Thanksgiving: Christian businessman builds Ganesha temple in Karnataka

UDUPI: A 78-year-old Christian businessman, who spent his working years in Mumbai and attributes his success to

Siddhivinayak

, has built a temple for the deity in his hometown

Shirva

, 14km from

Udupi

.

Gabriel F Nazereth

said he built the temple on his ancestral land in the memory of his parents. The pandemic delayed its inauguration. Various rituals were performed from Wednesday to Friday.

“Gabriel is thrilled about his wish being fulfilled,” said his friend and journalist

Pundalika Marathe

, adding, “Gabriel went to Mumbai in search of a job after completing Class 10. 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 became a Ganesha devotee. He remains a Christian but also believes in Lord Siddhivinayak, who is the most revered in Mumbai. On returning to his hometown about a decade ago, 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. A 36-inch Ganesha idol has been installed. A house for the temple priest has also been built alongside.

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