If you live in and around Mumbai, you have already heard of GSB Mandal, one of the oldest Ganeshotsav mandals in the city. The GSB Seva Mandal is also one of the richest pandals in the city, which has an idol adorned with gold ornaments. As the annual festive time has begun, we give you all the information about its history and the pompous celebrations held here. 'Richest' Ganpati of Mumbai: Lord Ganesh Idol of GSB Seva Mandal Adorned With 69 Kg Gold, 336 Kg Silver (Watch Video).

GSB Seva Mandal History

GSB Seva Mandal represents the Gowd Saraswat Brahman Samaj. This Ganesh mandal was established in the year 1951 on the auspicious day of Vijaya Dashami. Some of the members of this community who were working in Kamala Mills came together to form a team of individuals who could arrange for funerals & related rituals under the banner of GSB Seva Mandal. Thus started the humble journey of GSB Seva Mandal, where members would meet once a week. In the early days, they decided to utilize the time in devotion and started doing Bhajans. Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai: Know Location, History and How To Reach Shri Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir.

The Ganeshotsav celebrations began in the year 1955 when a 14-inch idol was brought in, venerated and immersed. The tradition of the annual festival had begun. One of the qualities of this idol is it is made of natural clay and carved on-site. It also is to be prepared along with a coconut offering to the Maha Chaitanya Vrindavan of H.H. Shrimad Madhavendra Teertha at Walkeshwar Shree Kashi Math for prayers. The coconut is then placed in the stomach area of the Vigraha. The idol has a silver crown and is adorned with many gold ornaments. The immense donations that this mandal garners throughout the festive celebrations make it among the richest Ganpati mandals in the city. It is insured for a whopping Rs 360.40 crore this year! 

This year marks the 69th year of the public Ganeshotsav celebrations.

How to Reach GSB Seva Mandal?

GSB Seva Mandal Ganpati is located at King’s Circle near Sion. 

By Train: The closest stations to reach this pandal are Sion (Central Line) and Kings Circle (Harbour Line). After you get down at these stations, you can take a cab and reach the Ganpati pandal. 

By Road: There are many BEST buses which go around the GSB Seva Mandal. You can take the buses to Backbay Depot from Vikroli or even those that go towards Kurla and Ghatkopar if you are coming from South Mumbai. Alternatively, you can opt for direct cabs to take you to the GSB Mandal via the Eastern Express Highway.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 24, 2023 09:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).