Written by Rucha Kulkarni Pune | Updated: December 31, 2025 12:29 PM IST 3 min readTemple authorities revealed that the removed layers of sindoor weighed nearly 900 kg. (Express Photo by Pavan Khengre)More than two weeks after it was closed for restoration work, Pune’s prestigious Kasba Ganpati temple opened its doors to devotees on Wednesday, unveiling the idol in its original splendour.The temple was closed on December 15 so that the thick layers of sindoor (vermillion) that had long covered the Kasba Ganpati idol—the ‘Gramdaivat’ or presiding deity of Pune—could be removed. Temple authorities revealed that the removed layers of sindoor weighed nearly 900 kg.“Centuries of religious offerings of sindoor had led to the formation of the earlier known form of the idol. After the removal process, a newly emerged and much smaller structure has been revealed,” temple trustee Vinayak Bajirao Thakar said, adding that the archaeological department, along with Deccan College, provided significant assistance. Thakar added that the trust received guidance from the heritage department and Indologists, including Dr G B Deglurkar.The original idol, the stone canopy above it, and the sanctum sanctorum have been kept intact. Measuring 2 feet in length and nearly 1.5 feet in width, the idol is a traditional Chaturbhuj form, depicted with four hands. The deity’s trunk is aligned to the left, and the deity is seated in the Ardha Padmasana pose.Temple trustee Ashapurak Thakar, who oversaw the ritual, said it took 15 days. He noted that this was the first time that such an exercise had been undertaken in the temple’s recorded history.Also Read | Postcards from the Past: 25 paise donations, involvement of women – Kasba Ganpati trustee looks back at past celebrationsThe sindoor samples have been submitted to the archaeological department and Deccan College for a detailed study, after which the historical and archaeological details of the idol will be released.The sindoor paste had started damaging the protective cover around the idol, which prompted the decision to remove the layers.Story continues below this adVinayak said the entire process was painstakingly carried out, maintaining the sanctity of the idol. Regarding the future care and preservation of the idol, he said that all religious offerings and anointment will be performed on the Utsav Murti, a smaller idol usually used during festival processions. The original idol will be preserved carefully, following the instructions of the archaeological department, he added.To mark the unveiling of the idol, the temple trustees have invited devotees to a five-day grand celebration that will continue till January 4. The festivities will include cultural, religious, and musical programmes.Rucha Kulkarni is an intern with The Indian ExpressClick here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories© The Indian Express Pvt LtdTags:pune