Among the key families who played a significant role in Chimaji Appa’s Vasai campaign were three prominent lineages: Ramji Bivalkar of Thane, Shankaraji Phadke of Agashi (near Arnala), and Gangaji Naik Anjurkar of Anjur (near Bhiwandi). Of these, Shankaraji Phadke ancestral mansion was lost in recent times, and Ramji Bivalkar mansion was demolished during road widening. However, the descendants of Gangaji Naik Anjurkar have not only preserved but also carefully maintained their ancestral mansion that tells the tale of their forefather’s valor. The Siddhivinayak Temple at Anjur, famous in the region, is essentially the Anjurkar Wada (ancestral home) of Gangaji Naik. The temple is located inside the mansion and can be regarded as a memorial to Gangaji Naik Anjurkar. ... Known locally and in the surrounding region as the Siddhivinayak temple, it lies about 3 km from Mankoli on the Mumbai–Nashik Highway. While there are buses from Thane and Bhiwandi to Mankoli, one needs to take a private rickshaw to reach Anjur village from there. At the rickshaw stand in Anjur village, directly ahead is the two-storied, five-sectioned Anjurkar Wada, built on a tall stone foundation. The front porch of the mansion features beautifully carved pillars. Entering through the main door, one finds a wooden sanctum (devhara) housing the idol of Siddhivinayak. This idol was installed by Gangaji Naik in 1718 CE. It is a right-trunked Ganesha idol, given to Gangaji Naik as a blessing by Chintamani Maharaj, the eldest son of Narayan Maharaj, grandson of Moraya Gosavi of Chinchwad. As descendants of the Anjurkar family still reside in the rest of the mansion, entry is restricted to certain areas. The complete history of the Gangaji Naik Anjurkar lineage is available on the website www.siddhivinayakanjur.org. Those interested in learning more are encouraged to visit the site.
© Suresh Nimbalkar