Mangala Ganapati

Ganeshkhind, Taluka Parner, District Ahilyanagar

Near Parner town in Ahmednagar district, at Ganeshkhind, lies a unique abode of Lord Ganesha. This place is famous as ‘Mangalacha Ganpati’. It is the firm belief of devotees that if a person suffering from ‘Mangal Dosha’ (Mars affliction) performs an Abhishekam to this deity, their planetary affliction is dispelled. It is said to be the only place of its kind in the state. Along with its religious significance, this site also has an historical connection. Records indicate that the great social reformer and revolutionary, Senapati Bapat, stayed in this temple for many days to evade the British.

The legend of the temple states that when the Vedic scholar Sage Bharadwaja went to the river for his bath, he saw an Apsara playing in the water. Captivated by her beauty, his mind became enchanted. To prevent the Sage from committing a sin, the Earth took his divine energy into her womb. After its proper development, the child manifested from the womb of the Earth. Because he manifested from the womb of the Earth, he was named ‘Bhumiputra’ (Son of the Earth). The Earth nurtured this crimson-hued and adorable son for 7 years. Later, she narrated the story of his birth to him and took him to his father, Sage Bharadwaja. The sage accepted him as well. After performing the appropriate sacraments (samskaras) upon him, he initiated him into the ‘Ganana Tva’ Ganesha mantra and instructed him to perform its anushthana (ritual observance).

Following his father’s advice, Bhumiputra lived in a forest and worshipped Ganapati. After 1000 years of penance, Ganapati appeared before him and asked him to seek a boon. Bhumiputra prayed, “May I attain an eternal position in your devotion. Since you have granted me your darshan on the day of Chaturthi, may this date be highly meritorious. May I be blessed with the nectar of immortality, and may the fame of my name spread across the three worlds.” Upon hearing this, Ganapati said, “Tathastu (so be it), devotee; henceforth, you shall be known as ‘Mangal’. The Chaturthi that falls on a Tuesday will hold greater significance. This Chaturthi will be auspicious, bringing happiness, wealth, joy, and the fulfillment of all desires. Because your complexion is as radiant as fire, you will be called ‘Angarak’, and this Chaturthi will be known as ‘Angaraki Chaturthi’. Observing a fast on Angaraki Chaturthi will bestow the merit of twelve Chaturthis.” After bestowing these many blessings, Ganapati disappeared. This Bhumiputra, Mangal, is the planet Mars among the Navagrahas.

It is said that Mangal, the son of the earth, built this Ganesha temple, which is famous as the ‘Mangala Temple’ in Ganeshkhind. Devotees believe that for those who have Mangal (Mars) in their horoscope, performing the ritualistic worship of the Ganesha here and offering Abhishekam to the idol helps in removing the Mangal Dosha.

On the Parner-Alkuti road, before the Chincholi Ghat begins, there is a path leading towards Ganeshkhind. Located nearby is the Mangalachya Ganpati temple, which is peaceful and

Nestled in a picturesque landscape within the crevices of a hill, the temple is reached by descending a few steps after passing through its arched entrance. This ancient stone temple, built in the Hemadpanti style, rests under the shade of large, towering trees. The temple structure consists of a *sabhamandap* (assembly hall) and a *garbhagriha* (sanctum sanctorum). Within the *sabhamandap* stands a massive Nandi, while the sanctum houses a vermilion-smeared half-idol of Lord Ganesha. The ears and trunk of the Ganesha idol are magnificent in their scale. The temple courtyard features a well and an underground passage. Devotees gather here in large numbers every Tuesday and on Sankashti Chaturthi. A grand festival is celebrated on Angarki Chaturthi, during which thousands of devotees visit this temple in Ganeshkhind for *darshan*.

Pandurang Mahadev Bapat, also known as Tatya or Senapati Bapat, was born in Parner in the Ahmednagar district. According to the reference in the ‘Senapati Bapat: Vangmaya Samagra Grantha’ published by the Maharashtra State Board of Literature and Culture in 1977, his parents, Mahadev and Gangabai Bapat, were devout followers of the Ganapati at Ganeshkhind. They used to serve the deity at this temple. In 1903, after receiving a scholarship for his B.A. examination from the University of Mumbai, Tatya went to England for further studies; however, his scholarship was revoked due to a speech he delivered against the British. Consequently, he had to return to India. During his stay abroad, he had mastered the art of bomb-making. From that time on, the British kept a close watch on him. He was arrested by the British several times, but was released due to a lack of sufficient evidence. 

It is said that there is an underground tunnel connecting the Mangala Ganpati temple to the residence of Senapati Bapat in the town of Parner. This tunnel contains several small and large chambers. To evade the pursuit of the British, Senapati Bapat often took shelter in this Ganpati temple in Ganeshkhind or in the tunnel itself. In those chambers, Senapati Bapat and his associates would work on manufacturing bombs and ammunition. Although this underground passage has currently fallen into disrepair, one can still enter the tunnel for a short distance from the temple and view the chambers located there.

Useful Information:

• At a distance of 8 km from Parner and 40 km from Ahilyanagar
• ST bus service from Parner to Punewadi
• Private vehicles can go directly up to the temple.
• There are no accommodation or breakfast facilities available in the vicinity.