The Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is one of the most famous and revered temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha in India. Located in Prabhadevi, it attracts millions of devotees, including Bollywood celebrities, politicians, and business tycoons.
Key Highlights of Siddhivinayak Temple:
- Deity: Lord Ganesha (Siddhivinayak means “Ganesha who grants wishes”).
- Established: Originally built in 1801 by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil.
- Architectural Features: The temple has a gold-plated dome, an inner sanctum made of marble and gold, and intricate wooden carvings of Lord Ganesha.
- Special Features: The idol of Lord Ganesha is self-manifested (Swayambhu) and unique, with a right-tilted trunk and a lotus on His left hand.
- Devotee Footfall: Over 25,000 to 30,000 devotees daily, and on Tuesdays, the number increases significantly.
- Festivals: The temple is most crowded during Ganesh Chaturthi, which is celebrated with grandeur.
Why is it Special?
- Wish-Fulfilling Shrine: Many believe that praying here fulfills their desires, making it a Siddhivinayak (wish-granting) temple.
- Celebrities and VIPs: Frequent visits from Bollywood stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Shilpa Shetty, Deepika Padukone, Salman Khan, and cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar.
- Spiritual and Historical Significance: It is considered one of the richest temples in Mumbai and holds immense religious importance.