trunk of Lord Ganesh in a clockwise direction, which is considered highly auspicious.
• Trident and Swastika: A trident and swastika adorn the head of the statue, symbols of protection and prosperity. A laddu is held in the trunk, which rotates to the right.
• Iconography: The idol has large ears and a garland around the neck. In the upper right hand, Lord Ganesh holds a platter of garlands, while the lower right hand shows the Japamudra (symbolizing meditation). A laddu is held in the left hand, signifying abundance and fulfillment.

Other Deities and Features in the Temple

• Lord Krishna and Yashoda: A statue of Lord Krishna sitting on the lap of Mata Yashoda is located within the temple. Behind this, there is a beautiful image of Krishna playing the flute above the Sheshnag (the divine serpent).
• Panchmukhi Hanuman: The temple also houses a statue of Panchmukhi Hanuman (Five-faced Hanuman), which was installed even before the Ganesh idol. Each face of Panchmukhi Hanuman represents a different avatar:
  • Hanuman Mukha (East)
  • Narasimha Mukha (West)
  • Varaha Mukha (North)
  • Garuda Mukha (South)
  • Hayagriva Mukha (Upwards, representing the horse avatar)

This Panchmukhi Hanuman is depicted holding various weapons, and the statue is noted for its beauty and the power it symbolizes.

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Nearest Bus Station

Ujjain

Nearest Railway Station

Ujjain Station

Nearest Airport

Indore

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