In a landmark event for Pune's spiritual heritage, the revered Kasba Ganpati temple has reopened its doors to devotees, following an unprecedented restoration project. The temple, which had been closed since December 15, unveiled its principal idol after the careful removal of centuries-old layers of sindoor (vermillion) that had accumulated to a staggering weight of nearly 900 kilograms.
The Historic Restoration Process
The decision to close the temple and undertake this delicate operation was prompted after the thick paste of sindoor began damaging the protective cover surrounding the sacred idol. For the first time in the temple's recorded history, a painstaking 15-day ritual was conducted to clear the offerings. Temple trustee Ashapurak Thakar, who oversaw the process, emphasized the historical significance of this exercise.
The work was carried out with utmost care to maintain the sanctity of the idol, with significant assistance from the archaeological department and Deccan College. The trust also received expert guidance from the heritage department and Indologists, including noted scholar Dr G B Deglurkar. The original stone idol, the canopy above it, and the sanctum sanctorum have all been kept completely intact throughout the process.
Revealing the Original Idol
The restoration has revealed the idol in its original, much smaller form. Temple trustee Vinayak Bajirao Thakar explained that centuries of religious offerings had fundamentally altered the idol's known appearance. "Centuries of religious offerings of sindoor had led to the formation of the earlier known form of the idol. After the removal process, a newly emerged and much smaller structure has been revealed," he stated.
The uncovered idol is a traditional Chaturbhuj form, depicted with four hands. It measures approximately 2 feet in length and 1.5 feet in width. The deity is shown seated in the Ardha Padmasana pose, with its trunk aligned to the left. Samples of the removed sindoor have been sent to the archaeological department and Deccan College for detailed study, after which more historical and archaeological details about the idol are expected to be released.
Preservation and Celebrations
Looking ahead, the temple trustees have outlined a new protocol for the idol's preservation. To protect the original structure, all future religious offerings and anointments will be performed on the Utsav Murti—a smaller idol traditionally used during festival processions. The original idol will be preserved following the strict guidelines provided by the archaeological department.
To mark this momentous unveiling, the temple trustees have invited devotees to a five-day grand celebration, which began on the reopening day and will continue till January 4. The festivities include a series of cultural, religious, and musical programmes, allowing the community to welcome back their 'Gramdaivat' or presiding deity in its restored splendor.
