History of Ganpati at Lukshmi Vilas Palace

Lord Ganpati were welcomed in Lukshmi Vilas Palace on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi on Thursday morning, 13 September during the Shubh Mahurat with the traditional hymns and Shehnais. Lukshmi Vilas Palace being known for the Gaekwad Family and their abiding traditions, greeted Lord Ganesh royally with all the rituals which are practiced since years. From the last 82 years, the Chavan Family has been preparing the idol for the royal family and it has got an interesting history to look back at.

Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad had organised a competition for the artists to decide who would make the Ganesh idol for the Rajmahal. For the same were called pandits from Kashi who had to select the artist, keeping in mind all the traditional and ritualistic aspects. They selected late Krishnarao Chavan’s idol and since then his family has been making the idol. He was also awarded with a gold medal by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad in 1936 as a token of appreciation for his artistic skills. Till 1939, the idol showed “Chandrasur Vadh” after which the king decided to change the theme and make it more sacred and holy. During the same time, Maharaja Sayajirao died and Maharaja Pratapsinhrao was crowned as the king. Keeping in mind late Maharaja Sayajirao’s idea, Maharaja Pratapsinhrao called the saints from Kashi to Vadodara to make a sketch of the new idol which is followed even today.

On Akshay Tritiya, the platform (“paatlo”) on which the idol is made is sent to the Chavan studio where they first have a pooja which marks the beginning of the making of Lord Ganpati’s idol. The clay used for the same is specially brought from Bhavnagar and the idol weights around 450 kgs and is 3 foot high. After approximately two months, on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, the idol is sent to the Rajmahal on a “palkhi” with a traditional procession which is taken out by the royal family.

The idol this time was made by Mansinh Chavan and his brothers Lalsinh and Pradipsinh Chavan. Once the idol arrives the palace, it is ornamented with gold jewelleries and is followed by a pooja (sthaapna).  The last 5-6 days are kept open for the visitor’s darshan wherein they can come and see the royal Ganpati idol. Getting to visit the palace on this occasion is a delight for the eyes and people from all across the world come to offer their prayers to Lord Ganesh.