Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai

Location: Prabhadevi in Mumbai
Built By:
Mr. Laxman Vithu and Mrs. Deubai Patil
Built in: 1801
Dedicated To: Lord Ganesha
How to Reach:
One can easily reach here by boarding buses or trains, or by hiring autos or taxis from the city.
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Siddhivinayak Temple is a highly revered shrine of Lord Ganesha in India. Dating back to the early nineteenth century, the temple was built by    Mr. Laxman Vithu and Mrs. Deubai Patil in 1801. Sited at Prabhadevi, Siddhi Vinayak Temple is definitely one of the most visited temples of  Mumbai. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the 'Lord of Beginnings' as per the Hindu Mythology. The temple has a small hall, where the image of    Shri Siddhi Vinayak is placed gracefully in the shrine.

Siddhivinayak or Lord Ganesha holds a very important position in the Hindu mythology. It is believed that any new work, new place or new  possession will prosper if one prays to the lord before starting or using it. This is one of the main reasons why renowned people, including politicians and celebrities like Aishwarya Rai, Amitabh Bachchan, Sachin Tendulkar and Bal Thackeray, regularly visit the temple.

The wooden main gate of the shrine is engraved with various images of Ashtavinayak, which symbolize the eight manifestations of Lord  Ganesha. In the sanctum sanctorum, the gold-plated ceiling makes the worthy crown of the Lord. Ganpati is depicted with four arms, while holding a lotus flower, an axe, platter of modakas and a garland of beads respectively in each of his hands. The image is flanked by Riddhi and
Siddhi, two consorts of Lord Ganesha.

Near the main entrance of the temple complex, there is a beautiful image of Lord Hanuman. Tuesday is believed to be the ruling day of Lord  Ganesha, so people come in large numbers on this day. In the year 1994, Siddhi Vinayak Temple was renovated to embrace the huge crowd.  During the celebratory time of Ganesh Chaturthi, the temple is visited by inestimable number of people. It is said that Lord fulfills all the wishes of his loyal devotees.

The temple comprises of a small mandapam (hall), where the idol of Siddhi Vinayak (Lord Ganesha) has been enshrined. Boasting of exquisite architecture, the sanctum sanctorum has been fitted with wooden doors that have been meticulously carved with the images of the Ashtavinayaka (the eight manifestations of Lord Ganesha). Its inner roof has been beautifully adorned with gold plating.

A major landmark of Prabhadevi, Siddhi Vinayak Temple is well-known among the Hindus. 'Phool Gali' is a narrow street outside the temple that is a hub of many flower sellers. You can see a tight security within and outside the temple, to ensure safety of the people and the temple. At the time of Angaraki and Sankashti Chaturthi, the minutest space available at the temple gets occupied. Come to Mumbai, pay a visit to Shri Siddhi Vinayak and receive his blessings.