The grand unveiling of Lalbaugcha Raja, the majestic 14-foot statue of Lord Ganesha in Mumbai, marks the commencement of Ganesh Chaturthi 2024. Every year, millions of devotees flock to the city to catch a glimpse of this awe-inspiring idol, which holds a unique and cherished place in the hearts of devotees from all over India and beyond.
The Origins of Lalbaugcha Raja
The legacy of Lalbaugcha Raja is deeply rooted in faith and devotion. In the early 1900s, the Lalbaug area in Mumbai was home to around 100 textile mills. However, by the 1930s, the booming industry began to negatively impact the lives of locals, causing widespread hardship. During these trying times, the community collectively prayed to Lord Ganesha for relief. Their prayers were answered when they were granted a piece of land, which later became the Lalbaug market. In 1935, the Sarvajanik Ganesh Mandal was established on a portion of this land, leading to the installation of Lalbaugcha Raja as a tribute to the Lord’s blessings. The tradition has continued for over 90 years, making Lalbaugcha Raja a symbol of faith, hope, and gratitude.
#AnantAmbani has shown an incredible gesture of devotion by donating a 20 Kg Gold crown worth ₹15 crore to #Mumbai’s #LalbaugchaRaja , unveiled ahead of the #GaneshChaturthi festival.
This contribution has been done through the #Reliance Foundation. pic.twitter.com/BPgoMbVFIU
— Neetu Khandelwal (@T_Investor_) September 6, 2024
The Kambli Family and Their Sacred Duty
The creation of Lalbaugcha Raja is a generational duty entrusted to the Kambli family, who have been responsible for crafting the idol since its inception. Santosh Kambli, the current sculptor, continues the legacy started by his grandfather, Madhusudan Donduji Kambli, in 1935. For the Kambli family, creating the King of Lalbaug is not merely a profession; it is a sacred duty passed down through the generations.
The process of crafting this iconic idol begins in June each year, and the design remains consistent, inspired by the depiction of Lord Ganesha in ancient Puranas and sacred texts. A notable feature of the idol is the soft, pious expression in its eyes, which invokes reverence in anyone who gazes upon it.
The Legacy of Lalbaugcha Raja
The supremacy of Lalbaugcha Raja lies not only in its grandeur but also in the attention to detail that has been preserved over the decades. The idol features a distinct tilt of the face and a benevolent smile, all while seated on a throne in a unique posture. This design, which has been copyrighted to preserve its authenticity, has remained unchanged and continues to draw millions of worshippers every year.
One of the highlights of this year’s idol is a real gold crown weighing 20 kilograms, valued at ₹15 crores, donated by Anant Ambani, a new member of the Mandal committee. The inclusion of this crown only adds to the magnificence and divinity of Lalbaugcha Raja.
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