The Omkar Ganesh Temple, situated on the banks of the Ganges in Prayagraj, is considered the first Ganesh temple of creation. According to mythological beliefs, Prajapati himself established it to protect from demons. From here, the first invocation of Ganesh and the Omkar mantra originated. Currently, devotees are worshipping by entering the water despite the floods.
First Ganesh Temple: On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, the Omkar Ganesh Temple in Sangam city Prayagraj is thronged with devotees. This temple is considered the first Ganesh temple of creation, which Prajapati himself established to protect creation from the evil eye of demons. The first invocation of Ganesh and the Omkar mantra originated from here. Akbar's finance minister Todarmal renovated it. Currently, despite the Ganges being flooded, devotees are worshipping Adi Ganesh by entering the water.
The Mythological Significance of Adi Ganesh
According to the temple priest, Arun Aggarwal, the worship of Ganesh began here first. The first invocation of Omkar happened here, which is why this temple is also called Omkar Ganesh Temple. Prajapati, to protect creation from the evil eye of demons, established Ganpati as Vighnaraj with his own hands. This is why he is named Adi Ganesh (the first Ganesh). This temple holds an extremely important place in Indian religious and cultural history.
The Contribution of Akbar's Minister Todarmal
It is recorded in history that Akbar's finance minister Todarmal was himself a devotee of Ganpati. He renovated this Ganesh temple situated on the banks of the Ganges and gave a new form to the original form of Lord Ganesh. Evidence of this still exists in the temple today. Every morning and evening, Ganpati is decorated with beautiful ornaments.
Devotion of Devotees Despite the Floods
Currently, Prayagraj is affected by floods, and the flow of the Ganges River has entered the Adi Ganesh temple. Half of the temple has been submerged in water. Despite this, devotees are worshipping Lord Ganesh with enthusiasm and faith by entering the waters of the Ganges. This scene is indicative of the unwavering faith and belief of the devotees.
The Adi Ganesh temple is not just a religious site, but it is also significant from a cultural and spiritual perspective. The worship of Ganesh started here, and the Omkar mantra was first proclaimed here. The purpose of establishing this temple was not only to protect creation from demons but also to spread awareness about religion and culture among the people.
Festive Atmosphere and Participation of Devotees
On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, the temple premises are crowded with devotees. People come from far and wide to participate in the darshan and worship of Lord Ganesh. The daily adornments and devotional songs in the temple provide spiritual happiness to the devotees. Besides this, devotees also experience purity by bathing in the Ganges water.
The Historical Heritage of the Temple
Several important documents and evidence are present in the structure and history of the Adi Ganesh temple. Along with religious belief, this temple is also important for tourism and cultural studies. The architecture, archaeological remains, and worship traditions here are still a center of attraction for devotees.
The location of the temple on the banks of the Ganges River gives it special importance. By bathing and worshipping in the Ganges water, both the mind and body of the devotees are purified. Despite the floods, the enthusiasm of the devotees has not diminished, and they are busy worshipping Lord Ganesh in the submerged temple.
