Ganpati’s Timeless Abode: Where Faith Stands The Test Of Centuries

Nagpur: Every Ganeshotsav, the narrow lanes of the old city hum with a special excitement, garlands and decorations adorn doors, temple bells and rhythm of drums, and chatter of families making preparations. The festival of Lord Ganesha marks a reconnection with centuries-old cultural and spiritual traditions, rooted in Ganpati temples over 300 years old.
Though small, shrines hold monumental significance for communities.Besides reverence, their stories echo through the generations, deeply intertwined with Nagpur’s history.

The first temple on this spiritual journey is the Bhure Buwa Ganpati Devghar, beside Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Mahal. Over 300 years old, this was founded by Sadguru Vishnu (Bangaji) Kaship Bhure, a native of Adosha kshestra, now known as Adasa. Sadguru Bhure was devoted to Lord Ganesha and came to Nagpur at the age of 35, on his guru’s instructions, on a path of spiritual awakening.
Ankush Kawle, one of the temple’s priests and a direct descendant of the Bhure family, recalls stories passed down generations. “His daily routine involved worshipping a sacred Shami tree, which still stands on the Devghar grounds. That tree is part of our history,” says Kawle, pointing to the sprawling tree.
The temple with humble beginnings has stood the test of time. From Sadguru Bhure’s grandson Sridhundirajpant Kawle, the traditions and spiritual significance have been passed on through generations. All gather at Ganeshotsav with the same fervour of centuries ago to the sounds of bhajans and kirtans of old times.
Not far from here is the curiously named Bhootacha Ganpati. While the name may suggest a supernatural connection, it actually refers to the founder — Bhoot family. This temple, with a history spanning over 200 years, houses a marble idol, a rarity in the city. “The idol, which includes Lord Ganesha’s two wives, Siddhi and Riddhi, was carved from a single block of marble,” explains Anand Bhoot, a descendant of the founder. “It is believed the marble was brought from Jaipur, though the exact details have been lost over the generations.”
Anand says his great-great-grandfather established the temple in the early 1800s. Unlike most Ganpati celebrations, the Bhoot Ganpati festival begins on Tanha Pola, a traditional celebration for farmers, and concludes on Rishi Panchami, just a few days after Ganesh Chaturthi. “Our celebration is different, but that’s what makes it special,” says Anand, with pride in his family's distinct traditions.
In another corner of the old city, nestled behind the Kalyaneshwar Shiv Temple in Mahal, stands the Siddhivinayak Temple, built by King Bhonsle in 1740. This temple, now over 270 years old, has a majestic idol, made of sindoor and featuring a striking gold trunk, ear, and throne. Even the temple’s mushak (Lord Ganesha’s mouse) is crafted from silver, adding a royal touch to this historic shrine.
“The temple was once the central place of worship for Raja Bhonsle and his family,” explains Durgesh Choubey, the temple’s head priest. “Back then, it was the spiritual centre of the city, for people from all walks of life.” In 2007, the temple underwent a renovation, led by architect Vishambhar Mastapure, who designed a new dome adorned with mushaks with folded hands, a symbol of devotion and humility. Despite these modern updates, the temple has retained its ancient structure and sacred aura.
The Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir is a ‘jagrut kshetra’, a site believed to hold immense spiritual power. Devotees believe that Lord Ganesha here listens to their prayers and fulfils their wishes, a belief that has strengthened over time.
(Inputs by Sanz Lekhwani and Devyani Naukarkar)