For the numerous temples that adorn the city of Mumbai, the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple is a gem located at Prabha Devi. The grand temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesha. Numerous people frequent the Siddhivinayak Temple Mumbai to seek blessings from Lord Ganesha who is believed to be 'Vighnaharta', that is, 'the destroyer of obstacles'. The Siddhivinayak temple Mumbai has an impressive share of devotees, primarily those who want to seek the blessings of the Siddhivinayak Ganapati before starting with something new such as a business. The Siddhivinayak Ganapati is believed to bestow the wishes to whoever prays dedicatedly for the wish.
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One of the richest temples in India, the history of the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai had a humble beginning in 1801. More than 200 years since it's inception, the Siddhivinayak Temple has evolved into a grand structure from a tiny place of worship. Since Mumbai holds so much devotion for Lord Ganesha, as apparent from its enthusiastic celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai is supreme in its eminence. The Siddhivinayak Temple Mumbai is frequented by celebrities, most notably by Bollywood personalities who seek the blessings of the Siddhivinayak Ganapati usually before the release of their movies.
The history of the Siddhivinayak Temple goes back to 1801 when a childless woman named Deubai Patil funded the temple so that the Lord may grant children to other childless women. Laxman Vithu Patil was the man behind the construction of the initial temple. The adjoining lake was dug in the 19th century as a measure to counter water scarcity.
Siddhivinayak Temple at night
The Siddhivinayak Temple timings are usually from 5:30 a.m. to 9:50 p.m., with Tuesday being an exception when the day starts from 3:15 a.m. and ends at 12:30 a.m. The normal days begin with the Kakad Aarti at 5:30 a.m. and end at 9:50 p.m. with the Shejaarti. On Tuesdays, the darshan starts from 3:15 a.m. and ends with the Shejaarti at 12:30 a.m. The Siddhivinayak Temple timings vary during special occasions like Ganesh Chaturthi.
The Siddhivinayak Temple Mumbai has a lake and a shrine dedicated to Hanuman within the complex. The mandap of the venerated temple houses the Ganesha idol which was sculpted out of a single piece of black stone. Next to the Siddhivinayak Ganapati are the figures of 'Riddhi' and 'Siddhi'- goddesses of prosperity. The wooden doors of the temple are intricately carved with the Ashtavinayak (the eight manifestations of Ganesha). The most spectacular of the features, however, is the gold plated inner roof over the idol of Siddhivinayak Ganapati which rests in the Gabhara, which is an octagonal shelter.
The Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai has emerged into an attraction and receives huge amounts of donation. The temple organises several cultural programs along with noble gestures of social welfare programs.
The magnificent temple of Siddhivinayak in Mumbai is definitely worth a visit whether you are looking to seek the holy blessings of Lord Ganesha, to soak into the spirit of holiness or are looking to witness and enjoy the culture of the Hindu religion.
