Transporting devotees into a realm of South Asian temple traditions, the Shri Pataleshwar Ganeshotsav Mandal in Mahal, established in 1956, has unveiled an architectural concept inspired by the famed Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil of Jaffna, Sri Lanka, for its 71st year of celebrations. The centrepiece of this year’s pandal is an ornate recreation of the Sri Lankan shrine’s sacred golden chariot (swarna ratham).

 

Traditionally, drawn during the annual festival dedicated to Lord Murugan, the chariot is enshrined within an intricately decorated sabhamandap where ceremonial rituals take place. The Mahal pandal replicates this setting, placing the presiding deity atop a regal golden rath surrounded by Dravidian-style temple motifs. According to a mandal member, “The original idea was to replicate any one of the south-based temple structure, so we decided to replicate Nallur Kandaswamy temple. But after studying more about the temple, we gained knowledge about the golden chariot and then collectively we thought to incorporate their chariot with our festival. Since last 15 years, our motive is to deliver unique temple theme and concept every time.” Seated magnificently on the chariot is a 12 foot tall Ganesha idol, reverently known as ‘Mahal Cha Raja’. Retaining the signature posture maintained since 2007, the idol has been sculpted by city artisan Rakesh Pathrabe.

 

The mandal maintains a dedicated practice of allowing every visitor regardless of the rush to perform charan sparsh (touching the deity’s feet). Moving away from routine pandal designs, this thematic initiative bridges geographical borders to showcase ancient cross-cultural chariot traditions to local devotees. Maha-aagman on Saturday: Mandal members have informed that the ‘maha-aagman’ of Mahal Cha Raja will be held at Badkas Chowk on September 12, at 6.30 pm. The theme of aagman is Vande Mataram, to celebrate 150 years of our National Song. A video explaining history of Vande Mataram will be played.