Christian businessman builds Siddhi Vinayaka temple in Karnataka

Gabriel Nazareth, a 77-year-old Christian businessman who spent his working years in Mumbai and attributes his success to Siddhi Vinayaka, built a temple dedicated to the deity in Karnataka's Udupi district. He spent Rs 2 crore to construct the temple in memory of his late parents.

Udupi: Setting a perfect example for communal harmony and brotherhood, a 77-year-old Christian businessman built a temple dedicated to Lord Siddhi Vinayaka at his hometown in Karnataka's Udupi district. Gabriel Nazareth, who spent his working years in Mumbai and attributes his success to Siddhi Vinayaka, spent Rs 2 crore to construct the temple, in memory of his parents - Late Fabian Sebastian Nazareth and Sabeena Nazareth - on his 20 cents of ancestral land.

Palimaru mutt seer Sri Vidyadheesha Tirtha Swami visited the temple and various rituals, including Prathishta Mahotsava and Bramhakalashotava, were performed. Gabriel, who came back from Mumbai to Shirva - his hometown - about a decade ago, said that he went to Mumbai in search of a job after completing his matriculation.

After doing odd jobs for a few years, he set up factory manufacturing blocks and moulds. He lived in Mumbai for over 50 years and his worship of Lord Siddhi Vinayaka comes from that connect. He remains a Christian but also believes in Lord Siddhi Vinayaka, who is most revered in Mumbai.