Are you looking for a place to visit that combines spirituality, history, and culture? Do you want to witness the miracles of Lord Ganesha and enjoy the beauty and charm of Thane district? If yes, then you should definitely visit Titwala Ganesh Mandir, a famous Hindu temple dedicated to the elephant-headed god that attracts lakhs of devotees every year.
Titwala Ganesh Mandir is located in Titwala, a small town in Thane district of Maharashtra. It is one of the most popular and revered temples of Lord Ganesha in the state. The temple is known for its history, legend, architecture, and attractions. In this article, we will explore all these aspects of Titwala Ganesh Mandir and help you plan your trip to this divine destination.
History and Legend of Titwala Ganesh Mandir
Titwala Ganesh Mandir has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the ancient times. The temple is believed to have been built by Shakuntala, the daughter of sage Vishwamitra and celestial nymph Menaka, who was married to king Dushyanta and gave birth to Bharata, the ancestor of the Pandavas and Kauravas. According to the legend, Dushyanta forgot his marriage with Shakuntala due to a curse from sage Durvasa. Shakuntala prayed to Lord Ganesha for help and he appeared in her dream and told her to build a temple for him in Titwala. He also assured her that he would restore her husband’s memory and reunite them. Shakuntala followed his instructions and built the temple with the help of her son Bharata. When Dushyanta visited Titwala, he saw the temple and remembered his wife and son. He then apologized to Shakuntala and they lived happily ever after.
The legend of Titwala Ganesh Mandir also inspired the poet Kalidasa to write his famous play Abhijnanashakuntalam, which is considered as one of the finest works of Sanskrit literature. The play depicts the love story of Shakuntala and Dushyanta and their separation and reunion due to the curse and the intervention of Lord Ganesha. The play has been translated into many languages and adapted into various forms of art and media.
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Architecture of Titwala Ganesh Mandir
Titwala Ganesh Mandir has a unique and impressive architecture that reflects its ancient origin and cultural significance. The temple has a dome-shaped roof that is adorned with colorful flags and bells. The temple has a spacious hall that can accommodate thousands of devotees at a time. The main attraction of the temple is the idol of Lord Ganesha that is made of black stone and measures about 3 feet in height. The idol is placed in a sanctum sanctorum that is decorated with gold and silver ornaments. The idol is also surrounded by various other idols of gods and goddesses such as Shiva, Parvati, Kartikeya, Saraswati, Lakshmi, etc. The idol of Lord Ganesha is believed to be swayambhu or self-manifested, which means that it was not carved by human hands but emerged naturally from the earth.
The temple also has a beautiful lake near its premises that adds to its scenic beauty. The lake is known as Amrit Kund or Nectar Pond as it is said to have been created by Lord Ganesha himself when he struck his trunk on the ground. The lake is also used for boating by visitors who want to enjoy the view of the temple from the water.
Activities and Attractions in and around Titwala Ganesh Mandir
Titwala Ganesh Mandir offers a lot of activities and attractions for visitors who want to experience its divine aura and charm. Some of the things that you can do in Titwala Ganesh Mandir are:
Take darshan of the temple: The most important thing that you can do in Titwala Ganesh Mandir is to take darshan or view of the idol of Lord Ganesha and offer your prayers and offerings to him. You can also participate in various festivals and rituals that are celebrated in the temple such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Angarki Chaturthi, Maghi Chaturthi, etc. These festivals are marked by special pujas, aartis, bhajans, prasad distribution, etc. that create a festive atmosphere in the temple.
Enjoy boating in the lake: Another thing that you can do in Titwala Ganesh Mandir is to enjoy boating in the lake near the temple. You can rent a boat or a paddle boat from the boating club that operates near the lake. You can also enjoy the view of the temple and its surroundings from the water. The lake is especially beautiful during the monsoon season when it is filled with water and greenery.
Visit the Ulhas museum and research center: If you are interested in learning more about the history and culture of Thane district, you can visit the Ulhas museum and research center that is located near the temple. The museum and research center showcases various artifacts, documents, photographs, paintings, etc. that depict the heritage and legacy of Thane district. You can also see some rare coins, stamps, maps, etc. that belong to different periods of history. The museum and research center also organizes various exhibitions, seminars, workshops, etc. that promote the awareness and appreciation of Thane district.
Here is a weekend guide to Explor Mumbai while you are visiting Titwala Temple
Some of the things that you can do in and around Titwala are:
Explore the nearby historical forts: If you are an adventure lover or a history buff, you can explore the nearby historical forts that offer scenic views and thrilling activities. Some of the forts that you can visit are Malangad fort and Gorakhgad fort that are located about 15 km and 20 km away from Titwala respectively. These forts were built by the Maratha rulers and were used as strategic points during wars. You can trek to these forts and enjoy the panoramic view of the mountains and valleys. You can also see some ancient temples, caves, water tanks, etc. that are present on these forts.
