INDIA. Maharashtra, Mumbai: The Siddhivinayak Temple is a popular Hindu temple located in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is known as the remover of obstacles and the god of beginnings. The temple attracts millions of devotees every year, who come to seek the blessings of Lord Ganesha. In this article, we will explore some of the lesser-known facts about the Siddhivinayak Temple.
Lesser-known facts about the Siddhivinayak temple
The temple was built in 1801: The Siddhivinayak Temple was built in 1801 by a rich Agri woman named Deubai Patil. The temple was initially a small structure made of brick and had a thatched roof.
The idol of Lord Ganesha is self-manifested: The temple houses a self-manifested idol of Lord Ganesha, which means it was not created by any human. The idol is made of black stone and is two and a half feet tall and two feet wide.
The temple was once a small hut: The temple was once a small hut where the idol of Lord Ganesha was kept. The hut was demolished in 1952, and a new temple was built in its place.
The temple has a gold-plated roof: The roof of the temple is plated with 3.7 kg of gold. The gold plating was done in 1992 after a wealthy devotee donated the gold.
The temple has a unique architecture: The temple’s architecture is a blend of Hindu and Muslim styles. The dome of the temple is Islamic in style, while the wooden doors and pillars are carved in the traditional Hindu style.
The temple has a wish-fulfilling tree: The temple has a banyan tree outside its premises, which is believed to be a wish-fulfilling tree. Devotees tie red threads around the tree and make a wish.
The temple has a special entrance for VIPs: The temple has a separate entrance for VIPs and celebrities. This entrance is located on the right side of the main entrance and leads to the sanctum sanctorum.
The temple has an eco-friendly initiative: The temple has an eco-friendly initiative called “Green Ganesha”. The initiative promotes the use of eco-friendly materials for making idols of Lord Ganesha during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi.
A silver chariot: The temple has a silver chariot that is used to carry the idol of Lord Ganesha during the annual procession. Devotees are pulling the chariot, which has intricate carvings on it.
The temple has a record in the Guinness Book of World Records: The Siddhivinayak Temple has a record in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most number of people singing the national anthem simultaneously. The record was set on January 26, 2018, when 1,68,539 people sang the national anthem together.
The Siddhivinayak Temple is not only a popular pilgrimage site but also a unique and interesting landmark in Mumbai. Its history, architecture, and traditions make it a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. The lesser-known facts about the temple add to its mystique and allure, making it a fascinating place to explore.
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