Siddhivinayak Temple is one of the most-renowned Hindu temples of Maharashtra, India. The temple is visited by thousands of devotees from all parts of the city and various other parts as well. Lord Ganesha is the prominent deity worshipped by people from all parts of India. It is one of the richest temples in the country.
Location of Siddhivinayak Temple
The Siddhivinayak temple is located on the corner of S.K. Bole Marg and Kakasaheb Gadgil Marg in Prabhadevi. It is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
History of Siddhivinayak Temple
The temple was founded by Late Mr. Laxman Vithu Patil along with the financial assistance of Late Mrs. Deubai Patil. The idea to build the Siddhivinayak temple came into the mind of Late Mrs. Deubai while she prayed to God to let other women to have children, who are childless. Thus the temple was constructed. This temple in Mumbai was revamped in the year, 1994 in order to facilitate the presence of a large number of devotees.
On Ganesh Chaturthi, a large number of devotees move into the temple premises to offer their holy prayer. Out of the temple, there is a narrow lane close to it by the name of "Phool Gali". There are several stalls available in this lane selling Tulsi, flower garlands, coconut and a variety of sweets. Among the variety of sweets to be offered to the Lord Siddhivinayak, the Modak or Ladoo is the most sought after since it is the much loved sweet of Lord Ganesha. Ramakrishna Jambhekar Maharaj, a follower of the Hindu saint Akkalkot Swami Samarth, buried two heavenly idols in front of the presiding deity of the temple on the orders on his guru.
Architecture of Siddhivinayak Temple
The original temple was a modest 3.6 square metre brick structure which was then repaired into a building due to the charitable donation by a rich woman named Mrs. Deubai Patil. The playground near the Siddhivinayak complex was formed by filling up a 19th century lake facing the eastern and southern side of the temple. The complex also housed a living colony for its caretakers once. The temple comprises of a small "mandapam" (hall), where the idol of Siddhi Vinayak (Lord Ganesha) has been enshrined.
The chamber sanctorum has been fitted with wooden doors that have been particularly carved with the images of the "Ashtavinayaka" (the eight appearances of Lord Ganesha). Its inner roof has been beautifully adorned with gold plating. The wooden doors of the temple have also been carved with fineness and have eight different postures of the God. The temple is a castle-like formation with a principal "Kalash", that is 12 feet high, 3 others which are 5 feet high, and 33 which are 3.5 feet high, thus making a total of 37 gold plated domes decorating the temple.
Attractions of Siddhivinayak Temple
"Phool Gali" is one of the major attractions of Siddhivinayak Temple. There are a lot of shops selling flowers, "prasad" and "puja thalis". On Tuesdays, there are special "aartis" (prayers) dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The idol of Ganesha is another major attraction of the temple which is made of a single 2.5 feet tall black stone. On each sides of the main idol, there are idols of "Goddess Riddhi" and "Goddess Siddhi". It is believed that all the wishes come true if a person prays here.
Visiting Information of Siddhivinayak Temple
Taxi and autos are a suitable option to arrive at Siddhivinayak Temple. Regular buses to Prabhadevi area are also accessible. Dadar is the nearest railway station for the temple.
