Khajrana Temple in Indore – Madhya Pradesh – is dedicated to
Lord Ganesha. The temple is unique for several reasons most important being
devotees drawing ulta swastika, or upside down swastik. Khajrana Ganesh Mandir
was built in 1735 by Ahalyabai Holkar.
History of Khajrana Temple in Indore
A local pandit named Mangal Bhat had a dream in which he saw
a Ganesh murti under the earth at a particular spot. He got the place excavated
after getting permission from Queen Ahalyabai Holkar.
The murti was retrieved and a temple was constructed nearby.
A small pond can still be seen at the spot from where the murti was retrieved.
This is located in front of the temple.
Upside down Swastik
Devotees offer prayers for desire fulfillment and draw ulta swastika on the backside of the murti. Once desire is fulfilled, devotees return and draw the Swastika in the normal way. After this, modak or ladoo is distributed as Prasad.
It is believed by devotees that desires are fulfilled by
drawing the swastika in the opposite way.
Another ritual followed in the temple is going around
(parikrama) the temple three times and then tying a thread on the wall of the
temple.
Thirty-Three Small Temples
Khajrana Temple complex has 33 small shrines. These small
temples have murtis of various gods and goddesses from Hindu pantheon.
An ancient Peepal tree in the temple complex is also
worshiped. It is believed that wishes are fulfilled after offering prayers to
the tree.
The auspicious day in a week here is Wednesday. Thousands of
devotees visit the temple on the day.
When there is marriage or birthday in the house, devotees
make offerings and apply tilak on the murti. The first invitation card is also
given to on Khajrana Ganpati.