Ganpati Bappa Morya! Lalbaugcha Raja was established in the year 1934 and even after so many years, Lalbaugcha raja draws Lakhs of devotees from all over India! Why lalbaugcha raja is so famous? Read the article to find out more on the iconic Lalbaugcha Raja.
History of Lalbaughcha Raja
In the year 1930, there was an open market near Peru Chawl at Lalbaugh. This market got shut down in the year 1932. The traders and Koli community prayed to Lord Ganesha and took a vow so that they could get a permanent market place.
With efforts of Local Councillors like Kuwarji Jethabhai Shah, Shyamrao Vishnu Bodhe, V. B. Korgaonkar, Ramchandra Tawate, Nakhawa Kokam Mama, Bhausaheb Shinde, U. A. Rao and the local residents, the landlord Rajabai Tayyabali agreed to give a plot for construction of a market.
The prayers of the Koli community and traders were answered and in the year 1934, Lalbaughcha Raja was established as a Navasacha Ganpati (one who fulfills all wishes).
Lalbaughcha Raja gave platform to various political and social leaders.
In the year 1946, the Lalbaughcha Raja was dressed as Netaji Subhashchandra Bose while he was made to look like Gandhiji in the year 1948.
Who makes Lalbaugcha Raja Murti?
Who makes lalbaugcha Raja Murti? Since last 8 decades, the Kambli family has been making the sculpture of Lalbaugcha Raja.
The members of Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal had approached Mr. Madhusudan D Kambli for sculpting the Lalbaugcha Raja idol in the year 1935 and since then the Kambli family has been making the sculpture of the most iconic and famous Lalbaug cha Raja!
All parts of the sculpture are made in their workshop and post the completion, the parts are taken to the Pandal where the parts are assembled and finally painted.
Over the years, the expressions and shape of the Murti has been constant and the makers have made sure that it remains constant.
Why Lalbaughcha Raja is so famous?
During Ganesh Chaturti Festival, millions of people visit the Lalbaughcha raja everyday.
Since it’s inception, Lalbaug cha Raja has been considered as a Navsacha Ganpati (one who fulfills all wishes) and hence millions of people pay a visit to Lalbaughcha Raja during the 10 Day Festival.
From top Politicians to Business tycoons and even international celebrities visit Lalbaug cha raja every year during the 10 day festival.
The faith of the devotees and the sheer beauty of the sculpture has made Lalbaugcha Raja so famous such that even after 8 decades, millions of people float in just to have a Glimpse of Bappa during the Ganesh Chaturti Festival.
Social Activities of Lalbaugcha Raja
Very few know the social activities carried out by the Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal.
Every year the Mandal receives donations in the form of Gold, Silver and even cash. Last year, devotees offered 4,200 kg of gold, 80 kg of silver and a total of ₹ 6.05 crore in cash.
It is with the help of this donation, the Mandal carries out several social activities through out the country.
During the war in the year 1962 and 1965, the Mandal made donations to the National Fund.
Other Social Activities carried by Lalbaugcha Raja Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandal are
- Dialysis Center
- Rugna Sahayya Nidhi
- Lokmanya Tilak Computer Training Institute
- Free Yoga Center
- Lalbaugcha Raja Prabodhini
- Sane Guruji Abhyasika (Study Room Facility)
- Swatantryaveer Savarkar Library
- Sant Dnyaneshwar Reference Book Bank
- Competitive Exam Counseling Center & Guidance Classes
- IAS/IPS Workshops
- English Speaking Course
- Employment Cell
- Mega Blood Donation Camp
- Quarterly Blood Donation Camp
To know more about all the social activities that the Mandal has done over the years, click here.
How to reach Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal
The best way to visit any place in Mumbai is by public transport and same is the case while visiting the Lalbaug cha Raja.
If you are in Western part of Mumbai, you can use the local train and get down at the Lower Parel Railway Station and if you are in Central Mumbai you can get down at Curry Road railway station.
The mandal is at a walking distance from both the railway stations.
Once you reach the Mandal, be prepared to stand in queues for at least 4 to 5 hours.
There are two queues at Lalbaugcha Raja Mandal
- Navsavchi Line
- Mukh Darshanachi Line.
Navsachi Line is a special line where devotees can touch the feet of Lalbaugcha Raja and take his blessings so that their wishes could get fulfilled.
Navsachi Line has an unpredictable waiting time. So be ready to wait at least for 10 to 20 hours.
Mukh Darshanachi Line as the name suggest is for Mukh Darsahan. You would be only able to get a glimpse of Lalbaugcha Raja from some distance.
Here the waiting time can go up to 8 hours and even more during weekends. So plan your visit accordingly.
My Experience !
I went to see the Lalbaugcha Raja during the visarjan ceremony and it’s was crazy!
I waited for at least 8 hours just to get a glimpse, and along with me there were thousands of people waiting just like me.
It was 5 in the evening and I was drained out completely! But the moment I saw the Lalbaug cha Raja, I was back to life! All my tiredness went away in seconds!
The Murti was so pulchritudinous, I was awestruck at the sight of it. I finally understood why Lalbaugcha Raja is so famous!
By the way, have you been to Lalbaug cha Raja Mandal before? If yes, do share your experience with me in the comment section below.
I hope you enjoyed reading this article.
