Lohgarh Gate Ganesh Mandir is located in the old part of Amritsar city, Punjab. The temple is believed to be around 700 years old, making it one of the oldest Ganesha temples in Punjab. It is locally known as “Prachin Mandir Shree Ganesh”.
The main deity worshipped in the temple is Lord Ganesha, also known as Sri Ganesh Ji Maharaj. The idol depicts Lord Ganesha in a traditional seated posture, along with his consorts Riddhi and Siddhi, symbolizing prosperity and wisdom. Devotees believe that praying here removes obstacles and brings good fortune, especially before starting any new work.
The temple features a traditional North Indian style of architecture. Though compact in size, it has a beautifully adorned sanctum (garbhagriha), vibrant murals and decorative archways. The walls are painted with devotional scenes of Ganesha, and the idol is adorned with fresh flowers and offerings every day. The temple’s entrance is narrow, typical of old city lanes, but the inner sanctum offers a peaceful spiritual ambiance.
According to the oral tradition passed down by generations of temple priests and devotees, centuries ago, a devout trader living in the Lohgarh area was a sincere worshipper of Lord Ganesha. During personal and financial hardship, he prayed intensely for divine help. One night, Lord Ganesha appeared in his dream and instructed him to dig at a specific spot near Lohgarh Gate.
When the trader followed the divine vision and dug the ground the next morning, he miraculously found a stone idol of Lord Ganesha, buried under the soil. The idol radiated a powerful spiritual aura, and the people of the area believed it was a Swayambhu Moorthy (self-manifested idol), which had emerged on its own at that sacred spot.
Recognizing the significance of the idol, the local community, with support from saints and elders, decided to construct a small shrine to enshrine the deity. This humble shrine eventually became what we now know as the Prachin (Ancient) Ganesh Mandir. Over the years, devotees began referring to it as the “Siddh Peeth” of Amritsar. In this powerful place, prayers are fulfilled, especially for those starting new ventures, marriages, or academic journeys.
The temple is also considered a spiritual guardian of Amritsar, especially of the Lohgarh area. Lord Ganesha is believed to protect the city’s entrance and remove all “vighnas” (obstacles) for those entering or living within. This protective aspect of Ganesha at the city gate connects deeply with his role as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles.
