Safari Plus - January 2023 Digital Edition

Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple

The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple, situated at Prabhadevi, Mumbai was first consecrated on Thursday 19th November 1801 (by a lady named Deubai Patil), a fact that is noted in government records.

The temple then was a small structure housing the black stone idol of Shree Siddhivinayak, which was two and half feet wide. The Siddhivinayak Ganesha idol is quite unique and unusual as it was carved out of a single black stone and has Ganesha’s trunk to the right instead of left. 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 idols of Riddhi and Siddhi are on either side of Shree Siddhivinayak. Riddhi and Siddhi are Goddesses of success, riches and prosperity.

The sanctum sanctorum housing the deity was altered time and again and finally gave way to a monolithic and magnificent structure, which was accomplished by a series of rituals, which lasted a fortnight. Etched on the forehead of the deity is an eye, which resembles the third eye of Lord Shiva.

Two huge silver mice statues are found inside the temple. It’s believed if you whisper your wish in their ears, they take your wish to Lord Ganesha.

Edited & Published by Shailendra Kesari • wwwsafariplus co in • Email - shailendra@safariplus co in • January 2023 Digital Edition