August 2025 — A replica of Pune’s well-known Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Temple has been inaugurated in Rawai, Phuket. The new shrine, named “Lord Shrimant Ganpati Bappa Devalaya,” was established under the initiative of Thai entrepreneur Papa Son Mipa and marked its first Ganeshotsav celebrations this month.
Temple Project
The temple has been built to mirror the original structure in Pune and rises to nearly 50 feet in height. Construction was completed in a little over a year, with an investment of about ₹9–10 crore, financed entirely by Mipa. The main idol of Lord Ganesha was made in Pune by traditional craftsmen, a process that lasted more than a year. The idol was later shipped to Phuket, reaching the city after a sea journey of roughly 30 days.
Religious Features
Along with the principal Ganesha idol, the temple also houses representations of Siddhi Mata, Buddhi Mata, Goddess Lakshmi, Shri Labh, and a shrine to Lord Shiva. These additions were included to replicate the spiritual setting of the original temple in Maharashtra.
Support from Pune
The initiative received blessings and cooperation from the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Trust in Pune. Trustees Sunil Rasane and Mahesh Suryawanshi attended the inaugural functions and noted that the new temple would serve as a cultural link between India and Thailand.
Ganeshotsav in Phuket
The first Ganeshotsav festival was observed from August 27 to 31, 2025. The program featured Atharvashirsha recitations, daily abhishek rituals, chhapan bhog offerings, and cultural events. Traditional dhol-tasha performances and floral decorations, arranged by Pune artist Subhash Sarpale, brought the festive atmosphere of Maharashtra to Phuket. The celebrations concluded with a Ganesh visarjan procession led by Indore’s Hanuman Dhol Pathak. During the five-day festival, the temple was open to the public from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Cultural Impact
The temple has drawn large numbers of devotees, including members of the Indian diaspora and local Thai residents. It is being hailed as a new spiritual landmark and a symbol of cross-cultural harmony.
At the inauguration, Papa Son Mipa said her personal devotion to Lord Ganesha and her long-standing visits to Pune motivated her to recreate the temple abroad. She expressed hope that the shrine would become a place of worship, unity, and cultural exchange in the years ahead.
With the establishment of Lord Shrimant Ganpati Bappa Devalaya, one of Pune’s most cherished traditions has found a home outside India. The temple is expected to attract worshippers from across Southeast Asia, strengthening both religious devotion and cultural ties between the two countries.
