The GSB Mahaganpati idol was unveiled at King's Circle in Mumbai ahead of the Ganeshotsav festival. (Credit: ANI)

Mumbai's richest Ganpati idol with 66 kg gold, 335 kg silver gets Rs 703 crore insurance cover

Mumbai's GSB Mahaganpati at King's Circle opened for public viewing on Saturday ahead of Ganeshotsav. The richly adorned idol drew devotees, even as the Mandal highlighted Vedic traditions, Annadan and service.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Devotees thronged King's Circle on Saturday for the first public viewing
  • The festival blends ornate decoration with Vedic rituals, devotion and discipline
  • Annadan remains central, with food served daily to thousands of devotees

The GSB (Gowd Saraswat Brahman) Mahaganpati at Mumbai's King's Circle, one of the country's wealthiest Ganpati pandals, opened for its first public viewing on Saturday ahead of the Ganeshotsav festival. A large number of devotees gathered to catch a glimpse of the grand idol, adorned with gold, silver and precious gemstones.

The Mahaganpati is secured with a record insurance cover of Rs 703.27 crore this year. The idol is decorated with more than 66 kg of gold, 335 kg of silver and precious gems, making the GSB Seva Mandal's Ganpati one of the most opulent celebrations of the festival.

Mumbai's richest Ganpati idol with 66 kg gold, 335 kg silver gets Rs 703 crore insurance cover

GOLD, SILVER AND PRECIOUS GEMS

The magnificent appearance of the GSB Mahaganpati captivated devotees who arrived for public viewing.

The idol is adorned with gold and silver ornaments along with precious gemstones. However, the identity of the GSB Mahaganpati goes beyond its grandeur and wealth.

The festival is rooted in Vedic traditions and rituals, with the GSB Seva Mandal placing equal emphasis on service and devotion.

ANNADAN AND THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE

One of the key features of the GSB Ganpati festival is Annadan, or food donation. Food is offered daily to thousands of devotees, while serving devotees and providing food to those in need remain among the Mandal's top priorities.

The Mandal has also said it will strictly follow all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules and guidelines during the festival.

While the GSB Mahaganpati is known for its gold, silver and precious stones, these traditions and the Mandal's focus on service form an important part of the festival's identity.

- Ends