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Maharashtra Siddhivinayak Temple Siddhatek
The Indian state of Maharashtra boasts of eight shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, which are collectively known as Ashtavinayaka temples. The Siddhivinayak Temple of Siddhatek is the second stop in the route of the pilgrimage tour, called Ashtavinayaka Yatra. This holy shrine of the elephant god is located in the northern bank of the river Bhima in Siddhatek in Ahmednagar district.
History
Mythology
According to Hindu mythology, Siddhatek or Siddhashetra was the place, where Lord Vishnu achieved Siddhi (success in mission) from Lord Ganesha, whose other name is Vinayaka. This helped Vishnu to vanquish two demons—Madhu and Kaitabh. On achieving his goal, Vishnu built up a four-door temple on the top of a hillock and dedicated it to Ganesha. Because Ganesha granted Vishnu his wish or “Siddhi” here, the deity has come to be known as Siddhivinayak of Siddhatek or Siddhashetra.
Discovery of the Temple
In course of time, the original structure of the temple got destructed, only to re-discover by a shepherd, who was believed to get a darshan of Lord Ganesha here. Eventually he managed to convince a priest to perform “puja” at the site and gradually more and more people started visiting the place to offer their prayers. The construction of the present temple structure was started during the reigns of Peshwas, under the initiative of Indore’s Philosopher Queen Ahilyabai Holkar.
How To Reach
By Air
The nearest airport is at Pune, which is served by all major airlines. Flights to and from all the Indian metro cities are amiable.
By Rail
The nearest rail station is Daund Railway station, which is 18 Km from Siddhatek.
By Bus
Situated on the Pune-Solapur highway, it is well connected by bus service to the major Maharashtrian cities including Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur, Sholapur and Nasik. Regular buses are available from Swargate.
Important Shrines
The north-facing temple is set on a hillock. The grabhagriha or the inner sanctum of the temple is five feet high and ten feet in length. The temple is surrounded by smaller temples dedicated to several other Hindu gods and goddesses, including Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and goddess Shitala. At the temple, the statues of Jay and Vijay flank the deity of Vinayak on both sides.
Significance Of The Temple
As said earlier, the pilgrimage tour of Shree Ashtavinayaka yatra covers the eight Ganesha temples situated across the state. Each ancient shrine has its own religious significance. The second in the Ashtavinayaka circuit, Siddhi Vinayak at Siddhatek is also has its own unique legend. It is the only Ashtavinayaka temple, where deity of Vinayak has its trunk turned to the right, which is very unusual, as traditionally the icon of Ganapati has his trunk turned to his left. According to Hindu mythology, a right trunked Ganapati has the power to fulfill all your wishes, but first you need to please him and that is not easy. Thus, Siddhi Vinayak temple at Siddhatek is considered one of the jagrut kshetras (extremely auspicious religious site) where the deity is infested with special power.
As goes the legend, the Peshwa general Haripant Phadake did 21 Pradakshina (circumnavigated on foot) around the temple, after he was removed from his coveted post. He was eventually called back to the court and returned his position. The general promised to present the God the stones of the castle that he wins after resuming his general’s position. Accordingly, he brought stones from Badami castle, which he conquered after resuming his post, to build the stone pathway leading to the temple.
Weather And Time To Visit
The best time to visit the temple is from September to June, during the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August-September) or in the month of Magh (January), when the temple observes Ganesh Chaturthi Festival and Ganesh Jayanti festivals respectively. The temple is also visited in the month of October during the celebrations of Vijayadashami and Somavati Amavasya, a new-moon day, falling on a Monday. Weather is mostly pleasant during these times of the year. In January, there is hint of chill in the weather with temperature typically varying between 28 and 30 degree Celsius.
Accommodation
Siddhatek is a sleepy village with very little options of boarding and lodging. However, the devotees can stay in the lodges near the temple. Sometimes priests offer accommodation to the devotees.
Tips For The Devotees
Devotees are advised to take Pradakshina of the temple to please the deity here. In order to take one Pradakshina, you will have to make the round trip of the hillock. If you maintain a moderate pace, the 5 Km distance will take nearly half an hour to complete one Pradakshina.
Rules And Rituals Of The Temple
Just like many other Hindu temples across India, this temple opens at dawn. A morning prayer, called Shodopachari puja, is followed by holy bathing of the idol. The door at Siddhivinayak Temple of Siddhatek closes after night prayers. This not big and has a very serene appearance.
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