Ganpati Bappa Crosses Borders! ₹10 Cr Replica Of Pune’s Dagdusheth Temple Inaugurated In Thailand

In a landmark moment for cultural and spiritual exchange, a replica of Pune’s iconic Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati temple has been inaugurated in Phuket, Thailand. The initiative, led by Thai businesswoman and devoted Ganesh bhakt Papachasrom Meepa, marks a new chapter in the global reach of Hindu traditions.

Meepa, Chairperson of Phuket9 Real Estate Company, has been a frequent visitor to Pune for darshan of the Dagdusheth Ganapati. Driven by immense faith and gratitude for blessings received in her personal and professional life, she undertook the construction of this replica temple in front of Rawai Beach in Phuket. The temple construction began 22 months ago and was completed in October 2024, with the foundation stone laid by then vice-president and now president of the Dagdusheth Trust, Sunil Rasane.

The idol, along with sacred artifacts including the pinds of Shankar, idols of Shankar-Parvati, and all necessary ornaments and garments, was sent from Pune in a sea container that reached Thailand after a 30-day journey.

A grand procession was held in Phuket on December 28, 2024, with the idol brought in on a traditional chariot to the beats of Puneri Dhol-Tasha. Special teams from Pune were invited to maintain cultural authenticity, and hundreds of devotees gathered for the occasion.

The temple, constructed at a cost of over ₹10 crore, is named “Lord Shrimant Ganapati Bappa Devalaya” and is now open to the public. It already sees more than 500 visitors a day. Regular religious events including Abhishek and Ganesh Yag are expected to begin soon.

“This temple is a symbol of pride for Hindus across the world. That a faithful replica of the Dagdusheth temple now exists in Thailand is a matter of immense joy,” said Sunil Rasane, President of the Shrimant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Trust.

Meepa added, “I visit Pune monthly for darshan of Ganapati Bappa. His blessings have transformed my life and business. It was my dream to build a replica here, and by His grace, it is now a reality.”

"This temple, which has been built at a cost of over ₹17 crore, has been named Lord Shrimant Ganapati Bappa Devalaya. It is now open to all devotees, with more than 500 visitors coming every day," said Chetan Lodha. According to him, rituals such as Abhishek, Ganesh Yagya, and other religious programmes will also commence here soon.