Shop at the Metro Junction mall or the Japanese market: If you are a shopaholic or a foodie, you can shop at the Metro Junction mall or the Japanese market that offer a variety of products and services. The Metro Junction mall is one of the largest malls in Thane district that has more than 100 stores, multiplexes, food courts, gaming zones, etc. You can find everything from clothes, accessories, electronics, books, etc. at this mall. The Japanese market is a unique market that sells various Japanese products such as cosmetics, toys, stationery, snacks, etc. You can also find some authentic Japanese restaurants and cafes at this market.
Relax at the resorts or hotels: If you want to relax and rejuvenate yourself after a long day of sightseeing, you can relax at the resorts or hotels that offer comfortable accommodation and amenities. Some of the resorts or hotels that you can choose from are Hotel Shree Siddhivinayak, Hotel Sai Prasad, Hotel Rajdhani, etc. These resorts or hotels have spacious rooms, clean bathrooms, air conditioners, televisions, internet access, etc. They also have restaurants that serve delicious food and beverages.
Food and Cuisine of Titwala
Titwala is known for its food and cuisine that reflects its diversity and richness. You can find a variety of dishes and delicacies that are popular in Titwala and its surroundings such as:
Snacks: Titwala is famous for its snacks such as vada pav, biryani, chole bhature, etc. Vada pav is a fried potato dumpling sandwiched between bread slices and served with spicy chutney and fried green chilies. Biryani is a rice dish cooked with spices and meat or vegetables. Chole bhature is a dish of spicy chickpeas curry served with fluffy fried bread.
Fish curry: Titwala is also known for its fish curry that is made with fresh fish from the nearby rivers or lakes. The fish curry is cooked with coconut milk, tamarind, spices, etc. and served with rice or roti.
Sweets: Titwala is also famous for its sweets such as modak, peda, barfi, etc. Modak is a sweet dumpling made of rice flour or wheat flour stuffed with coconut and jaggery and steamed or fried. Peda is a sweet made of milk solids and sugar flavored with cardamom or saffron. Barfi is a sweet made of milk solids and sugar cooked with various ingredients such as nuts, fruits, chocolate, etc.
You can find these dishes and delicacies at some of the best places to eat in Titwala such as:
Hotel Shree Siddhivinayak: This is one of the most popular hotels in Titwala that serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian food at reasonable prices. You can try their vada pav, biryani, fish curry, modak, etc.
Hotel Sai Prasad: This is another popular hotel in Titwala that serves vegetarian food at affordable prices. You can try their chole bhature, peda, barfi, etc.
Shree Ganesh Vada Pav Center: This is one of the best street food stalls in Titwala that serves delicious vada pav and other snacks at cheap prices.
Shree Swami Samarth Vada Pav Center: This is another street food stall in Titwala that serves tasty vada pav and other snacks at cheap prices.
Here are some tips or suggestions for planning your trip to Titwala:
How to reach there: You can reach Titwala by road or rail from Mumbai or Thane. By road, you can take the Eastern Express Highway or the Mumbai-Nashik Highway and follow the signs to Titwala. By rail, you can take a local train from Mumbai or Thane to Titwala station that is about 2 km away from the temple.
What is the best time to visit there: You can visit Titwala anytime of the year, but the best time is during the monsoon season from June to September when the temple and its surroundings are lush green and beautiful. You can also visit during the festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi or Angarki Chaturthi when the temple is decorated and crowded with devotees.
What are the things to carry or avoid there: You should carry some essentials such as water, snacks, umbrella, camera, etc. when you visit Titwala. You should also dress modestly and respectfully when you enter the temple. You should avoid littering or damaging the temple premises or its surroundings. You should also avoid taking photographs inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
Conclusion
Titwala Ganesh Mandir is a divine destination in Thane that offers a lot of attractions and activities for visitors who want to experience its spirituality, history, and culture. The temple is known for its history, legend, architecture, and attractions. You can take darshan of the temple, enjoy boating in the lake, visit the museum and research center, explore the nearby forts, shop at the mall or the market, relax at the resorts or hotels, and taste the food and cuisine of Titwala. If you want to witness the miracles of Lord Ganesha and enjoy the beauty and charm of Thane district, then you should definitely visit Titwala Ganesh Mandir.
If you have any questions or comments about Titwala Ganesh Mandir, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment below. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and found it helpful and informative.
