The Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha which is located in the Prabhadevi neighbourhood of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil built it on November 19, 1801. It is among the most popular Hindu temples in Mumbai. The temple features a small mandap with a shrine to Siddhi Vinayak (“Ganesha who grants your wish”). The wooden doors to the sanctum are carved with images of Ashtavinayak (Ganesha’s eight manifestations in Maharashtra).
The inner roof of the sanctum is gold-plated, and the central statue depicts Ganesha. A Hanuman temple can also be found in the surrounding area. The temple’s exterior features a dome illuminated with various evening colours and changes every few hours. The statue of Shri Ganesha is located directly beneath the dome. The pillars are carved with images of Ashtvinayak.
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Overview of Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple
Lord Ganesha is worshipped at the Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple, one of the most well-known Hindu temples in Maharashtra and Mumbai. The most intriguing aspect of this god is that its trunk leans to the right. The idol has four hands (Chaturbhuj) with a lotus in the top right, a tiny axe in the top left, holy beads in the bottom right, and a bowl full of Modaks in the bottom right (a delicacy beloved by Shree Siddhivinayak Ganpati).
On both sides, the god is represented by Riddhi and Siddhi, the goddesses of holiness, fulfilment, prosperity, and wealth. The god’s forehead bears a picture of an eye, similar to Lord Shiva’s third eye.
History of Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple
Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple was constructed on November 19, 1801. The Siddhivinayak Temple’s original structure was a small square brick structure measuring 3.6 meters by 3.6 meters, with a dome-shaped brick shikhara. Contractor Laxman Vithu Patil constructed the temple. Deubai Patil, a wealthy agriculturalist, funded the construction. Deaubai, who was childless due to infertility, built the temple in hopes that Ganesha would grant children to other infertile women.
Ramakrishna Jambhekar Maharaj, a disciple of the Hindu saint Akkalkot Swami Samarth, followed his guru’s orders and buried two divine idols in front of the temple’s presiding deity.
Architecture of Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple
The Temple is a five-story structure with a central shrine built into the walls, and every effort is made to provide worshippers with ample space. The temple’s new construction began on June 13th, 1994. The former zenith, weighing 1500 kg and standing 12 feet tall, was removed and replaced during construction.
The central Ganesha idol and the inner dome of the sanctum are gold-plated. Additionally, there is a Hanuman temple nearby. The temple’s dome-shaped facade is illuminated with a variety of colours in the evenings, which change constantly. Shri Siddhivinayak Ganpati’s statue is located precisely beneath the dome. The pillars are etched with Ashtavinayak figures. The Shree’s majesty, power, and presence are reflected in the temple’s main crowning glory, the magnificent gold-plated dome.
The Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple honours the god Siddhivinayak. Gajanana or Ganapati, a well-known god, goes by many names. In Sanskrit, the name “Siddhivinayak” means “lord over obstacles”.
Facts about Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple
- Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple, also known as the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir, is a major temple and tourist attraction in Mumbai. This temple is thought to be one of the richest in the world.
- Laxman Vithu built this temple in 1801 with funding from Deubai Patil, a wealthy agriwoman. When it was built, it was a small brick structure measuring 3.6 metres square with a small brick dome.
- This temple complex, built in the early nineteenth century, includes the main shrine, rest house, living quarters, and a lake.
- By the middle of the twentieth century, a Hanuman temple had been built within the complex. An idol of Hanuman was discovered while excavating Elphinstone Road for expansion. Inside the temple, there is a shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
- The Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple’s main idol is a large black stone sculpture of the Elephant God with a curved trunk to the right. When compared to other Lord Ganesh styles, this one is unique. The idol is also given three eyes, just like Lord Shiva.
- The original structure was of ancient style architecture, with a simple hall, inner sanctum, and open space surrounding it.
- The Lord Shiva temple in Ambernath served as inspiration for the temple’s rebuilding. The idol was left in its original position, and the surrounding structure was replaced with a six-story building. The domes were gold-plated, and the inner sanctum featured unique designs.
Famous Festivals In Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple
Millions of people visit the Siddhivinayak Temple every year to celebrate all of the festivals that are held here.
- Ganesh Chaturthiis a significant celebration in this temple. It takes place in either September or August. It marks the beginning of a series of Hindu celebrations and is typically observed for five days.
- Bhadrapada Month Celebrations– Every year people from distant places gather in this place to offer prayers and seek blessings from the Lord Ganesha. It occurs in August or September, which is the Hindu month of Bhadrapada, and the celebrations last more than a month.
- Vijayadasami – Vijayadasami is another major festival in Morgaon Ganpati temple. It is celebrated in September or October along with Navaratri, a major Hindu festival.
- Hanuman Jayanti – Hanuman Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Hanuman on this day. In Maharashtra, the event takes place during the Chaitra month. On this day, the Lord is the focus of special devotional talks and Poojas that begin at dawn and conclude after sunrise. On this blessed day, the Lord is said to have been born at sunrise.
- Akshaya Tritiya – Akshaya Tritiya is an auspicious day observed in temples throughout May. On this day, special Poojas to the Lord are performed. The benefits of Jaap, Yagya, and Punya are thought to last a devotee’s entire life and never diminish. Akshaya Tritiya, like Ugadi and Vijayadashami, is regarded as one of the days with no negative consequences.
Best Time to Visit Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple
This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.
How to Reach Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple
The famous Mumbai Siddhivinayak Temple is accessible by various modes of transport.
By Air: The temple is only about 10.9 kilometres away from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. From the airport, there are many auto-rickshaws, local buses, and taxis to reach the temple.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is Dadar, which serves both the Western and Central Suburban Railways.
By Road: Many BEST buses are also available from the Western, Central, and Harbour areas to take you to the Siddhivinayak temple.
Also Read –Siddhivinayak Temple Siddhatek
