Surat’s 600 Crores Diamond Ganesha: Worshiped One Day a Year

-An article by Poojan Patel

Surat, India – Tucked away in this bustling diamond hub resides a unique Ganesha idol, one that is worshiped just once a year, drawing devotees from far and wide to witness its splendor. Owned by Kanubhai Asodaria, a prominent diamond industrialist, this remarkable Ganesha, known as Karma Ganesha, has become a symbol of unwavering faith and devotion.

Discovery

Kanubhai Asodaria’s journey with this exceptional Ganesha began 15 years ago during a business trip to Belgium. It was a dream experienced by his father that set this remarkable story in motion. In the dream, Ganesha appeared within a rough diamond, and when Kanubhai examined the diamond himself, he too saw the divine likeness of Lord Ganesha within it. The rough diamond, weighing 182.3 carats and 36.5 grams, held an extraordinary secret. Kanubhai’s family embraced the divine sign and decided to worship the diamond, which they named Karma Ganesha.

A Priceless Treasure

While many would speculate about the astronomical value of such a rare diamond, Kanubhai Asodaria remains steadfast in his devotion. He refrains from disclosing its monetary worth, citing his unwavering faith in the grace of Ganesha. To him, the value of Karma Ganesha transcends material wealth. This precious gem has not only captured the hearts of devotees but also earned recognition from the World Book of Records in London, affirming its unique status.

A photograph of this divine Ganesha has found its place in a temple in California, USA, and has been shared with prominent figures, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan, and renowned yoga guru Baba Ramdev. Even Vice President of the United States, Kamala Harris, expressed her desire to witness the divine presence of Karma Ganesha.

Karma Ganesha’s Annual Darshan

Kanubhai Asodaria allows devotees to have darshan of Karma Ganesha only once a year, on a single day during the festival of Ganesha. This rarity in accessibility has earned the idol its name, Karma Ganesha, symbolizing the deity of karma. For the remaining 365 days, the diamond idol is carefully safeguarded, preserving its sanctity.

Remarkably, Karma Ganesha surpasses the famed Kohinoor diamond in both size and carat weight, making it one of the most precious gemstones globally. In addition to Karma Ganesha, Kanubhai boasts a collection of Ganesha replicas carved from 14 different natural stones, each radiating its unique beauty and significance.

Ganesha in Natural Stones

Kanubhai Asodaria’s devotion to Lord Ganesha extends beyond the realm of diamonds. He has collected various naturally formed stones, each bearing a striking resemblance to the revered deity. These stones have been found in their natural state, without any artificial processing, and are considered divine due to their resemblance to Lord Ganesha. Kanubhai has preserved seven different types of these stones, which include green stones, white crystal-like stones, pearl-like stones, and even seven-colored stones.

These stones, certified by the GJEPC Jaipur Testing Laboratory, include Pirate Ganesha, Sundala Quartz Crystal Ganesha, Pearl Ganesha, Silicate Mineral Ganesha, Crystal and Malachite Ganesha, and Precious Mineral Chalcedony Ganesha. Ranging from a mere 5 grams to a staggering 18 kilograms, each stone exudes a unique charm and connection to the divine.

A Symbol of Unwavering Faith

Kanubhai Asodaria’s extraordinary collection of Ganesha idols in diamonds and natural stones is not just a testament to his love for the deity but also a symbol of faith and devotion that transcends the boundaries of material wealth. Surat’s Karma Ganesha continues to draw pilgrims and curious visitors, offering them a rare glimpse into the world of devotion, spirituality, and the extraordinary manifestations of faith.