Richest Ganesha of Gujarat: Adorned with 25 Kg of Gold and Silver Ornaments and 2 Lakh American Diamonds, Seated in Surat’s Daliya Sheri
As Ganesh Utsav celebrations sweep across India with devotion, festivity, and grandeur, one particular idol in Gujarat is drawing national attention for its extraordinary opulence and spiritual significance. Known as the “Richest Ganesha of Gujarat,” the idol is seated in the Mahidharpura area of Surat, specifically in Daliya Sheri, a locality renowned for its traditional diamond trade. This Ganesh idol has become a symbol of unmatched devotion combined with magnificent artistry, attracting lakhs of devotees each year who come to witness both the divine aura and the grandeur of His adornment.
The idol has been decorated with more than 25 kilograms of gold and silver ornaments this year, along with nearly two lakh American diamonds intricately embedded into its silver-plated decorations. The idol itself, around six feet tall, is decked with ornaments that include crowns, necklaces, anklets, waistbands, armlets, and a lavish garland, all crafted with remarkable precision. The ornaments are not merely purchased but donated by devotees over the years, symbolizing their unwavering faith. These ornaments, collectively worth more than ₹32 lakh, are stored securely throughout the year in vaults and are displayed only during Ganesh Chaturthi, making the festival in Daliya Sheri truly unique.
Among the most striking adornments this year is a silver leaf-shaped backdrop embedded with over one lakh American diamonds, creating a glittering spectacle under the pandal lights. In addition, the idol is accompanied by a beautifully crafted silver mouse weighing 7 kilograms, popularly known as Mushakraj, which has become a major attraction for visitors. Each ornament carries both spiritual meaning and economic value. The crown made from two kilograms of gold and silver is worth about ₹5 lakh, while the arm covers weigh three kilograms with an estimated value of ₹7.5 lakh. Four gold-silver armlets add another ₹2.5 lakh to the tally, and silver-gold anklets weighing 1.5 kilograms are valued at over ₹3.25 lakh. The waistband, weighing around 750 grams, is worth ₹1.5 lakh. Even symbolic items such as the lotus pedestal and the axe (kuhadi), each weighing around 1.5 kilograms, are valued at ₹2.25 lakh apiece. Along with the American diamonds, which themselves are valued at nearly ₹2 lakh, and the seven-kilogram silver Mushakraj valued at ₹6.5 lakh, the idol’s total ornamentation exceeds ₹32 lakh. Moreover, the trunk of the idol is adorned with one kilogram of silver covered in gold plating, adding another layer of elegance.
Because of the immense value of these ornaments, security arrangements have been given top priority. More than 300 volunteers are deployed to manage the crowd and ensure safety, with at least 100 present at any given time on a rotational basis. Over 50 CCTV cameras have been strategically installed around the pandal and nearby roads, while police patrol vehicles remain stationed round the clock to prevent any untoward incident. Organizers have taken the additional step of offering a mobile application through which devotees can view live darshan of the idol anytime, ensuring that even those who cannot physically attend the festival can still participate virtually.
Hardik Patel, one of the organizers, explained that the Daliya Sheri Ganeshji has been worshipped since 1972 and is one of Surat’s oldest and most revered Ganesh idols. Over time, He has earned the title of “Raja of Surat” owing to His grand celebrations and valuable adornments. The idol has not only been a focal point for Surat residents but has also attracted devotees from other states including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, with many people making special trips to Surat during Ganesh Chaturthi to seek blessings.
Surat, known globally as the diamond city, is a fitting home for such a magnificently adorned deity. Each year, the festival in Daliya Sheri is marked by elaborate decorations, dazzling lighting arrangements, and cultural performances, transforming the locality into a hub of religious and social celebration. Last year, the pandal saw nearly five lakh visitors, and this year organizers are expecting the number to rise to over six lakh. The idol sits majestically in a palace-style pandal with rich lighting effects, enhancing both the religious fervor and the festive environment. For devotees, the grandeur is not just about wealth or display but about expressing devotion in the most magnificent way possible.
Over the past five decades, the Daliya Sheri Ganeshji has become more than a religious symbol; it is a representation of faith, tradition, and the community’s collective spirit. The annual celebration has not only strengthened the cultural identity of Surat but also placed the city on the map as a center for one of the most unique Ganesh Utsav celebrations in India. The Richest Ganeshji of Gujarat continues to inspire awe, devotion, and pride among devotees, serving as a reminder that faith, when combined with devotion and generosity, can create a spectacle that unites communities and inspires generations.
