Lord Ganesha · Nagara · Western India
Shri Siddhivinayak Mandir श्री सिद्धिविनायक मंदिर
A grand mandir of pink sandstone with domed halls and a soaring shikhara, set in gardens of peepal and banyan. Ganesha, remover of obstacles, wears his coat of sindoor in the Maharashtrian way. Begin here, for Ganesha is honoured first in every worship.
Today
Today’s Siddhivinayak
Glistening sindoor on the murti, saffron yellow silk with a red zari border, gold ornaments, garlands of marigold and red hibiscus. The giver of accomplishment; a trunk turned to his own right (dakshinavarti) is worshipped with special care.
The tradition
About Shri Siddhivinayak Mandir
Western Indian Nagara temple; Maharashtrian sindoor coated Ganesha murti
Why Ganesha first
Ganesha is widely invoked at the start of worship and new beginnings as Vighnaharta, the remover of obstacles.
The mouse, Mooshika
Ganesha’s vahana sits facing the sanctum. Many devotees whisper a wish into its ear.
Durva and modak
Durva grass and modak sweets are offerings traditionally associated with Ganesha.
Pradakshina
You may walk clockwise around the sanctum on the raised platform, keeping the shrine to your right.
Offerings
What is offered to Lord Ganesha
Red hibiscus जास्वंद
Red flowers are traditionally dear to Ganesha.
Marigold गेंदा
Red rose गुलाब
Durva grass दूर्वा
Durva grass, often offered in bunches of 21, is special to Ganesha.
Modak मोदक
A sweet dumpling, Ganesha’s favourite naivedya.
Inside
What you can do here
Walk the compound and the halls, leave your footwear at the steps, ring the bell, light incense and a diya, offer red hibiscus at the deity’s feet, receive prasad, sit in the meditation garden and join the aarti with devotees from around the world, five times a day. The grounds also keep 3 small secrets, each with a story of Lord Ganesha, for those who explore.
Five aartis a day
Every temple keeps the hours of a temple in India, so devotees everywhere gather at the same moment. Times may differ by a few minutes from temple to temple.
- Mangala Aarti5:30 am in India5:30 am your time
- Shringar Aarti8:00 am in India8:00 am your time
- Rajbhog Aarti12:00 pm in India12:00 pm your time
- Sandhya Aarti6:30 pm in India6:30 pm your time
- Shayan Aarti9:00 pm in India9:00 pm your time
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