Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple

Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple of Lord Ganesha

Mumbai is famous i9n all over the country for celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi with great pomp. The Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is situated at Prabhadevi in Mumbai. The temple was constructed in the year 1801 on 19^th November by Devbai Patil and Laxman Bithu. The doors of the temple are wooden and are crafted with images of Ganesha manifestations in the state. The inner part of the temple roof is gold-plated. There is also a Hanuman mandir in the temple periphery.

History

Lord Ganesha is called by the name siddhivinayak in the state. The temple was previously a tiny place of worship but gradually it is brought up to a grand temple that stands now in this 20^th century. The temple was funded by an Agri woman who was childless and therefore built to grant blessings to other barren women. Politicians, Bollywood film stars, and many other great people are seen offering puja in this temple. Once it was prophesized by a Hindu saint Swami Samarth that he once buried two idols in front of the temple and after 21 years a mandar tree came out of the spot with Lord Ganesha on its branches. The temple receives donations of more than 100 million in a year and is said to be the richest temple in the state.

Amazing facts about the temple

1. The hanuman idol that is in the temple was brought by a head priest when he found the idol abandoned during the construction of roads nearby.
2. The idol of the siddhivinayak is very unique as the deity was carved on a single black colored stone and his trunk was made on the right which usually remains on the left side.
3. The playground near the temple complex was made by filling up a lake of the 19^th Caretakers who used to stay in the temple complex in a living colony.
4. Anybody who once visited the temple they are bound to impress the architectural design and its magnificence. There is a mandap or a small hall where Lord Ganesha is kept. The temple premise spreads over an area of 2250 square meter.

Reaching there

Taxis and autos are available from Tardeo or Worli to the location where the temple is situated. You can also select bus options to reach the temple but that will take time. The nearest railway station is Dadar. Local trains can be boarded from Mahalaxmi, Lower Parel, and Elphinstone Road to get to the temple.

Activities of Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple

• Fresh flowers, coconuts, sweets, and other accessories required for worship is sold on the street of ‘phool gali’ that leads to the temple. You can buy the requirements from this place and enter then the temple.
• Tuesday is considered to be the ideal day for special Aarti and flocks of devotees are seen inside the mandir on this day every week.
• Angaraki and sankasthi chaturthi are the two well-known festivals celebrated here and lots of devotees gather within the temple during this special event.

Nearby places of attraction

The most important place where one must visit is Shivaji Park Beach in Dadar. You can visit the place where exhibitions are known to hold called Nehru Centre. The ‘jewel of India’ is a famous restaurant located near the temple. The Worli Sea-Link can be visited as it is very close to the Ganapati Mandir and a perfect location to stroll around freely.

With its elegant design, the Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple is known to acquire a special place in the city and the heart of devotees all around the country. Lord Ganesha is said to bring good luck to our home and fulfill our wishes. The temple has a prolonged history to accomplish devotees’ prayers and childless couples are blessed with babies. People from near and far come to this temple to offer their prayers. Renowned celebrities are often seen to bow their head before the Lord. On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi Mumbai comes alive and great possessions are seen in front of the temple, on the road and along the sea beaches. ‘Ganapati babba moriye’, this is the slogan they say for the Lord.

Temple Timing

The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple is open to the public every day, with the following timings:

• Morning Aarti: 5:00 AM – 5:30 AM
• Darshan Timings: 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM
• Evening Aarti: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Please note that these timings may change on special occasions or during festivals. It is advisable to check the temple’s official website or contact the temple authorities for the latest information.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple depends on individual preferences and circumstances. However, some of the most popular times to visit the temple are:

• During the morning aarti: The morning aarti is a popular time to visit the temple, as it is considered to be an auspicious time to pray and receive blessings from Lord Ganesha.
• During festivals: The temple is particularly crowded during major Hindu festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi, when a large number of devotees come to offer their prayers and participate in the festivities.
• On weekdays: If you prefer a more peaceful and less crowded experience, visiting the temple on a weekday may be a good option.

Regardless of the time you choose to visit, be prepared for long lines and crowds, especially during peak hours. It is advisable to arrive early to avoid the rush and get a good darshan (view) of the deity.

Architecture of Siddhivinayak Temple

The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple is known for its simple yet elegant architectural style. The main temple structure is made of stone and covered with a central dome. The temple has a small entrance leading to a hall that houses the main idol of Lord Ganesha. The idol is carved out of black stone and is two and a half feet tall. The temple’s central dome is adorned with gold plating and is an iconic feature of the temple’s architecture.

The temple also features intricate carvings and paintings depicting various scenes from Hindu mythology, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The temple premises also include a spacious courtyard, a donation hall, and a canteen, among other facilities. The overall architecture of the temple is a blend of traditional and modern styles, reflecting its rich history and cultural heritage.

Things to do

There are several things that you can do when visiting the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple in Mumbai:

1. Offer prayers: The main purpose of visiting the temple is to offer prayers and seek blessings from Lord Ganesha. You can participate in the morning and evening aartis, and offer flowers, fruits, and other offerings to the deity.
2. Explore the temple premises: Take a stroll around the temple premises and admire its simple yet elegant architecture, intricate carvings, and paintings.
3. Shop for souvenirs: The temple premises have several shops selling religious items, books, and souvenirs. You can pick up a memento of your visit to the temple.
4. Participate in festivals: If you visit the temple during a major Hindu festival such as Ganesh Chaturthi, you can participate in the festivities and experience the temple’s rich cultural heritage.
5. Meditate and find inner peace: The temple is known for its peaceful and serene atmosphere, making it an ideal place for meditation and introspection.

Please note that some activities, such as photography and videography, may be restricted inside the temple premises, so it’s best to check the temple’s rules and regulations before visiting.

Interesting Facts

Here are some interesting facts about the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple in Mumbai:

1. Rich history: The temple has a rich history, dating back to 1801, and has undergone several renovations over the years. It is considered to be one of the oldest and most revered temples in Mumbai.
2. Iconic central dome: The temple’s central dome is adorned with gold plating and is an iconic feature of the temple’s architecture.
3. One of the richest temples in Mumbai: The temple is one of the richest temples in Mumbai and attracts a large number of devotees every day.
4. Fulfillment of wishes: It is believed that visiting the temple and offering prayers to Lord Ganesha can help fulfill one’s wishes and bring good luck.
5. Celebrity visits: The temple is popular among celebrities, and several Bollywood stars have been known to visit the temple for blessings and to offer prayers.
6. Charitable work: The temple trust is known for its charitable work, including providing education and medical facilities to those in need.
7. Aarti and prasad: The temple’s morning and evening aartis are popular among devotees, and the temple also offers prasad (holy food offered to the deity) to visitors.