Located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Siddhivinayak temple is one of the main temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha in the financial capital of India. It is believed that before any new tasks are undertaken, blessings of Lord Ganesha are first invoked, who help in removing any obstacles on the path to success. Established more than two centuries ago, the temple’s initial built up area was 3.6mtr by 3.6mtrs. The structure had a kalash on the top with brick walls, with the pooja room located on the ground floor. The kalash of the old temple has now been replaced by a new kalash, and is old kalash is now exhibited within the premises of the temple. The Kalash partishthapana, along with Kumbh Abhishek consecration ceremonies for the new Kalash took place in the year 1994, at the hands of the Shankaracharaya of the Shringeri Mutt.
History and Legend
- The temple traces its history to the year 1801, when its consecration took place on 19th November, which was the day of Kartik Shudha Chaturdasi, as par Shaka calendar.
- It was built with the financial support of a rich, childless lady, Mrs. Deubai Patil, who got the inspiration to do so during her daily prayers to Lord Ganesha. She had requested Lord Ganesha in her prayers to grant wishes for a child to female devotees who come to temple for blessings. It seems that Lord Ganesha heeded the request of Mrs. Patil, and eventually the temple became famous for fulfillment of wishes.
- A black stone had been used to carve out the idol of Shree Siddhivinayak, with the trunk located to the right hand side, which is a unique feature for Ganesha idols. The upper right hand of the idol holds a lotus, the upper left hand holds and axe, the lower right hand of the idol holds a japmala, and the lower left hand holds modaks. The goddesses Riddhi and Siddhi are located on both the sides of the Ganesha idol, and they represent wealth and prosperity, sanctity and success.
Significance of the Temple
- The main significance of Siddhivinayak Temple is that it is considered to be an abode of Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is the first deity among all other deities to be worshiped, and it is said that he does not get pleased very easily. But once he does, then he bestows wealth, learning and prosperity to his devotee. It is said to a place where spiritual awakening takes place in the devotees.
- The temple forms a part of the eight temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha in and around the city of Pune, also called Ashtavinayak Temples. The original idol of Lord Ganesh is said to be Swayambhu, meaning that which is self generated and not man made.
- The location of the temple is such that it faces the northern direction. It is also believed that in earlier times, Rishi Ved Vyasa, who separated the Vedas into four parts, performed sacrifices here. That particular area is not visible anymore and is covered under water.
Siddhivinayak Temple timings
- From Wednesday to Monday- The temple opens at 5:30am for the morning aarti and closes after undertaking the last aarti, called Shejaarti, at 9:50pm.
- For Tuesdays- The temple opens at 3:15am for Shree Darshan and closes after undertaking the last aarti, called Shejaarti, at 12:30am. During the whole day, the temple doors remain closed between 8:45pm to 10pm for Ganesh pooja and night aarti.
Poojas and Rituals
Many poojas and rituals are performed in the Siddhivinayak temple under the close supervision of qualified priests. Let us have a look at some of these:
- 11 Avartan Shodashopchar Pooja – This a daily pooja, which begins at morning 8am and lasts for about 45 minutes, where two to four people are allowed. The prasad offered at the end of pooja consists of ladoos, coconut, banana, and a packet of vibhuti.
- Shree Satyanarayan Pooja- This a pooja which takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (excluding chaturthis), at 1pm and lasts for about 2hrs, where two to four people are allowed. The prasad offered at the end of pooja consists of Sheera, which is a special sweet dish usually prepared on the occasion of Satyanarayan Pooja.
- Shree Satya Vinayak Mahapooja- This a pooja which takes place only on Fridays, at 1pm and lasts for about 2hrs, where two to four people are allowed. The prasad offered at the end of pooja consists of Pedhas.
- Atharvashirsha Sahastravatan- This a pooja which takes place twice daily, except Tuesdays, between 7:30am to 11:30am and lasts for about 2hrs, where two to four people are allowed. The prasad offered at the end of pooja consists of different types of fruits and ladoos.
