Pune: Indian soldiers of the 6 Maratha Battalion, who used to regularly visit Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple in Pune, have built up a symbolic replica of the idol in Jammu and Kashmir. The development comes after the soldiers expressed their desire to built a replica of the deity in a letter addressed to Commanding officer Col. Vinod Patil. Patil had sent the letter to the Trust's Chairman Ashok Godse requesting for the construction of the idol.
Respecting the soldiers' desire, Dagdusheth Trust agreed to send the replica idol of Dagdusheth Ganpati to Jammu and Kashmir. Col. Vinod Patil laid the foundation stone of the temple in November 2019.
After the construction of the beautiful Lord Ganesha temple was completed in Kanjalwan village of Gurez sector, the Indian soldiers took the initiative to install the Bappa's idol.
The famous Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple is not only popular in Maharashtra but devotees from across the world throng the sacred place.
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Col. Vinod Patil’s said in his letter that all the Jawans of the Battalion wholeheartedly and enthusiastically contributed to the construction of the temple. During the initial phase of the construction, there was about 4 to 5 feet of snow which further increased to 12 feet in the winter months. But Jawans were determined and started the work.
Patil said, "Jawans also contributed financially. The wood of the pine tree has been used in the decoration of the temple which reflects an amalgamation of devotion, dedication, determination, and art. Pujas and various religious rituals are held in the temple and Jawans feel that darshan of Lord Ganesha will boost their morale."
"Jawans from all over the country are deployed in Jammu and Kashmir. Lord Ganesha will bless them and the gracious idol will beautify the temple. The Trust gifted a 2.5 feet Bappa's idol as per the soldiers' wish. Maratha Battalion soldiers and Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple Trust share a cordial bond. After performing the rituals, a 36-inch fiberglass idol was handed over to jawans in June which will be installed in the temple," said a trust official.
