Welcome to Shree Chintaman Ganesh Mandir Sehore
Experience the divine presence of Lord Ganesh at the ancient Chintaman Ganesh Temple, one of the four self-manifested (Swayambhu) Ganesh temples in India. With a history dating back over 2000 years to the era of Emperor Vikramaditya, this sacred site continues to bless devotees with peace, prosperity, and spiritual fulfillment. Visit us to seek the divine blessings of Lord Ganesh and be part of the temple’s rich heritage and miraculous traditions.
Jai Ganesh
Historical Background Shree Chintaman Ganesh Mandir Sehore
The temple has a fascinating history dating back nearly 2000 years to the reign of Emperor Vikramaditya of the Paramara dynasty. According to legend, Vikramaditya used to travel every Wednesday to visit the Chintaman Siddh Ganesh temple at Ranthambore (present-day Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan). One day, Lord Ganesh appeared in his dream and instructed him to visit the confluence of the Parvati River and the Shiv-Parvati Sangam (about 10-15 km west of the temple). Ganesh told the king that he would manifest in the form of a lotus flower at this site and that Vikramaditya should take this flower with him. Following the divine vision, Vikramaditya reached the site, found the lotus flower, and placed it in a chariot made of wood. As he started his journey back, a divine voice (Akashvani) instructed him that he could carry the flower only until dawn; after that, it would remain wherever it was. While traveling, the wheels of his chariot suddenly got stuck in the ground. Despite numerous attempts, the wheels couldn’t be moved, and as dawn broke, the lotus transformed into an idol of Lord Ganesh. The idol began sinking into the ground when the king tried to lift it. Realizing the divine intervention, Vikramaditya established the idol at that very spot, where it remains today, partially submerged in the earth.
Chintaman Ganesh Temple, Sehore: A Self-Manifested Divine Shrine from the Vikramaditya Era
Among the four self-manifested (Swayambhu) Chintaman Ganesh temples in India, one of the most ancient and revered is the Chintaman Ganesh Temple in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh. Historically known as Siddhpur.
Sehore is home to this temple, which is situated in the north-western direction of the city, near Gopalpura village, approximately 1.5 kilometers west of the old sugar mill.
Significance of Chintaman Ganesh Temples in India
There are four major self-manifested (Swayambhu) Chintaman Ganesh temples in India:
- Ranthambore (Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan)
- Siddhpur (Sehore, Madhya Pradesh)
- Avantika (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh)
- Siddhpur (Gujarat)
Each of these temples holds great religious significance and hosts annual fairs that attract thousands of devotees.
Temple Restoration and Architectural Significance
Over the centuries, many rulers contributed to the maintenance and grandeur of the temple. Bajirao Peshwa I played a significant role in its restoration and the construction of the Sabha Mandap (assembly hall). Other rulers, including the Shalivahana dynasty, Raja Bhoj, Krishna Deva Raya, Gond ruler Nawal Shah, and the Marathas like Nana Peshwa and Wichur Sahib, also supported the temple’s upkeep and religious significance.
The temple follows a sacred Yantra-based architectural design and is believed to be one of the 84 Siddha Kshetras (sacred places of accomplishment) where many ascetics attained spiritual enlightenment.
Religious and Cultural Importance
Sehore, formerly known as Siddhpur, is mentioned in ancient texts. During the Nawabi rule, the temple’s management was overseen by the Dubey family, whose ancestors had been caretakers for generations. In 1911, Begum Sultan Jahan and Sikandar Jahan granted official rights to Pandit Birbal and Chhote Ram Gowthi for temple worship and management. Later, in 1933, Nawab Hamidullah Khan reaffirmed these rights for Pandit Kanhaiya Lal Gowthi. After his demise in 1943, his sole heir, Pandit Neti Vallabh Dubey, was granted full rights over the temple and its land in 1945. Following India’s independence and the dissolution of princely states, the Indian government recognized Dubey as the legal temple administrator. His sons, Pandit Prithvi Vallabh Dubey and Hemant Vallabh Dubey, inherited these rights in 1977 and continue to manage the temple today.
Miracles and Rituals
An astonishing miracle occurred nearly 150 years ago when thieves stole the precious gemstone eyes of the idol. After the theft, it is believed that milk continuously flowed from Ganesh’s eyes for 21 days. Lord Ganesh appeared in the priest’s dream and instructed him to install silver eyes in place of the stolen ones. Following the divine command, silver eyes were placed, and a grand Yajna (ritual offering) was performed, further strengthening people’s devotion. Since then, an annual fair has been organized in honor of Ganesh’s birth anniversary.
The Plague Epidemic and the Beginning of the Grand Feast Tradition
Around 50-60 years ago, a deadly plague outbreak devastated Sehore, causing numerous deaths. Shri Ram Lal Ji Sahu, a resident of the Mandi area, prayed to Lord Ganesh, vowing to organize a mass feast (Bhandara) on Ganesh Chaturthi if the epidemic ceased. Soon after, the plague ended, and in gratitude, Sahu conducted a grand feast for Brahmins and saints. This tradition has continued through generations, with his descendants still hosting the Bhandara every Ganesh Chaturthi.
Fulfillment of Devotees' Wishes
The Chintaman Ganesh Temple in Sehore is widely known for granting the wishes of its devotees. People from across India visit the temple to seek blessings, with faith that Lord Ganesh will fulfill their desires. The temple remains a center of unwavering devotion, miraculous occurrences, and a testament to India’s rich cultural and religious heritage.