Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai – History, Timing, How to Reach

In Siddhivinayak Temple, one of Mumbai’s most well-known Hindu temples, the Ganesha deity is worshipped. The present-day complex, which was originally constructed in 1801, was repaired and reconstructed in 1993. The enormous amount of gold that covers the idol’s throne gives this temple most of its notoriety, although there are other features of this structure that draw tourists.

To witness the statue of Ganapati, there may be a line of up to two lakh people on some days. Bollywood actors frequently visit the Siddhivinayak Temple to seek blessings before beginning a new production. As the remover of hurdles (Vighnaharta), Shree Ganesh is the first deity to be worshipped before starting any new endeavour or attempt. This place where people visit to worship is more than 200 years old.

History

On November 19, 1801, the first Siddhivinayak temple, a square structure with a dome-shaped tower, was built. As directed by Hindu saint Akkalkot Swami Samarth, Ramakrishna Jambhekar Maharaj, buried two idols in front of the present statue as advised by Samarth.

The Siddhivinayak Temple underwent a considerable makeover as a result of the Maharashtra legislature’s 1990 decision to renovate the temple and regulate tourist flow to avoid crowding. All of the renovations were finished in 1993.

Siddhivinayak Temple Architecture

Old Architecture

The Siddhivinayak Temple’s older structure was built in an antique architectural style. An open area, a hall, and a garbha, or sanctum sanctorum, were all present in the previous building. At the entrance of the temple, there was a water tank, and the administrative office of the temple was on the right.

Renovated Architecture

In 1990, after the essential preparations had been made, work on the Siddhivinayak temple began. The original idol was left standing, and a multi-angled, six-story building was constructed over the gold-plated domes. The summit of the temple was also renovated, and three main gateways leading towards the interior were built. After three years of meticulous labour, the Siddhivinayak temple as we know it today emerged from construction.

• Darshan and puja rituals take place mostly on the first floor.
• A kitchen for preparing Maha Naivedya (offerings to Ganesha), a restroom, and offices are located on the second story.
• The central hub for all temple operations is located on the third floor.
• The temple’s library is located on its fourth floor. It includes a collection of about 8,000 books on a range of topics, including religion, literature, medicine, engineering, economics, etc.
• The fifth floor is primarily utilized for food preparation, which is necessary during festivals.

The Idol of Ganesha

A vast number of Hindu believers worship Ganesha, the son of Shiva. At the Shree Siddhivinayak Temple, the Ganesha statue is carved into a 2.5-foot high by 2-foot broad black stone. The tilt of the trunk to one side is among its most striking characteristics. The idol has four hands, each of which is carrying a different object: a lotus in the top right hand, an axe in the top left hand, holy beads in the bottom right hand, and a bowl filled with Modaks. 

Things to do when you are in the temple

• Admire the temple’s exterior’s exquisite architecture, especially if you’re in a queue.
• Spend some time observing others as you wait to enter the shrine.
• The ‘phool gali’ street that leads to the temple is where fresh flowers, coconuts, sweets, and other items needed for prayer are sold. You can purchase the necessary items from here and then enter the temple.
• Study the features of Lord Ganesha and the Goddesses Riddhi and Siddhi, as well as the ornate decorating on the central idol’s golden seat.
• Take a look at the enormous statue of a mouse, which represents Ganesha’s mythical chariot. Many worshippers breathe their hopes and desires into its ear, hoping they would be realized.
• Observe the joy as crowds gather to watch the monks perform the customary aarti after every few hours.
• You can join in the festivities and enjoy the temple’s rich cultural legacy if you go there during a significant Hindu festival like Ganesh Chaturthi.

They also engage in various charitable endeavours, such as running a dialysis facility, assisting government and municipal hospitals with medical needs, giving equipment and infrastructure, and hosting blood donation drives, eye exams, and orthopaedic camps.

Through a cutting-edge library and reading room, a digital library, and a library for the blind, the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust also promotes educational activities. They also run the Book Bank Scheme for educational institutions and students. The Trust also actively participates in fundraising for the Little Hearts Marathon, the medical ward at Wadia Hospital, and water projects.

Some unknown facts about the temple

• Though the Hindu temple is six stories high, the Ganesha idol is barely two feet wide and two feet six inches tall.
• Contrary to the majority of other idols, this Ganesha is unusual in that its trunk is on the right.
• The construction of the current temple required 3 crore rupees.
• However, there is just enough for 150 people in the public seating area of the temple’s library, which has a maximum capacity of 500 students.
• If you are unable to visit the temple in person, you can view a live broadcast of it online at their official website.
• The temple serves as one of Mumbai’s wealthiest temples and draws many devotees each day.
• Celebrities frequent the shrine, and several Bollywood celebs have been observed seeking blessings and making prayers there.
• The 19th Caretakers’ Lake, which had resided in the temple complex, was filled to create a playground close to the temple complex.

Giving it all back

As millions of funds are collected and a big sum of donations are made through the trust of Siddhivinayak Temple, the temple uses it for celebrating festivals and utsavs and cultural events for the devotees. Few social activities are also performed in the temple. A few of the includes,

Festivals and Utsavs- Magh Mahotsav, Ganeshotsav, Navratrotsav, Kumbhabhishek, and many more.

Cultural events include Diwali Phat, Maghi and Bhadrapad Ganeshotsav and programs for dancers are also famous.

Social Activities like World Handicap Day, Children’s Day celebration, medical camps, facilitation for 12^th students, and many more of them take place. 

Places to visit nearby

Worli Sea Face- This section of the paved walkway, which is around 3.5 km long, is perfect for a walk in the early mornings and nights while enjoying the sea breeze in your hair. On the opposite side of the street, there is a public garden with a reservoir of water in the middle.

Prabhadevi Beach- Prabhadevi Beach is an excellent site to watch the sunset since it has breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and an unimpeded view of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Even though most other Mumbai beaches have food vendors, you won’t find them here, so you won’t have to deal with the crowds.

Ravindra Natya Mandir- This renowned performing arts center hosts a variety of plays, concerts, and theatrical productions. You can take in a cultural show during your vacation if you book a ticket in advance.

Portuguese Church- This place of worship, also known as “The Church of Our Lady of Salvation,” is one of Mumbai’s oldest. You can add this stop to your itinerary if you’re on a religious tour.

Best time to visit the temple

The ideal time to visit the temple is in the afternoon because there are fewer people there then. Additionally, Furthermore, during the festive season, the temple performs special devotional sessions.

Keep in mind these things before visiting

• Although it is not needed, stay away from wearing too-revealing attire.
• Remember to bring identification proving your status as a foreign citizen or foreign resident if you chose the exclusive NRI and foreigner darshan package.
• There are both free and paid restrooms on site, however, if you are in a long line, carefully arrange your bio-breaks.
• From the entryway of the major idol to the exit gate, bodyguards are monitoring the entire path. They control the pace of visitors to prevent overcrowding at a location. Especially on Tuesdays, avoid pausing too long while in front of the primary idol.
• The physically challenged or elderly folks who have trouble walking can request wheelchairs.

How to reach the location

To get to Dadar/Prabhadevi from any city location, take a B.E.S.T bus. To get to Dadar, you can alternatively use a Local Train (such as the Central, Western, or Harbour). There are frequent taxi services between Dadar and Prabhadevi. In addition, you can call cabs from anywhere in the city.

Official Website: https://www.siddhivinayak.org