As my trip continued now it was time to find myself some solace and peace of mind. So what could be a better destination than the world renowned place for spirituality and devotion, i.e. the Siddhivinayak temple. It is located in the Prabhadevi area of Mumbai.
Originally built in the year 1801 by Deubai Patil and Laxman Vithu this temple is currently one of the richest temples situated in Mumbai. Ironically the current generation of the Patils is dwelling in a condition of utter despair very near to this temple. The Siddhivinayak temple as the name suggests is devoted to the god Ganesha who is mythologically believed to grant all our wishes.
Originally built in the year 1801 by Deubai Patil and Laxman Vithu this temple is currently one of the richest temples situated in Mumbai. Ironically the current generation of the Patils is dwelling in a condition of utter despair very near to this temple. The Siddhivinayak temple as the name suggests is devoted to the god Ganesha who is mythologically believed to grant all our wishes.
The temple comprises of a small shrine of lord Ganesha, which is located in a small hall inside the temple. The doors of the sanctum are carved out of wood and portray the images of the eight manifestations of Lord Ganesha, colloquially known as Ashta Vinayak. The inner roof of the sanctum sanctorum is gold plated and therein is located a statue of Lord Ganesha in the centre. A Hanuman temple is also constructed in the periphery of the main temple.
This temple has evolved over time from a small place of worship to this grand sacred site for devotees who come from near and far of places with the conviction of getting their desires and wishes fulfilled. Religion indeed is no less than opium that is particularly very evident in the faith of devotees who flood the places of religious beliefs with a hope of getting the blessings of gods and goddesses.
Like in case of the Siddhivinayak temple which has been popularized not only by politicians but also the Bollywood film actors who frequent this place to seek the blessings of lord Ganapati. Devotees also call lord Ganesha or Siddhivinayak as “Navasala Pavanara Ganapati” or “Navasacha Ganapati” in Marathi.
This means lord Ganesha fulfills the wishes of every human being who wishes humbly to him. My visit to this sacred place of worship was a very different and fulfilling experience and I could feel the calmness in the environment of the temple that I carried with me as I headed back to my abode.
Like in case of the Siddhivinayak temple which has been popularized not only by politicians but also the Bollywood film actors who frequent this place to seek the blessings of lord Ganapati. Devotees also call lord Ganesha or Siddhivinayak as “Navasala Pavanara Ganapati” or “Navasacha Ganapati” in Marathi.
This means lord Ganesha fulfills the wishes of every human being who wishes humbly to him. My visit to this sacred place of worship was a very different and fulfilling experience and I could feel the calmness in the environment of the temple that I carried with me as I headed back to my abode.