The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Ganesha. It is located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra. It was originally built by Mr. Laxman Vithu and Mrs. Deubai Patil in November 19th, 1801.
The temple has a small mandapam (hall) with the shrine for Siddhi Vinayak ("Ganesha that grants your wish"). The wooden doors to the sanctum are carved with images of the Ashtavinayak (the eight manifestations of Ganesha in Maharashtra). The inner roof of the sanctum is plated with gold, and the central statute is of Ganesha. In the periphery of the temple, there is a Hanuman temple as well.
The Siddhivinayak Mandir evolved from a small, tiny place of worship to the Grand Temple that stands today in the later half of the twentieth century. The glory to the temple was bought not only by the politicians who frequented the temple but also numerous bollywood filmstars who continuously visit the temple to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha.
About Shree Siddhivinayak Idol
The idol of Shree Siddhivinayak is of black stone and is 2.5 feet high and 2 feet wide, with the trunk on the right. The upper right hand holds a lotus, the left an axe. The lower right hand holds a rosary and the lower left holds a 'modaka'. Around the neck is the snake like sacred thread. The idol is carved out of a single stone. The idols of Riddhi and Siddhi are on either side of Shree Siddhivinayak.
Riddhi and Siddhi are Goddesses of success, riches and prosperity. The auspicious idol of Shree Siddhivinayak with its trunk bent towards the right is unique, as the trunk is usually found curving leftwards.
How to Visit the Shri Siddhivinayak Temple
The temple is located on the corner of Kakasaheb Gadgil Marg (more commonly known as K.G. Marg) and S.K. Bole Marg, in Mumbai’s central suburb of Prabhadevi near Dadar. Visitors can enter from 6am Wednesdays to Mondays, and 4am on Tuesdays.
When attending the temple, the most important thing to keep in mind is to be clean and dress respectfully in conservative clothing that covers the legs and shoulders. To receive Lord Ganesha’s blessing, visitors should also bring an offering such as flowers and sweets to give to the God. Before entering the temple, everyone is required to undergo the necessary security checks, then remove their shoes and hand them to the clerk at the counter for safe keeping.
Inside the temple, to the right, is the three doored sanctum that houses the elaborate statue of Lord Ganesha. Those who look up will see the sanctum’s gold plated dome sparkling in the glow of an opulent chandelier. However, there’s no time to waste as the temple priests herd the crowds through the sanctum with orders of chalo, chalo (move, move). Visitors should say a prayer, hand their offerings to one of the temple priests inside the sanctum, and receive Prasad (a re-distribution of the offerings, which have been blessed by the God).
Two large silver mice statues can also be found inside the temple. It’s believed that these mice, as Lord Ganesha’s ‘vehicle’, will carry the devotees’ wishes to him. Visitors should approach one of the two mice, give it some Prasad, and while placing a hand over one of the mouse's ears, whisper their wishes into the other ear.
Who knows, the wishes just might come true!
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