All About Siddhivinayak Temple Mumbai
Located in the lively Prabhadevi area of Mumbai, the Siddhivinayak Temple is a special place dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Hindu god who helps remove problems and brings success. People call it the “Wish-Granting Temple” because many believe their prayers here come true. It’s not just a place for worship—it’s also a big part of Mumbai’s culture, attracting millions of visitors, from everyday people to celebrities. With its long history, beautiful building, and amazing charity work, this temple is a must-visit for anyone wanting to feel its peaceful vibe or learn about its story. This guide covers everything you need to know about the temple’s history, look, importance, how to visit, and the good it does for people.
Siddhivinayak Temple History
The Siddhivinayak Temple started in 1801, built by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil. Deubai, who couldn’t have children, made the temple so Lord Ganesha could bless other women in the same situation. It was built on a special day, Kartik Shuddha Chaturdashi in the year 1723 of the Shalivahan calendar (1801). Some say the temple’s story might go back 500 years, based on similar temples in South Mumbai’s Banganga area.
Over the years, the temple grew. Regular prayers started in 1936, led by Shree Govindrao Phatak, following advice from Shri Jambhekar Maharaj, a follower of the holy saint Shree Swami Samarth. In 1954, a nearby lake was filled in, and the land was given to a housing group. In 1980, the government took over the temple through a special law called the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust Act. The big six-story building we see today was started in 1990 by Chief Minister Shri Sharad Chandraji Pawar and opened in 1994 by Jagadguru Shri Shankaracharya. There’s also a cool story about a Mandar tree planted by Shree RamKrishna Jambhekar Maharaj, blessed by Shree Swami Samarth, which shows the temple’s lasting importance.
What It Looks Like
The Siddhivinayak Temple is a mix of old-school Hindu style and modern design, created by architect Sharad Athale. The six-story building, built in 1990 for 3 crore rupees, uses smooth marble and pink granite. Its standout feature is a shiny gold-plated dome on top, along with 37 smaller gold domes. The temple has three entrances with wooden doors carved with pictures of the Ashtavinayak, which are eight special forms of Lord Ganesha in Maharashtra.
Back in 1801, the temple was a small 3.6-meter by 3.6-meter brick building with a dome on top. Now, it’s set up to handle lots of visitors and run smoothly:
| Floor | What’s There |
Ground Floor | Big area for seeing the idol, doing prayers, and special ceremonies. |
First Floor | Extra space for prayers and seeing the idol. |
Second Floor | Kitchen for making food offerings and a rest area for priests, with an elevator. |
Third Floor | Offices for the temple’s leaders and a meeting room. |
Fourth Floor | More offices and a Digital Library with 30 computers. |
Fifth Floor | Area for making sacred food for visitors. |
At night, the main dome lights up with bright, changing colors, making it a beautiful sight. There’s also a small Hanuman mandir nearby, and cameras all around keep the place safe.
Why It’s Special
The Siddhivinayak Temple is loved for its black stone statue of Lord Ganesha, which is 2.5 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Made from one big stone, it’s extra special because Ganesha’s trunk tilts to the right, which is
rare and said to make wishes come true faster. The statue wears a gold crown, has orange coloring, and is joined by Riddhi and Siddhi, goddesses of wealth and success. The name “Siddhivinayak” means “Ganesha who gives wishes,” and people believe praying here with a true heart works wonders.
The temple is Mumbai’s most famous, with Messi’s place for wisdom, smarts, and success. It’s packed on Tuesdays and during festivals like Sankasht Chaturthi and Aangarak Chaturthi, which are great days to worship Ganesha. Even big names like celebrities and politicians visit, and the temple gets donations worth ₹100-150 million a year, making it one of Mumbai’s richest temples. Its connection to Shree Swami Samarth, a holy saint who blessed it, and a special Mandar tree on the grounds add to its magic.
How to Visit Siddhivinayak Temple Mumbai
Where It Is
The temple is in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, in a nice, easy-to-reach part of the city.
How to Get There
You can reach the temple in several ways:
Way to Travel | Details |
By Plane | 15 km from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, with flights to major cities. |
By Train | 2 km from Dadar station, on Western and Central railway lines. |
By Car/Bus | Take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or public bus from different parts of Mumbai. |
Local Options | Auto-rickshaws, taxis, or app-based cabs like Uber are easy to find. |
When It’s Open
The temple is open every day from 5:30 AM to 9:50 PM. On Tuesdays, it starts earlier at 3:15 AM because so many people come. Check the exact times on the official website: Siddhivinayak Trust.
Daily Prayers
- Morning Prayer (Kakad Aarti): 5:30 AM
- Midday Prayer: 12:15 PM
- Evening Prayer: 7:30 PM
Best Times to Go
Visit early in the morning or late evening to skip long lines. Weekdays are quieter than weekends, and non-festival days are calmer.
Where to Stay
You can find hotels near the temple, from cheap to fancy ones. There are also guesthouses for pilgrims, but book early, especially during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi.
Where to Eat
Prabhadevi has lots of vegetarian restaurants with tasty Maharashtrian food, perfect for a meal after your visit.
Tips for Visiting
- Book Ahead: Reserve your hotel early, especially for big festivals.
- Clothes: Wear simple, respectful outfits.
- Shoes: Pick comfy ones since you’ll be walking.
- No Photos: Cameras and phones aren’t allowed inside.
- Items Not Allowed: Leave bags, non-veg food, and alcohol at home.
- Online Options: Use the Siddhivinayak Temple App to book a visit or join
online prayers.
FAQs
- VIP Visit Cost: ₹200 to ₹500, bought at the temple.
- Shree Darshan: A free, close-up view of Lord Ganesha’s statue.
Helping the Community
The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust does a lot to help people. They focus on health, education, the environment, and community support:
What They Do | Examples |
Health Help | Dialysis center, medical aid, hospital equipment, health camps (blood drives, eye tests). |
Education | Modern library, digital library, books for the blind, book bank, student awards. |
Nature | Rainwater collection, solar power, eco-friendly festivals, flower waste composting, water projects. |
Community: | Events for kids with heart issues and people with |
These efforts, listed on the temple’s website (Siddhivinayak Trust – Activities), show how the temple makes a big difference for people in need.
Wrapping Up
The Siddhivinayak Temple is a key part of Mumbai’s heart and soul. Its 200-year history, blessed by saints and filled with devotion, makes it a place of hope. The temple’s beauty, with its gold dome and detailed
carvings, matches its spiritual power. Known as the “Wish-Granting Temple,” it brings people together to pray for better days, while its charity work helps countless lives. Whether you’re visiting to pray, explore,
or see its good deeds, the Siddhivinayak Temple is a place that leaves you inspired and uplifted.
Enjoy your visit and have a divine experience! 🙏
Official Website: Siddhivinayak Temple Mumbai Contact No.: 91-022-62491111
Address: S.K. Bole Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai 400028 Email: info@siddhivinayak.org
Read Also: Famous Temples in Maharashtra
