Here are 21 interesting facts about the Siddhivinayak Temple
in Mumbai:
Established Date: The temple was originally constructed on
November 19, 1801, by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil.
Initial Size: Initially, it was a small structure measuring
3.6 meters by 3.6 meters.
Deity: The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, known as
Siddhivinayak, which means "Ganesha who grants your wish."
Iconography: The idol of Siddhivinayak is made of black
stone and is about 2 feet 6 inches high and 2 feet wide, with the trunk of
Ganesha tilted to the right.
Unique Idol: The idol has four arms (Chaturbhuj), each
holding a lotus, an axe, a modak (sweet), and a rosary.
Significance of Eyes: The idol's eyes are embedded with
diamonds.
Shrine of Hanuman: The temple complex also houses a small
Hanuman shrine, which was discovered during road extension work in the 1950s.
Crowd Puller: On Tuesdays, which are considered auspicious
for Lord Ganesha, the temple attracts over 100,000 devotees.
Celebrity Visits: The temple is frequented by celebrities,
politicians, and other prominent personalities from Mumbai and beyond.
Major Renovation: The temple underwent a major renovation in
the late 20th century, and it was transformed into a six-story structure.
Gold Dome: The sanctum sanctorum has a gold-plated dome,
which adds to the temple's grandeur.
Prabhadevi: The temple is located in Prabhadevi, a prominent
locality in South Mumbai.
Historical Contribution: The temple was built by Deubai
Patil, a childless woman who believed that Lord Ganesha would grant children to
other barren women.
Navagraha Temple: Inside the temple complex, there is also a
Navgraha temple dedicated to the nine planets.
Aarti Ritual: The temple conducts five aartis every day -
early morning, morning, afternoon, evening, and night.
Ganesh Chaturthi: The temple is particularly crowded during
Ganesh Chaturthi, a major Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Lord Ganesha.
Charitable Trust: The temple is managed by the Shree
Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust, which also runs various charitable
activities including educational and healthcare initiatives.
Online Darshan: Devotees who cannot visit in person can
avail the temple's online darshan facility.
Security Measures: Given the large number of visitors, the
temple has stringent security measures in place, including CCTV surveillance.
Eco-friendly Initiatives: The temple trust promotes
eco-friendly practices, including the use of biodegradable materials for
offerings and decorations.
Accessibility: The temple is easily accessible via public
transportation, with the nearest railway station being Dadar, and is
well-connected by Mumbai's road network.
These facts highlight the spiritual, cultural, and social
significance of the Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai.