{
  "id": 7376404,
  "title": "Nearly 100 Years Of Faith! Rare Two-Faced Ganesha Defines Ganpati Chowk In MP's Mandsaur",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/14/nearly-100-years-of-faith-rare-two-faced-ganesha-defines-ganpati",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-14T18:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/indore/nearly-100-years-of-faith-rare-two-faced-ganesha-defines-ganpati-chowk-in-mps-mandsaur"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mandsaur in Madhya Pradesh is home to the rare Shri Dwimukhi Chintahar Ganapati, an idol that has been worshipped for nearly a century. Standing seven feet tall, this Ganesha has a unique feature - its front face displays five left-facing trunks, while the back shows Ganesha as Shresthidhar Seth, clad in a turban and waistcoat.\n\nThe devotion to this two-faced idol is distinct. While the front is revered as Vighnaharta Ganesha, the back is known as Sankat Mochan Ganesha. Devotees believe prayers here fulfill their wishes.\n\nLegend has it that this Ganesha made its way to Mandsaur through a series of events. In 1929, resident Moolchand Swarnkar reportedly dreamt about the idol's arrival in the Talai area near Nahar Syed Dargah. Upon discovering it buried among stones, he was inspired to install it on June 22, 1929. However, while transporting the idol to Narsinghpur, it was halted in Ilaji Chowk, where it stayed, becoming the present Ganpati Chowk.\n\nThe temple committee is currently investing Rs three crore for renovation to improve darshan, worship, and aarti facilities. A grand aarti is held every Wednesday evening, and a 10-day Ganeshotsav is conducted annually with special prayers, aarti, and religious programs. For six decades, Mandsaur has also seen a large Ganesh immersion procession on Anant Chaturdashi, with senior officials and public representatives participating in the puja and aarti.\n\nSituated at the junction of Jankupura and Madarpura, the temple is recognized for its role in promoting communal harmony, attracting people from all walks of life.",
  "summary": "Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh): Mandsaur’s Ganpati Chowk is home to the rare Shri Dwimukhi Chintahar Ganapati, a seven-foot standing idol whose known history spans nearly a century. The front has five trunks, while the rear depicts Ganesha as 'Shresthidhar Seth', wearing a turban and waistcoat. Worship rituals for the two faces are different. Temple committee vice-president Narendra Agarwal said…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}