Siddhi Vinayak Temple

Shri Siddhivinayak temple renders an opportunity to anyone and everyone, seeking the blessings of Lord Ganesha. The temple is opened for all with religion no bar and who are fascinated by the temple and the miracles of the deity residing inside the temple. It is one of the most revered temples of Hindus.

The significance of the temple can be felt with the population of around 25,000 people on an average day. Tuesday, which is considered as the most auspicious day in the week is observed with the population of around 100,000 in the temple.

The temple is also known as Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir as it is dedicated to Lord Shri Ganesh and is nestled in the district of Prabhadevi of Mumbai, which lies in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The temple was built by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil on November 19, 1801. Though it is one of the richest temples in Mumbai, the current generation of Patil is staying in state of despair near the temple.

The foundation of the temple can be traced from the early nineteenth century. It was in the year 1801, when Siddhivinayak Temple was built by Mr. Laxman Vithu along with Mrs. Deubai Patil. In the interiors of the temple, there a small hall (Mandapa) within the shrine and the image of Siddhi Vinayaka can be observed here, the provider of blessings, good wishes and miracles.

The temple is beautifully constructed, having its wooden doors at the main entrances and exits with the carvings of the various images of Ashtavinayak. The carved images represent the eight appearance of Lord Ganesha, wherein the sanctum has the ceiling, roofed up with gold sheet, creating a form of crown of the Lord. Ganpati, the chief deity is seen rested here with His four arms holding a lotus flower, an axe, plate of modakas and a garland of beads, in each of His hands, respectively.

The two consorts of the Lord Ganesha, the Goddess Riddhi and Siddhi, adds grace to the panorama being placed on the either side of Ganesha. The temple complex also holds the image of Lord Hanuman close to the main entrance.

Devotees show their patience and devotion as they start coming here before the opening timings (before dawn) of the Temple, as to fetch the glimpse of Lord Ganesha. Devotees start swarming around the temple and lining up with the expectancies of Tuesday’s 4.45am holy aarti (prayer). With a queue that’s known to stretch for around 2 km. People have strong belief that Lord Ganesha fulfills all the desires and wishes of his true devotees.

Siddhivinayak Temple also makes a major landmark of Prabhdevi in Mumbai. Outside the temple, there is a narrow lane that is known as Phool Gali. Here, one can see numerous stalls selling coconut, tulsi flower garlands and an assortment of sweets. However, Ladoo or Modak (pear shaped yellow sweet) finds the special attraction as it is the favorite sweet of Ganesha.

How to Visit the Shri Siddhivinayak Temple Mumbai:
The temple is situated on the corner of Kakasaheb Gadgil Marg, commonly known as K.G. Marg and S.K. Bole Marg, which is also known as the city’s central suburb of Prabhadevi near Dadar.
The visiting timings of the temple are from 6 in the morning till the dawn on usual days and on Tuesdays from 4 till the dawn. The visitors should be properly dressed and should bring offerings such as flowers and gifts for the God.
It is believed that the two large silver mice statues, the Lord Ganesha’s ‘vehicle’, carry the devotees’ wishes to him. Thus, it is there that the visitor should whisper his wishes in the ears of one of the two mice, while placing one hard to cover the other ear of the mouse.
Siddhivinayak Temple also stands as a major landmark of Prabhdevi in the city of Mumbai. Outside the temple, there is a narrow lane that is known as ‘Phool Gali’ with a lineup of vnumerous stalls selling coconut, tulsi flower garlands and an assortment of sweets.
During the days of Angaraki and Sankashti Chaturthi, the temple celebrates the festival and is observed all jam-packed. Visitors can board buses or trains, or even can hire autos or taxis from the city.