Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Pune Ganesh Mandal Recreates Somnath Temple for Ganeshotsav
A Ganesh mandal in Pune has built a large decoration shaped like Somnath Temple.
Somnath Temple is in Gujarat and is an important pilgrimage site.
It is considered the first of Lord Shiva’s 12 jyotirlingas.
The decoration has carvings, tall shikharas and pillars.
These details were designed to look like the real temple.
Between 30 and 40 artisans worked on it for 25 days.
The team was led by Hemant and Roshan.
The project was made for the Ganeshotsav celebrations by Navsacha Ganpati.
Navsacha Ganpati has recreated Gujarat’s historic Somnath Temple as a Ganeshotsav pandal in Pune.
Somnath Temple is regarded as the first among Lord Shiva’s 12 jyotirlingas.
The replica includes intricate carvings, shikharas and pillars modeled on the original temple.
A team of 30 to 40 artisans worked continuously for 25 days to complete the decoration.
The project was created by the team of art director Nitin Desai for the Hutatma Babu Genu Mandal Trust’s 53rd year.
- Who
- The Hutatma Babu Genu Mandal Trust, popularly known as Navsacha Ganpati, created the replica with a team of 30 to 40 artisans.
- What
- A Ganeshotsav pandal recreating Somnath Temple was built in Pune.
- When
- The decoration was completed over 25 days for this year’s Ganeshotsav; the mandal is marking its 53rd year.
- Where
- The replica is in Pune, while the original Somnath Temple is in Gujarat.
- Why
- The mandal created the decoration to bring the temple’s architecture and religious significance to devotees in Pune.
- Organiser
- Hutatma Babu Genu Mandal Trust, popularly known as Navsacha Ganpati
- Location
- Pune
- Replica
- Somnath Temple
- Crafting period
- 25 days
- Artisans
- 30 to 40
- Art director
- Nitin Desai
- Mandal milestone
- 53rd year