Sankashti Chaturthi Mandal
Photo: Gopalsinghal7 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Within the walls of Ranthambore Fort in Rajasthan stands the Trinetra Ganesha temple, home to a rare three-eyed form of Shree Ganesh whose origin is remembered through a king's desperate prayer in the midst of battle.
A King's Vision
Tradition holds that in the year 1299, King Hammir Dev Chauhan, facing the forces of Ala-ud-din Khilji, dreamed of Shree Ganesh during the height of the conflict. Soon after, the three-eyed form of the deity is said to have appeared upon the fort's wall, and the king's fortunes turned.
A Temple Built in Gratitude
In thanks for this turning point, Hammir Dev Chauhan built the temple that stands within Ranthambore Fort to this day, dedicated to this uniquely three-eyed depiction of Shree Ganesh, distinct from his more commonly seen forms.
What Devotees Seek
Devotees facing their own overwhelming odds turn to Trinetra Ganesha in the same spirit as the king once did — seeking a vision of hope and a turning point in circumstances that feel beyond their control.