Over 58,000 forms of Ganesha: Man from Hyderabad builds world record Ganesh sanctuary

Secunderabad-based Pabsetti Shekhar has spent more than five decades collecting Ganesha idols and memorabilia from India and across the world. His vast collection includes idols, postcards, photographs, books and other items, reflecting his lifelong devotion to Lord Ganesha.

Hyderabad: Amassing over 58,000 different forms of Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, requires a lifetime of absolute devotion and boundless passion. Have you ever come across such a collection that spans continents, eras, and mediums to reach a stunning 58,498 Ganesha-related items?

For Secunderabad-based Pabsetti Shekhar, the monumental achievement did not happen overnight. It took him over five decades of relentless pursuit, meticulous curation, and unwavering faith, which eventually culminated in a unique and gigantic collection of various forms of Ganesha.

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Walking into his repository feels like stepping into a sprawling spiritual sanctuary, where rows upon rows of Ganesha idols, ranging from towering, intricately carved metallic statues to delicate miniature figurines, line custom-built shelves from floor to ceiling.

Showcasing an astonishing variety of shapes, postures, and artistic expressions from dozens of countries including Japan, Egypt, Tibet, and South Africa, the sheer volume and scale of the Ganesha collection is mind-boggling.

Shekhar’s meticulously maintained repository spans 21,622 Ganesh idols, 19,708 postcards, 15,582 photos, 1,105 big posters, 260 Ganesha puranas and books, 250 key chains, and 205 audio-video cassettes, featuring all 33 traditional forms of Ganesha crafted from materials as diverse as gold, silver, terracotta, and sandalwood.

What began in July 1973 as a childhood inspiration sparked by a small Plaster of Paris (POP) Ganesha idol at the Shirdi Saibaba Temple has evolved into a lifelong pursuit for Shekhar.

“I have always been a follower and admirer of Ganesha. It’s not possible to sustain my passion and devotion unless I have support from my family. I have made a lot of sacrifices to build this collection. Ultimately, I aim to make the next generation aware of the rich cultural heritage and profound significance of Lord Ganesha and preserve these sacred forms for posterity,” he says.

In addition to holding titles from the Guinness World Records (2014, 2015), Limca Book of Records, Exclusive World Record and the Kings Book of World Records for 2024, Shekhar is currently working on a book titled Vishwa Vinayaka covering global and Indian Ganesha temples to benefit social causes. He can be reached at pabsettishekhar@gmail.com or 9246505368.