Visiting Shri Siddhivinayak Temple
Mumbai’s Most Important Temple Dedicated to Lord Ganesha
Have a wish that you want fulfilled? Pray to the elephant headed Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, at the Shri Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai.
Shri Siddhivinayak offers an important opportunity for anyone who’s interested in seeing inside a Hindu temple and paying respect to one of Hinduism's most revered Gods. While many Hindu temples only allow Hindus to enter, thereby adding to the religion’s mystery, this temple welcomes everyone with its open door policy.
Visitors shouldn’t expect a peaceful experience however. On an average day, the temple draws over 25,000 people. Every Tuesday, the most auspicious day of the week, this number swells to over 100,000 people.
From Monday evening, the crowd starts swarming around the temple and lining up in anticipation of Tuesday's 4.45am holy aarti (prayer). With a queue that’s known to stretch for over 2 kilometres at times, devotees show an extraordinary amount of the characteristic patience that Indians are known for. Of course, being India, money also talks at this wealthy temple. Those not inclined to wait can bypass the slow moving queue by paying a fee at the VIP entrance, making a donation, or purchasing a silver or gold membership pass.
The main reason that the Shri Siddhivinayak temple manages to attract such feverish activity all year round is the devotees’ belief in Lord Ganesha’s ability to answer their prayers. The temple was built by a rich but childless lady by the name of Mrs. Deubai Patil, who wished that other childless women be granted a baby upon visiting the temple and praying. It’s said that many people have had their wishes come true over the years. The sincerity and intensity in which devotees visit the temple is inspiring, and despite the heat and crowds, it’s definitely possible to feel the increased energy there.
The temple, which was opened in 1801, was renovated in 1990. Evidently no expense was spared – it’s an imposing six story structure made out of white marble and granite. Visitors will know that they’re nearing the temple well before they set eyes on it. The approach is lined with a carnival like display of beggars, saffron robed sadus (holy men), and vendors peddling all manner of treats to delight the Elephant God, including coconuts, garlands and sweets.
What’s surprising is the extensive security measures in place at the temple. Sadly, as a result of the threat of terrorist activity in recent years, the atmosphere at the entrance now resembles that of an international airport with numerous metal detectors, x-ray machines, and closed circuit cameras in operation.
How to Visit the Shri Siddhivinayak Temple
The temple is located on the corner of Kakasaheb Gadgil Marg (more commonly known as K.G. Marg) and S.K. Bole Marg, in Mumbai’s central suburb of Prabhadevi near Dadar. Visitors can enter from 6am Wednesdays to Mondays, and 4am on Tuesdays.
When attending the temple, the most important thing to keep in mind is to be clean and dress respectfully in conservative clothing that covers the legs and shoulders. To receive Lord Ganesha’s blessing, visitors should also bring an offering such as flowers and sweets to give to the God. Before entering the temple, everyone is required to undergo the necessary security checks, then remove their shoes and hand them to the clerk at the counter for safe keeping.
Inside the temple, to the right, is the three doored sanctum that houses the elaborate statue of Lord Ganesha. Those who look up will see the sanctum’s gold plated dome sparkling in the glow of an opulent chandelier. However, there’s no time to waste as the temple priests herd the crowds through the sanctum with orders of chalo, chalo (move, move). Visitors should say a prayer, hand their offerings to one of the temple priests inside the sanctum, and receive Prasad (a re-distribution of the offerings, which have been blessed by the God).
Two large silver mice statues can also be found inside the temple. It’s believed that these mice, as Lord Ganesha’s ‘vehicle’, will carry the devotees’ wishes to him. Visitors should approach one of the two mice, give it some Prasad, and while placing a hand over one of the mouse's ears, whisper their wishes into the other ear.
Who knows, the wishes just might come true!
For more information, visit the Shri Siddhivinayak temple website
