Bangalore : Devotees are all set to accord a red carpet welcome to Lord Ganesha on account of Vinayaka Chaturthi. This year the devotees in Bangalore, who are unable to visit Malaysia, will have an opportunity to see the replica of the Lord Subramanya Swami established here, although in the form of Lord Ganesha, which has come alive in the hands of a sculptor from Hubli.

Mahesh Murugod, one of the well-known artists in the city, hailing from Hirepet, is the one who has given shape to such an imagination. Mahesh comes from Chitragar family engaged in moulding Ganesha idols since generations.

The family earlier used to make just around 100 idols which were sold locally. However, the artistic way with which the family has been making the idols, soon attracted the devotees outside Hubli also. The idols are in demand even in places like Bellary, Hospet, and Bangalore.

Now the family makes not less than 6,000 idols a year, and they all sell like hot cakes. And, interestingly, these idols are made with different themes and ideas to suit the taste of the devotees and the associations which place the order for these idols well in advance.

Following a demand for Ganesha idol in the form of Lord Subramanya Swami by Swastic Yuvaka Sangha of Bangalore, the artist immersed himself in making that happen.

“I thought of a concept to make the replica of the 102 feet tall Lord Subramanya Swami installed in Malaysia. So I have planned to introduce the modern Malaysian concept of  Ganesha to the people of Bangalore,” said Mahesh.

Earlier the Yuvaka Sangha used to place order for simple forms of Ganesha idols, but for the last five years the Sangha has been demanding  innovative models ornate with American diamonds. Ganesha idols representing Virumudi Krishana, Venkataramana, Navaratna Ganesha have taken form in the last four years.

This time it was the Lord Subramanya Swami style idol which was a result of a three-and-a-half month effort. The idol is five-and-a-half feet tall and is beautifully ornate with American diamonds, pearls and corals and costs around `4,50,000.

“It is a difficult job to make such idols because every piece of diamond of varied sizes needs to be stuck with hand. Apart from dedication and hard work, it needs a great amount of patience to accomplish such an intricately ornate idol,”the artist stated.

He also recalled the efforts of his mother Sulochana, Archana (sister), Pragati (wife) and Manjunath (brother-in-law) in shaping the idol to what it is now.

The Sangha will install the idol at Milk Colony ground at Subramanya Nagar in Bangalore.