Sri Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Sri Siddhivinayak Temple

At a distance of 10 Km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Sri Siddhivinayak Temple is a famous Hindu Temple located at Prabhadevi locality of Mumbai. Siddhivinayak Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh and is among the must include places in Mumbai Darshan Packages. With a history spanning over 200 years, it ranks among the wealthiest temples in India, attracting a diverse range of visitors, including celebrities, Bollywood figures, politicians, and everyday worshippers. It is estimated that the temple receives annual donations ranging from 100 to 150 million rupees from its devotees. A widely held belief is that Siddhivinayak Ganapati grants the wishes of those who pray sincerely at this sacred site. It is one of the sacred places of pilgrimage in Maharashtra, and among the must-include places in Mumbai tour packages.

History of Sri Siddhivinayak Temple

Siddhivinayak Temple was established on November 19, 1801, by Laxman Vithu. The construction was financed by Deubai Patil, a wealthy woman without children, who believed that Lord Ganesha would fulfill the desires of other women seeking motherhood. In 1990, the temple underwent significant renovations costing INR 3 crore, transforming the modest 200-year-old shrine into one of the most striking and magnificent temples in Mumbai. The temple's stunning design was created by renowned architect Sharad Athale.

Mythology of Sri Siddhivinayak Temple

According to a local legend, Ramakrishna Jambhekar Maharaj, a follower of Akkalkot Swami Samarth, interred two idols in front of the Siddhivinayak idol following the guidance of his guru. After 21 years, as prophesied, a Mandar tree emerged at that location, and an image of Ganesha manifested on its branches. In 1952, during road expansion work, a Hanuman idol was unearthed, leading to the addition of a small shrine in His honor within the temple grounds. Over time, the temple's renown and the stories surrounding it have spread extensively throughout the region.

Architecture of Sri Siddhivinayak Temple

The ancient temple showcases a traditional architectural design, featuring a hall, a sanctum sanctorum, an open area, the temple's administrative office located to the right, and a water tank positioned at the front. Preserving the original idol, the temple has been transformed into a distinctive six-storey structure with multiple angles, crowned by a central dome that is gold-plated. Surrounding this dome are smaller crowns crafted from gold and panchadhatu, a combination of five metals. Access to the interior is provided through three main entrances.

The first floor serves as a mezzanine primarily designated for pujas and darshan. The second floor contains the kitchen responsible for preparing Shree's Maha Naivedya (offering) and includes a restroom. This level also accommodates the administrative offices of the supervisor and assistant supervisor. The third floor is home to the temple's central office. The fourth floor features a library that boasts an extensive collection of 8,000 books covering topics such as religion, literature, medicine, engineering, and economics. The fifth floor is primarily utilized for food preparation needed for festivals and fire offerings.

Within the sanctum sanctorum resides the black stone idol of Sri Siddhivinayak, measuring 2 feet 6 inches in height and 2 feet in width. A notable characteristic of this idol is its trunk, which is tilted to the right. The idol possesses four arms, holding a lotus in the upper right hand, a small axe in the upper left, holy beads in the lower right, and a bowl filled with Modaks in the lower left. The presiding deity is flanked by Riddhi or Siddhi, the two wives of Ganesh, representing the goddesses of success and prosperity. An eye, resembling the third eye of Lord Shiva, is etched on the forehead of the deity.

Festivals of Sri Siddhivinayak Temple

The Sri Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai hosts numerous festivals annually, with Ganesh Chaturthi standing out as the most significant. Occurring in August or September, this festival commemorates the birth of Lord Ganesha and spans ten days filled with elaborate processions, rituals, and decorations. Other important celebrations at the temple include Sankasht Chaturthi, Hanuman Jayanti, and Akshaya Tritiya. Additionally, Tuesdays attract the highest number of visitors, as this day is regarded as particularly auspicious for honoring Lord Ganesha.

Sri Siddhivinayak Temple Dress Code & Other Restrictions

The Sri Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple has established a dress code for its devotees, mandating that they wear appropriate and modest attire, with a preference for traditional Indian clothing. Men are advised to wear a dhoti or pajama paired with an upper garment, or, alternatively, formal trousers and shirts. Women are encouraged to opt for a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is advisable to refrain from wearing modern clothing such as mini-skirts, shorts, torn jeans, and sleeveless tops when visiting the temple.

The Siddhivinayak Temple generally permits entry to non-Hindus. It welcomes individuals from all backgrounds who are in search of spiritual insight and contemplation.

Sri Siddhivinayak Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 10 PM
Tuesday: 3:15 AM - 11:30 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 10 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 10 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 10 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 10 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 10 PM

Sri Siddhivinayak Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshan available for Rs. 100
VIP Darshan available for Rs. 200 - Rs. 500

Best Time to Visit Sri Siddhivinayak Temple

The best period to visit Siddhivinayak Temple is between October and February, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for temple visits. To fully immerse yourself in the temple's spiritual atmosphere, consider scheduling your visit during the Ganesha Chaturthi Festival, which lasts for ten days and features grand processions, rituals, and vibrant decorations. The summer months from March to June can be excessively hot and humid, while the monsoon season from June to September is characterized by heavy rainfall that may disrupt travel plans.

How to Reach Sri Siddhivinayak Temple

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, located approximately 18 kilometers from Sri Siddhivinayak Temple, serves as the closest airport. It offers extensive flight connections to prominent international destinations such as Dubai, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the USA, and Europe, as well as various domestic locations including Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Jaipur, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kolkata, and Goa. Additionally, the Victoria Terminus and Bombay Central Stations in Mumbai provide robust train services linking the city to major towns and cities across India, including Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Mumbai is also efficiently connected by bus to cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mangalore, Goa, Ahmedabad, and Pune. Travelers can reach the temple from these locations by utilizing city buses, auto-rickshaws, or taxis.