Mumbai: India’s smallest Ganpati idol enters Global Book of Excellence

In the heart of Mumbairsquos Lalbaug devotion has taken the shape of divinity in the most delicate form At just 14 inches tall Indiarsquos smallest handmade Ganpati idol crafted with sacred rituals and ecological care has earned a place in the Global Book of Excellence EnglandThis international recognition not only honours the work of its creator 29yearold Murtikar Kiran Vijaylakshmi Shinde but also celebrates the unwavering devotion of the Kale family who have welcomed such idols into their home for over three decadesMurtikar Murtikar Kiran Vijaylakshmi Shinde receiving the Global Book of Excellence award PIC SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTThe art of sculpting divinityFor Murtikar Shinde idolmaking is more than craftsmanship it is an act of worship that combines Vedantic knowledge artistry and deep spiritual reverenceThe process begins on Sankashti Chaturthi with clay purified using Vedic mantras before it is kneaded The clay is then sealed for eight days in a ritual Shinde compares to ldquogarbha sanskarrdquo allowing divine energy to settle withinSculpting begins only at the auspicious muhurat accompanied by the chanting of Ganesh mantras Within the idol sacred yantras including the Shri Yantra Ganesh Yantra Muladhar Yantra and GirijaGauri Yantra are installed along with spiritual inscriptions turning the idol into a living embodiment of divinityEven the painting is ritualistic While adorning the belly Udar Brahmand mantras are chanted and the eyes are painted with invocations of the sun and moon The idol is then dressed in handsewn garments and ornaments all made with utmost care and devotionldquoThe greatest challengerdquo Shinde explains ldquois to ensure the idol feels like a living deity I want every devotee to feel the same divine presence they feel before grand mandal idols without fear only with pure faithrdquoThe idol is crafted entirely from natural shadu clay without the use of glue sticks or cottonldquoClay contains the five elements of naturerdquo says ShindeldquoThat alone makes it divinely powerful he saidThis ecofriendly conscious method ensures the idol is both sacred and sustainableA familyrsquos devotion across generationsWhile Shinde gives form to devotion the Kale family has been its soul For 33 years they have celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi with steadfast faith welcoming Lord Ganesh into their home with simplicity and loveMumbais Kale family receiving the Global Book of Excellence Award PIC SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTldquoWhen we first heard about the recognition we felt truly blessedrdquo the family says ldquoIt wasnrsquot just an award for an idol it was Lord Ganeshrsquos way of showing us his acceptance of our devotion This is not just a title it is a spiritual rewardrdquoFor them the Global Book of Excellence award is both pride and responsibility ldquoIt shows that when you dedicate yourself to your traditions faith and culture with sincerity the blessings are not just felt in your home but spread across the world It has taught us how much power there is in devotionrdquoFaith that transcends bordersThe recognition has brought Shinde and the Kale family honour from across the country and beyond Several Ganesh mandals including Lalbaugcha Raja have felicitated them acknowledging the effort to keep alive the sanctity and artistry of spiritual idolmakingBut Shinde remains grounded in his mission ldquoI make idols in a way that even someone without knowledge of Vedic scriptures can feel pure devotion Ganpati should feel approachable like your own With love and sincerity anyone can connect to him That balance of art and faith is what I strive forrdquoA small idol a global messageThe Global Book of Excellence award has turned a modest 14inch idol into a global symbol of how tradition and ecology can coexist What began as one artisanrsquos devotion and one familyrsquos faith has now carried Indiarsquos spiritual artistry across bordersGlobal Book of Excellence Award for the family for welcoming such unique and environmentconscious Ganpati idol left Global Book of Excellence Award for Murtikar Kiran Vijaylakshmi Shinde for crafting the idol right PIC SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTThe idol may be the smallest of its kind but its impact is vast proving that when faith is moulded with sincerity it does not remain confined to a home or a city Instead it becomes a message for the world that devotion when nurtured with love truly knows no limits