Nand Ganpati Sangrahalay, Motha. (Chikhaldara)

 Nand Ganpati Sangrahalay, Motha. (Chikhaldara)

This museum has more than 6000 idols of Lord Ganesha. Amazingly no two idols are similar or repeated. The collection has idols varying in size from an inch to five feet. There are also microminiature Ganesh idols, engraved on a grain of rice, wheat, or other suitable grains, the smallest being Ganesha engraved on a sesame seed. These are so small that one needs a magnifying glass to view them. Idols have been made in every possible medium from metals to wood, to fibre, to stone, to marble, to granite, to clay, to the outer shell of a coconut, to the root of a bamboo. Every idol is an artefact of beauty and grace. Most idols are the finest specimens of Indian craftsmanship in stone, granite, marble and brass. Some are so beautiful that they take your breath away! The collection is artistically displayed in glass cases, shelves and pedestals specially made for chosen idols. The Ganesh/ Ganapati Museum ( Sngrahalaya) is housed in six interconnected halls with bright natural light and are well-ventilated. It is hard to imagine that this huge and awesome collection has been the result of the passion, dedication, devotion and love of a single person, Shri Pradip Mudusudan Nand. The staff is very helpful and is willing to go around with you explaining various aspects or any special noteworthy aspect of a particular idol. The entry fee is ₹ 50/- per head. By the time one is through seeing the museum one feels one has got full value for his money. In addition, it also has some paintings of Lord Ganesha. and also a collection of religious book, But the main item is Ganapati idols.