Temples In India

Maharashtra Siddhivinayak Temple Mumbai

Located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir is not just another Hindu pilgrimage; it is one of the major tourist draws in the state of Maharashtra. Considered to be one of India’s richest temples, Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak temple is believed to receive Rs 100-150 million in donation every year. The temple was built in 1801 by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil. From film stars and other celebrities to the common mass, this temple is visited by thousands of devotees’ every day. A long, winding queue does not discourage the Ganesha followers to offer their prayers to the elephant headed god, the sacred source of success, knowledge and prosperity, acceding to Hindu scriptures.

History

Deubai Patil and Laxman Vithu constructed this temple back in 1801. Latter, in 1994 the temple was reconstructed at the advice of the engineers and religious experts in order to accommodate more number of devotees. While Late Mr. Laxman Vithu Patil, a professional contractor was in charge of the construction of the temple, the financial assistance and other instructions were provided by Mrs. Deubai Patil, a childless, rich woman belonging to Agri Samaj from Matunga.

The childless good lady was believed to build the temple with a wish that other childless ladies can come and offer their prayers to Ganapati.

How To Reach

By Air

Driving distance from Mumbai Airport to Siddhi Vinayak Temple is 11 kms. To reach the temple you can book a car or hire a cab from the airport.

By Road

Bus service is available from Worli or Tardeo. Alternatively one can take auto rickshaws or hire cab to reach the temple complex at Prabhadevi.

By Rail

Dadar is the nearest railway station and well connected by local trains to the nearby stations such as Lower Parel, Mahalaxmi and Elphinstone Road.

Important Shrines

Though there is no other important shine nearby, Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai is also known for 'Phool Gali'. This is a narrow lane dotted with numerous stalls selling puja dalis containing flowers, garlands, coconut and other things and also Ladoo or Modak, Lord Ganesha’s favorite sweet.

Significance Of The Temple

The specialty of the stone idol at Siddhivinayak temple, Mumbai is: it is carved out of a single black stone, with a height of 2'6" and width of 2'. The wish granting god here has his trunk turned to his right, which is considered immensely sacred. Four hands of the idol hold a lotus and an axe, a japamala (rosary), and bowl full of his favorite sweets. In place of sacred thread, the idol wears a snake around his shoulders. Interestingly, the deity in Mumbai’s Siddhi Vinayak temple has a third eye on his forehead. Flanked by Riddhi and Siddhi on his both sides, the Ganapati idol at this temple signifies success and prosperity.

Weather And Time To Visit

The best time to visit Siddhivinayak temple, Mumbai is during the festive time of Ganesh Chaturthi, during the days of Angaraki and Sankashti Chaturthi. Devotees from across India, and even abroad, throng the temple in September, when the temple holds its annual Ganesh festival. Mumbai weather is mild all throughout the year. But one should carry umbrellas and raincoats to get protection from rain, as Mumbai is known for its long spells of rain.

Accommodation

Finding accommodation near the temple is not a difficult task—you can choose from as many as224 Mumbai hotels near the temple complex, which include star hotels to budget accommodations

Tips For The Devotees

The temple is open throughout the year. The visitors should be conservatively dressed. They have to leave their shoes behind before entering the temple. On Tuesdays, the temple is visited by more number of devotees, so the queues are longer on those days.

Rules And Rituals Of The Temple

The temple is thronged by thousands of devotees every day. On a normal day, the temple is visited by as many as 25,000 devotees. Tuesday is considered to be the most auspicious day for offering your prayers to Lord Ganesha. So on Tuesdays, more devotees visit the temple for “darshan” of the deity. Also on Tuesday special 'Aartis' are performed inside the temple which is truly a spectacular event.

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