Bara Ganesha Temple, located in Varanasi in the Ausanganj Mahalla, is a famous pilgrimage centre for the devotees. The temple of Bara Ganesh is situated in the adjoining enclosure of two other temples.
Architecture of Bara Ganesha Temple
The architecture of Bara Ganesha Temple has been made intricately and has been decorated with artistic designs. The quadrangle of the temple is open but it has a covered verandah. It is supported by strong pillars that run around the four walls and are visible in the centre on their inner side, opposite to the temple. A large idol of Lord Ganesha has been installed in the midst of temple. The elephant headed god has silver hands and feet. The head is adorned with a gilded nimbus. Four bells can be seen hanging inside the temple. Three small mirrors have been placed immediately over the doorway and in front of the idol. The reason for placing these mirrors might be to produce a threefold image or reflection of the idol. Another idol of Lord Ganesha has been installed on either side of the threshold that leads to the temple. These idols are now in damaged condition and are centuries old. It is said that the temple was constructed some twenty-four years ago but the two idols of the Lord existed here long before that. Many other idols of Lord Ganesha can be seen installed in the long verandah of the quadrangle. These idols also date back to the ancient times.
Apart from the main temple, there is another temple located here, dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The temple houses three idols, on the right resides Lord Jagannath himself; on the left, is his brother Balbhadra; and, in the middle, is then sister Subhadra. The two former have arms, but no hands or feet; while the latter is devoid of arms, as well as of feet. In another place, in a corner of this alley, are two Satis, i.e. two figures of women made of bass relief. They have been installed upon a square pedestal. Other than the figures of the Satis there is a bass relief sculpture of a small figure. Another figure can be seen here standing in erect position but headless. A nimbus can be seen surrounding the space in the background formerly occupied by the head. It is flanked by several other small figures and also a column, with a capital, on the summit of which is a diminutive statue of a man. The temple though being ancient looks very appealing and is worthy visiting.
