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Discover the Unique Temple in Udaipur Where Lord Ganesha Lends Money: The Fascinating Story of ‘Bohra Ganesha’
India is known for its many historical and unusual places, each with its own unique charm. Today, let me take you to a very special temple that stands out for its distinct tradition and historical significance. You may have heard of several temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha and even visited some. But have you ever heard of a Ganesha temple where the deity lends money to devotees? Yes, in Udaipur, Rajasthan – the city of lakes – there is a famous temple of Lord Ganesha where people can borrow money according to their needs. What’s even more interesting is that once they get the money, they return it with interest. Because of this unusual practice, this Ganesha temple is called the ‘Bohra Ganesha’ temple.
From ‘Borg Ganesha’ to ‘Bohra Ganesha’
This temple, known as Bohra Ganesha, is around 350 years old. Initially, it was called ‘Borg Ganesha,’ but with time, the name changed to ‘Bohra Ganesha.’ Today, even the entire surrounding area is recognized by this name. It is believed that a king during that era had this temple constructed. Back then, the temple was located on the outskirts of the main market, but as time passed, the market expanded and now the temple is right in the heart of the city. This temple is situated near the gate of Mohanlal Sukhadia University and close to the Thokar railway station, making it a well-known landmark for people visiting Udaipur.
Why Is It Called ‘Bohra Ganesha’?
The name ‘Bohra Ganesha’ has a very interesting story behind it. It is said that around 70-80 years ago, people who needed money for occasions like weddings or starting businesses used to visit this temple. They would write down the amount of money they needed on a slip and place it in front of the idol of Lord Ganesha. Once they received the money they needed, they would return to the temple and repay the amount with interest. The reason for the name ‘Bohra Ganesha’ comes from a community called the ‘Bohra’ in India, who were known for lending money to people at interest. Hence, this temple got the name ‘Bohra Ganesha’ because of this practice of lending money with interest.
What Makes This Temple Special?
India is home to many temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha, but what makes this temple stand out is its unique tradition of lending money. Another special feature of the Bohra Ganesha temple is the standing idol of Lord Ganesha. In most temples, you will find seated idols of Lord Ganesha, but here, the standing statue is considered extremely powerful and miraculous. Every Wednesday, thousands of devotees visit this temple, believing that any auspicious work, such as weddings or starting a new business, becomes successful with the blessings of Lord Ganesha. It is said that beginning any new venture with the blessings of Bohra Ganesha leads to success and prosperity.
Impact on Local Society
This temple has a deep impact not only on religious life but also on the local society. People not only come here to pray for personal blessings but also seek financial help during times of need. The tradition of lending money has made this temple a symbol of social support, where people in financial distress find help. Over the years, many have come to rely on the temple’s aid in their hour of need, and they return the borrowed money with gratitude. This unique practice has created a bond between faith and financial support, making the temple an important part of the local community’s social structure.
Different from Other Temples
While many temples may have stories of miracles and blessings, Bohra Ganesha temple is distinct because of its tradition of lending money. Devotees not only receive financial help but also return it with interest as a way of showing gratitude to the deity. Though this practice is not as common today as it was in the past, many devotees still offer money as a token of their devotion. Another thing that sets this temple apart is the standing idol of Lord Ganesha, believed to bring immense blessings and fulfill the wishes of those who come here in faith.
This temple is not just a religious spot but is also known for its remarkable tradition. Devotees have immense faith in Lord Ganesha, who not only blesses them spiritually but also helps them in times of financial need. Bohra Ganesha temple in Udaipur is truly a one-of-a-kind place where faith meets financial assistance, creating a unique blend of spirituality and social responsibility.
The Bohra Ganesha temple’s tradition and the stories surrounding it strengthen both the faith and the bond of mutual support in the community. It is one of the rare places in Udaipur, Rajasthan, where religious devotion and financial aid come together. With its deep-rooted tradition, the temple stands out as a symbol of both spiritual and social support for devotees.