- Sahasatra Namavali- This a pooja which takes place twice daily, except Tuesdays, between 8am to 10am and lasts for about 2hrs, where two to four people are allowed. The prasad offered at the end of pooja consists of different types of fruits, ladoos, vastra for Lord Ganesha and a small pack of dry fruits.
- Atharvashirsah Havan- This a pooja which takes place as per muhurat, usually between 7:30am to 12:30pm and lasts for about 5hrs, where 25 to 30 people are allowed. The prasad offered at the end of pooja consists of breakfast and lunch for all the devotees present, ladoos, vastra for Lord Ganesha and a photo frame of Shree Siddhivinayak.
Festivals celebrated at the Temple
- Celebration of Ganeshotsav during the months of Magha and Bhadrapad.
- Celebrating Mahashivratri with poojas – Signifying the marriage of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati, parents of Lord Ganesha. As per beliefs of some of the people, this day also marks the day when Lord Shiva drank the poison churned out from Samudra Manthan undertaken by Devas and Asuras.
- Celebrating Ramnavami with poojas – Signifying birth of Lord Rama
- Celebrating Gudipadwa – Signifies the Marathi new year as per Hindu calendar, and is celebrated on the first day of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada.
- Celebrating Navratris to mark the victory of Goddess Durga over demon Mahishasura.
Activities at the Temple
The temple is involved in many Cultural and Social activities apart from celebration of festivals. Let us have a look at few of these:
Cultural Activities:
- During months of Magha and Bhadrapad, Ganeshotsav is celebrated.
- Diwali Pahat is organized at the dawn of Diwali day
- For encouraging young artists, dance programs are organized in the temple.
Social Activities:
- Making donations related to water projects.
- Organizing Painting competitions related to Lord Ganesha, that are environment friendly.
- Showing support for handicap people around the world by observing World Handicap Day.
- Organizing various camps such as orthopedic camps, eye checkup camps, blood donation camps, and other health camps.
- Providing books under book bank scheme for institutions as well as students.
How to Reach: Road, Rail and Air
The exact location of Siddhivinayak temple is in Siddhatek village, located about 200kms from Pune in Maharashtra. Let us look at the ways to reach the temple by Road, Rail and Air.
Road
The village of Daund is located almost 1km away from the temple precincts, and buses are easily available from Pune to Daund. After getting off at Daund, there is an option to via boat to the temple.
Rail
The closest railway station to the temple is the Daund railway station. This station is well connected to Mumbai and Pune railways stations, which in turn are very well connected to railway stations throughout the country.
Air
Nearest airport to the temple is Mumbai airport, which is well connected to all the airports within the country, as well as outside the country.
Where to Stay
There are many private hotels, guest houses, lodges located near to the temple which provide accommodation for travelers with different budgets. It is recommended to book hotel in advance, especially during festival times, to avoid any hassles due to rates and unavailability of rooms.
Where to Eat
Pooja prasad is offered to devotees after the completion of all rituals. But this is usually not enough for a meal, unless a longer pooja is undertaken.
Many vegetarian hotels and restaurants are conveniently located near the temple which offer food from various cuisines.
Nearby Temples
- Mahalakshmi Temple- This is one of the heritage sites of Mumbai dedicated to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, consort of Lord Vishnu. Its location is near to sea shore, and is visited by a lot of people from in and around the city on a daily basis. It is especially crowded during the days of Tuesdays and Fridays, and also on the days leading up to the Navratris.
- Kochu Guruvayoor Temple- One of the most popular destinations for people from the southern part of India, the temple has deities for Guruvayoorappan, Ram, Karthikeya, Shiva, Ayyappan, Hanuman, Navagraha, Ganesha & Nagaraj
- Babulnath Temple- This Shiva temple is the oldest temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Mumbai. A peaceful and serene atmosphere resides in this temple during morning times, which is the best time to visit. Inside the temple sanctum, the idols for goddesses Durga and Parvati are established. Outside the sanctum are the idols of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha.
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