Pune mandal recreates Somnath Temple for Ganeshotsav
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In Pune, India, the Hutatma Babu Genu Mandal Trust recreated the Somnath Temple, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site in Gujarat, as a display for the annual Ganeshotsav festival.
The trust, celebrating its 53rd year, commissioned art director Nitin Desai and a team of 30 to 40 artisans to build the elaborate set over 25 days. They focused on accurately replicating the temple’s carvings, towers, and pillars.
The mandal drew inspiration from the water features at Somnath Temple, where visitors make wishes. They constructed a well facing north, believing this direction symbolizes progress and good fortune, and encouraging devotees to toss coins while making a wish. For years, devotees have also shared their desires with the Ganpati idol by whispering to a vessel called the ‘Ichha Purti Kalash’, and many return claiming their wishes came true.
The mandal is now working with the Pune Municipal Corporation to make the well a permanent fixture, adding a fountain and pond to direct water offered during prayers towards the vessel and the well.
