{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "193-Year-Old Gold-Inked Lakshmi-Ganesh Murals in Jhunjhunu Still Celebrated Every Diwali",
  "summary": "Built in 1830 in Mahansar, the historic 'Sone ki Saal' features intricate gold-inked murals of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh that are still worshipped by the Podar family every Diwali.",
  "content": "The Shekhawati region of Rajasthan is globally renowned for its magnificent painted Havelis and rich cultural history, with the small town of Mahansar holding a particularly unique treasure. Tucked away in this historic town is a remarkable commercial building where exquisite murals of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh were etched onto the walls using genuine gold ink nearly 193 years ago. Even as modern trade practices and lifestyles have evolved dramatically over the centuries, this sacred tradition remains fully alive today. Members of the Podar family continue to uphold the cherished legacy of their ancestors, visiting these ancient golden artworks every Diwali to bow their heads and pray for peace, prosperity, and well-being across the region.\n\nThe Historical and Commercial Significance of Sone ki Saal\nKnown universally as 'Sone ki Saal', this historic establishment was never merely a center for everyday commerce, but rather a glowing symbol of the artistic wealth and grandeur of its era. The grand structure was originally commissioned in 1830 by Seth Harkanthrai Poddar, during a time when the location served as a bustling hub for large-scale gold and silver trade. To visually captivate wealthy merchants arriving from distant parts of the country and abroad, and to unmistakably display their immense business prosperity, the walls were adorned with real gold leaf and gold ink. These magnificent paintings placed a primary emphasis on sacred religious themes, Indian cultural heritage, and unwavering spiritual devotion.\n\nThe Intricate Depiction of Goddess Lakshmi on an Eight-Petaled Lotus\nLocated within a special chamber inside the historic building, the mural of Goddess Lakshmi commands immediate attention due to its exceptionally fine craftsmanship and detailed composition. In this artwork, the deity is seated gracefully upon an eight-petaled lotus throne, surrounded by four majestic elephants accompanied by their mahouts. Two of the elephants are depicted showering water over Goddess Lakshmi in a ritualistic abhiseka, while the remaining two gently wash her feet. The entire visual beautifully captures the divine grace, abundance, and prosperity associated with the goddess. Meanwhile, at the main entrance of the establishment, a gleaming golden portrait of Lord Ganesh is featured, flanked by two women waving chauris and two men standing with folded hands in adoration.\n\nOne Hundred Feet of Ramayana and Krishna Leela Murals in Gold\nSpanning an impressive length of roughly 100 feet and a width of 20 feet, this historic hall is divided into three distinct sections, each covered in dazzling golden artistry. The first section illustrates the entire narrative of the Ramayana, tracing Lord Rama's journey from his royal birth right up to his coronation. The second section brings to life vivid scenes from the childhood mischievousness and divine dance routines of Lord Krishna. The third section is adorned with charming floral patterns and blooming gardens. The intricate artwork executed across the walls using gold ink reflects the incredible mastery of artisans from that period. However, historians note that calculating the exact quantity of gold utilized across these two-century-old masterpieces remains practically impossible today.\n\nPreserving an Priceless Ancestral Heritage\nToday, this remarkable historical landmark is carefully maintained and protected under the auspices of the Shobhaksaray Podar Trust based in Mahansar. According to family representative Kuldeep Poddar, the household continues to observe the traditional rituals established by their forebears with absolute dedication. Every Diwali, sacred prayers and aartis are performed directly before these ancient depictions of Lord Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi. This magnificent Shekhawati landmark continues to narrate an immortal story of the region's glorious past, artistic patronage, and enduring cultural pride.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThis historic landmark in Mahansar holds significant cultural and tourism value for the region.\n\n• Across India: Heritage sites like Sone ki Saal attract art enthusiasts and researchers studying traditional Indian craftsmanship.\n• In Jhunjhunu: Local residents and traders in Mahansar take immense pride in preserving their unique architectural and spiritual legacy.\n\nWhy this happened\nThis historic structure was established in 1830 to showcase commercial wealth and artistic patronage.\n\n• Trade Display: Seth Harkanthrai Poddar used real gold ink on the walls to impress visiting merchants from across regions with his business standing.\n• Spiritual Devotion: Merchants of that era placed immense importance on invoking divine blessings through sacred art inside their business premises.\n• Family Stewardship: The Podar family maintains an unbroken tradition of upkeep and worship spanning nearly two centuries.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. When was Sone ki Saal in Mahansar built?\nThis historic building was constructed in 1830 by Seth Harkanthrai Poddar.\n\n2. What material was used for the paintings on the walls?\nReal gold leaf and gold ink were used to etch murals on the walls of the establishment.\n\n3. Who currently maintains this historic heritage site?\nThe historic hall is maintained and protected under the Shobhaksaray Podar Trust in Mahansar.\n\n4. Which deities are worshipped here during Diwali?\nAncient golden depictions of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh are worshipped and offered aarti during Diwali.\n\n5. What are the dimensions of this historic hall?\nThe historic hall spans approximately 100 feet in length and 20 feet in width.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/rajasthan/193-saal-purani-sone-ki-dukan-jahan-aaj-bhi-hoti-hai-diwali-par-laxmi-ganesh-ki-pooja-57801",
  "category": "Rajasthan",
  "publishedAt": "2026-11-08",
  "tags": [
    "Mahansar",
    "Jhunjhunu",
    "Shekhawati",
    "Sone ki Saal",
    "Podar Family",
    "Diwali Puja",
    "Rajasthan History"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia",
  "whatItMeansForYou": "This historic landmark in Mahansar holds significant cultural and tourism value for the region.\n\n• Across India: Heritage sites like Sone ki Saal attract art enthusiasts and researchers studying traditional Indian craftsmanship.\n• In Jhunjhunu: Local residents and traders in Mahansar take immense pride in preserving their unique architectural and spiritual legacy.",
  "whyItHappened": "This historic structure was established in 1830 to showcase commercial wealth and artistic patronage.\n\n• Trade Display: Seth Harkanthrai Poddar used real gold ink on the walls to impress visiting merchants from across regions with his business standing.\n• Spiritual Devotion: Merchants of that era placed immense importance on invoking divine blessings through sacred art inside their business premises.\n• Family Stewardship: The Podar family maintains an unbroken tradition of upkeep and worship spanning nearly two centuries.",
  "questionsAndAnswers": [
    {
      "question": "When was Sone ki Saal in Mahansar built?",
      "answer": "This historic building was constructed in 1830 by Seth Harkanthrai Poddar."
    },
    {
      "question": "What material was used for the paintings on the walls?",
      "answer": "Real gold leaf and gold ink were used to etch murals on the walls of the establishment."
    },
    {
      "question": "Who currently maintains this historic heritage site?",
      "answer": "The historic hall is maintained and protected under the Shobhaksaray Podar Trust in Mahansar."
    },
    {
      "question": "Which deities are worshipped here during Diwali?",
      "answer": "Ancient golden depictions of Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesh are worshipped and offered aarti during Diwali."
    },
    {
      "question": "What are the dimensions of this historic hall?",
      "answer": "The historic hall spans approximately 100 feet in length and 20 feet in width."
    }
  ]
}