Andhericha Raja Unveils Ayodhya Ram Mandir Replica Pandal in Azad Nagar
A replica of the Ayodhya Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple has been constructed at Azad Nagar in Andheri to host the Andhericha Raja during this year's Ganeshotsav celebrations. Built by the Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti for its 61st year, the 14,000-square-foot pandal serves as the central attraction for visiting devotees.
Designed by art director Dharmesh Shah, the structure was constructed on a 14,000-square-foot platform using wood and four tonnes of steel fabrication over a three-month period. Recreating traditional Nagara-style architecture, the pandal is lined with 4,800 square feet of decorative ceiling fabric and was constructed using recyclable materials for sustainability. The layout includes 46 ornamental pillars standing 15 feet high, grand entrance arches, 20 side arches, a Vishnu-themed arch, intricate jali panels, and domes crowned with kalashas.
Ashok Rane, chairman of the Azad Nagar Sarvajanik Utsav Samiti, coordinated the setup with Shah. To manage potential risks during the festivities, the Samiti has insured the premises, visitors, and volunteers for Rs 23.5 crore.
Security arrangements across the Azad Nagar grounds include over 40 CCTV cameras, walkie-talkie networks, metal-detector gates, and hand-held scanners. The venue will be staffed by volunteers, police personnel, and an emergency response team, backed by on-site fire-safety equipment.
First established in 1966 by tobacco factory workers, the mandal does not follow the standard Anant Chaturdashi immersion schedule. This year, the idol is scheduled to leave the pandal on September 29, coinciding with Angarki Sankashti, and will be immersed at Versova the following day, September 30, following an extensive procession through the streets of Andheri.
Samiti member Uday Salian explained that the immersion schedule originates from an industrial dispute in the 1980s. Devotees pledged to worship the idol until the following Sankashti Chaturthi if a company lockout ended, and they retained the practice once the lockout was resolved. The prolonged route continues so that devotees observing the Sankashti fast can complete darshan before breaking their fast.
In addition to the festive arrangements, the organisation carries out year-round community programmes. These include organizing blood donation drives, educational grants, sports tournaments, and providing essential supplies to tribal communities in Palghar.
