Did you know GSB Seva Mandal’s Gold Ganesha is the richest in Mumbai?

If its Ganesh Chaturthi, where better than Aamchi Mumbai? There isn’t a doubt “the city never sleeps” and how could one when 10 days of music, drums beating, Ganpati dance and spiritualism brings life in Mumbaikars. Raised in Mumbai I have (most of us) heard numerous tales of epic Ganesha mandals that organise and make big moortis (idols) standing tall up. 5 epic Ganpati’s you cannot miss this festival are,

1. Lalbaughcha Raja
Famous for: Mumbai’s most popular Ganesh idol.

Lalbaugcha Raja 2015

One Ganpati that Mumbaikars dream to visit and adore even in his 81^st year this September is LalBaugcha Raja. Showering his blessings over 1.5 million devotees each day he is an epitome of true bhakti. The idol is believed to be Navsachi i.e. one who grants wishes. People in Navsachi line wait for almost 40 hours for a close darshan and the other line being Mukh Darshanachi where one gets a glimse from far of the deity.

A 620 foot set has been erected around the idol made of Belgian glass, concave and convex mirrors to reflect the raja’s image and massive chandeliers.

Location: Lalbaug Market, GD Ambedkar Road, Lalbaug
Nearest Railway Station: Lower Parel, Curry Road, Chinchpokli
Visarjan route: Lalbaug – Bharat Mata Theatre – Sane Guruji marg – Byculla Railway Station – Clare Road – Nagpada – Duncan Rad – Don Taki – Kumbharwada – Suthar Gally – Madhav Baug – C.P. Tank – V.P. Road – Opera House – Girgaon Chowpatti

2. Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja.
Famous for: theme’s they pull out each year.

Ganesh Galli Mumbaicha Raja 2015

This mandal is the oldest in the area and another crowd puller.

Location: Ganesh Galli (Lane), Lalbaug (central Mumbai).
Nearest Railway Station: Chinchpokli, Curry Road, and Lower Parel
Visarjan route: Dr. S.S Rao Road – Ganesh Cinema – Chinchpokli Bridge – Arthur Road Corner -Saat Rasta – Sane Guruji Marg – Agreepada – Dr. Bhadkamkar Marg – Opera House – Wilson College -Girgaon Chowpatty

3. GSB Seva Mandal King’s Circle
Famous for: The Richest Ganpati in Mumbai.

G.S.B. Seva Mandal Ganapati 2015

Gold Ganesha, as he is affectionately known is the richest Ganpati in Mumbai. Did you know he is adorned with 60 kgs of Gold and 175 kgs of Silver. The deity is eco-friendly with south indian temple music being played. One must definitely seek the deity’s blessings.

Location: GSB sports club ground, near SNDT women’s college, RA Kidwai rd, King’s Circle, Matunga – Central Mumbai.
Nearest Railway Station: Kings Circle on the Harbour line and Matunga on Central line.

4. Khetwadicha Ganraj
Famous for: the most creative idol of the city.

Khetwadicha Ganraj 2015

Standing tall at 40 ft, this mandal gained fame when they created the tallest Ganpati on 2000.

Location: 12th Lane, Khetwadi, Girgaum.
Nearest Railway Station: Charni road

5. Andhericha Raja
Famous for: Being Navsala Pavnara, its said to be the most believed in Mumbai suburbs.

Andhericha Raja 2015

When the mandal is an organised by the blue-collared workers of Tata Special Steel, Excel Industries Ltd, and the Tobacco Company they ought to be among the top 5 Ganpatis of the city. Andheri cha raja is also known as Navsala Pavnara Ganpati which stands tall at 8.5 ft.

Location: Veera Desai Road, Azad Nagar, Andheri (western Mumbai suburbs)
Nearest Railway Station: Andheri.
Visarjan Route: Azad Nagar II – Veera Desai Road – J P Road Amboli – S V Road – Andheri Market – Navrang Cinema – Sony Mony – Apna Bazar – Indian Oil Nagar Junction – Four Bungalows – Seven Bungalows – Versova Bus Depot – Versova village.

Some of the other famous mandals across Mumbai are Chinchpoklicha Chintamani, Tulsiwadicha Raja, Dongricha Raja, Chandanwari and the list can go on. While it’s never too late, one must definitely try area hopping to visit them and seek blessings !