# Ganinath

Baba Ganinath sewaashram reg. Society Ganinath also called Baba Ganinath and Baba Ganinath Ji Maharaj was a Hindu saint and a folk deity, who is worshipped as Kuldevta (community god) or Kulguru of Halwai and Kanu community in India. His worshippers regard him as an avatar of Lord Shiva. A postage stamp was issued to commemorate him in 2018 by the Department of Post, Government of India.

## Biography

Baba Ganinath was born to Mansaram, he belongs to Kanu , Halwai,Sahu family' who lived on the banks of the Ganga river in Mahnar, (now in the Vaishali district of Bihar). According to legend, he began showing miracles from his childhood. After seeing his miracles, the people praised Shiva and he was named "Ganinath". In Samvat 1024, he attended Vikramshila University and achieved mastery in eight Siddhis and nine 'Nidhis' with austerity and Yoga. He was married to Chandela king Raja Dhang's daughter Khema. The 5 children of Shri Ganinath were Sri Raichandra, Shri Shridhar, Shri Govind jee, Shri Sonmati and Shri Shilmati, respectively.
After becoming king (Raja) in Vikram Samvat 1060, Ganinath unified the states won by his ancestor kings, to establish self-government and order in them. With love, coexistence and compassion, he integrated all the states into a single state.
In order to liberate the society from Yavanas, he formed an army, which was headed by his sons Raichandra and Shridhar. Yavanas were defeated in the fierce battle. Sardar Lal Khan Baba, leader of Yavanas, influenced by Ganinath and became his disciple and served him throughout his life. Baba Ganinath Maharaj and Mata Khema took the samadhi together in Palwaiya Dham ( Palwaiya dhaam is center of worship for all Halwai, Kanu and Madhesia community), in Hajipur.

## Celebration and fairs

Ganinath Fair (Ganinath jee ka Mela) is organized annually and it was founded many years back by the Madhesia Vaishya Maha Sabha. Formerly the fair was organized at Mahnar in Vaishali district of Bihar, where Ganinath Temple and deity eroded in the Ganga. Now, the fair is observed at many places in Vaishali district just after Krishna Janmashtami (in August month) on the following Saturday.
The Ganinath Jayanti is celebrated by the Halwai, Madhesiya and Kanu community. The Bihar government has sanctioned an amount of Rs 7 crore for the development of baba ganinath ji's temple. On September 7, the foundation stone was laid at Palvaiya, Mahanar, Hajipur. The programme was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Sushil K. Modi, Cabinet Minister Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Bihar Tourism Minister Shri Pramod Kumar, smt Chandramukhi Devi and other MLAs were among the dignitaries. Baba Ganinath sewaashram is registered society who has developed Sri Ganinath mandir at present. Smt Chandramukhi devi is chairman of Baba Ganinath sewaashram.
After many years in Nepal, Rautahat District kanu samaj Nepal organization started worshipping lord Ganinath from B.S. 2060. And every years in the month of Bhado lots of kanu family gather together in Shivnagar for Puja.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m99wSJWyU-4
Baba Ganinath Sewaashram has organised a puja - sri Dayaram sri Fekuram puja on 24 February 2025 at premises of Sri Ganinath mandir, palwaiya.

## Commemoration

On 23 September 2018, the Government of India issued a commemorative stamp in honour of Sant Ganinath. The First day of issue was also issued by the India Post. The stamp was released by Manoj Sinha, the Minister of State for Communications and Minister of State for Railways, on 23 September 2018.