Ganesh Chaturthi Festival is celebrated over ten days, when Mumbai is the place that becomes the centre of worship, celebration, and merrymaking. At the centre of all religious celebrations is placed an idol of Lalbaugcha Raja, who is the most revered and worshipped Ganesha idol in whole Mumbai. This idol is present in the area of Lalbaug in Central Mumbai and is visited by thousands of devotees every year, including celebrities, industrialists, and commoners alike. The fame of the idol is further enhanced by the name of 'Navsacha Raja.'

Why Is Lalbaugcha Raja Called Navsacha Raja?

It was given to the god because local people and those working in the mills felt that their prayers were answered through the intervention of the deity. Year after year, people began to come forward with stories of having overcome serious illnesses, monetary problems, or other problems by praying at this statue. He has a legend of always listening to a devoted prayer, hence the title.

The History Behind Mumbai’s Lalbaugcha Raja

The local fishermen (Kolis) and the traders from the Peru Chawl market were at risk of losing their market. They took a vow (navas) before Lord Ganesha, assuring him that if he helped them get the land for the market permanently, they would install an idol of Ganesh Chaturthi. 

With the help of local authorities and landlords, the land was granted for the market. In return, they fulfilled their promise and put up the first idol of Lalbaugcha Raja, dressed as a fisherman, in 1934.

Why Do Devotees Make Navs At Lalbaugcha Raja?

The process of making a navas is complete submission and total trust. The devotees come to the pandal and make their vows depending on the purpose, whether it is for treatment of their sickness, lack of children, success in business, or poverty. To provide services to the devotees, who show strong faith, the pandal operates two different lines as follows:

  • Navas Line (Charan Sparsh): A line for those devotees who would like to touch the feet of the god to make a vow, which may take 12 to 24 hours or even longer.

  • Mukh Darshan Line: Faster queue for viewing the idol at a distance.

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    In addition to its historical significance, the Lalbaugcha Raja idol is renowned worldwide due to its huge size, majesty, and theme arrangement, which changes every year. The special feature of the idol design that has been created by the Kambli family over many years is its elegance and royalty.

    Conclusion

    Lalbaugcha Raja is not only a deity but also the heart and soul of Mumbai. The term 'Navsacha Raja' is a symbol of the almost one-hundred-year-long devotion and oneness that people have exhibited towards their god.

    Image credits: Freepik

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