As the grand festival of Ganesha Chaturthi approaches, temples and devotees across the country begin their festive preparations. People set up vibrant pavilions and engage in sincere prayers with immense devotion. In this festive spirit, the Rokadiya Ganesh Temple in Bhilwara stands out for its unique architectural layout and deep spiritual significance. What sets this temple apart is that the presiding deity is not housed within the inner sanctum, but is instead installed directly on the roof of the temple, with an imposing height that catches the eye from miles away.
The Largest Idol in Mewar
The monumental Ganesha idol at the Rokadiya Ganesh Temple stands approximately 21 feet tall. It is recognized not just as the largest Ganesha statue in the Bhilwara district, but across the entire Mewar region. According to local traditions, simply having darshan of the deity here fulfills the deepest wishes of devotees. People desiring offspring visit the temple and tie a sacred wish thread to make their petitions. Additionally, the temple complex houses a dedicated shrine mirroring the revered Hinglaj Mata temple located in Pakistan.
All Deities Present and Construction History
Prahlad Kumar Garg, secretary of the Rokadiya Ganesh Temple Seva Samiti, shared that nearly all major Hindu deities are represented within this sacred space. The 21-foot tall idol of Gajanan installed on the third floor remains a massive center of attraction. Pilgrims travel from various states including Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Rajasthan to offer prayers. Construction of this landmark idol began around 2007. This stands as the first instance in Bhilwara and Rajasthan where a 21-foot statue is positioned on the third floor of a temple structure. Devotees believe that sincere prayers mend their troubled endeavors, and once wishes are granted, they organize community feasts as a gesture of gratitude.
Crafted Through the Dedication of Three Artisans
The creation of this magnificent statue involved an interesting journey with multiple sculptors. Initially, three artists were approached for the project. An artisan from Odisha declined the task after hearing the plan to construct such a massive structure on a third-floor rooftop. Subsequently, an artist from Parbatsar prepared an initial clay model of Gajanan. Finally, Ramesh Bhai, an artist from Haryana, dedicated a full year of strenuous effort to give the statue its final physical form before hoisting and establishing the deity on the temple roof.
The Hinglaj Mata Shrine
Another prominent feature that elevates the uniqueness of the Rokadiya Ganesh Temple is the presence of other deities within the complex, most notably the Hinglaj Mata shrine. This is regarded as a rare site where an idol of Hinglaj Mata from Pakistan is formally established. Devotees visiting the premises make it a point to offer prayers at the goddess altar seeking divine protection and blessings.
