UDUPI: A 78-year-old Christian businessman, who spent his working years in Mumbai and attributes his success to Siddhivinayak, has built a temple to the deity in his hometown of Shirva, 14km from Udupi.
Gabriel F Nazereth said he built the temple on his ancestral land in the memory of his parents, Fabian and Sabeena. “I have dedicated the temple to my parents. I have friends who will manage the temple activities henceforth,” he said.
Gabriel built the temple next to his house at an estimated cost of Rs 2 crore
The pandemic delayed the inauguration of the temple. Various rituals, including Prathishta Mahotsava and Bramhakalashotava, were performed from Wednesday to Friday. Palimaru mutt seer Sri Vidyadheesha Tirtha Swami visited the temple on Thursday.
“Gabriel is thrilled on his wish being fulfilled,” said his friend and journalist Pundalika Marathe.
TEMPLE IN UDUPI
Christian bizman spent ₹2cr for Siddhivinayak temple
Gabriel went to Mumbai in search of a job after completing Class10. After doing odd jobs for a few years, he set up a factory manufacturing blocks and moulds.
He lived in Mumbai for nearly 55 years and his worship of Lord Ganesha comes from that connect. He remains a Christian but also believes in Lord Siddhivinayak, who is most revered in Mumbai.
On returning to his hometown about a decade ago after winding up his business in Mumbai, he decided to build the temple.”
Gabriel built the temple on nearly 20 cents, next to his house, at an estimated cost of Rs 2 crore. “He liked a Ganapathi gudi (temple) at the Ammani Ramanna Shetty Memorial hall in Udupi and wanted a similar structure.
A 36-inch Ganesha idol has been installed and the temple has all facilities required to perform religious rituals,” said Marathe. A house for the temple priest has also been built alongside.
The temple administration has been handed over to a three-member committee comprising engineer and vaastu shilpi Nagesh Hegde and Gabriel’s friends Sathish Shetty and Ratnakar Kukyan, who helped with the construction.
