Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Titwala

Titwala Ganesh temple

The Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple is located in Titwala, a town in the Kalyan taluka of Thane district, near Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu, elephant-headed god of wisdom Ganesha. The Titwala Ganapati, as it is popularly known, is flooded with devotees from all over Mumbai and nearby places, especially on Tuesday, Chaturthi and Jayanti. The Titwala Ganesh temple is very ancient and built in a typical architectural style of Maharashtra. The Titwala Ganesh temple premises also have a temple of Lord Shiva and Goddess Laxmi. There is also an artificial pond constructed outside the Titwala Ganesh Mandir premises. There a garden surrounding the pond.

History

The Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati temple built by Shakuntala with the stated legendary background was submerged under a tank. During the rule of the Peshwa Madhavrao I, to resolve the drought situation in the town, the tank was de-silted to provide drinking water to the town. It was during the de-silting operations that the temple was found buried. The image of god Ganesha was found by Peshwa sardar Ramchandra Mehendale buried in the silt. Soon thereafter, the renovation of the temple was undertaken and a stone temple was built. Peshwa Madhavrao I consecrated the ancient Ganesha image in this new temple.

Temple architecture & God’s Idol

Titwala Ganapati

The temple hall has marble flooring. Recently, the eyes and the navel of the image have been decorated with ruby stones. On the right of the main entrance door is a shrine containing a Shiva-linga. In front of the temple, there is also an impressive lamp tower. The temple Shikhara (pinnacle) is decorated with sculptures of the Ashtavinayak, central images from eight revered Ganesha temples near Pune, Maharashtra.

Titwala Ganesh Mandir Timing:

• Daily 5 Am to 13 hours and 14 to 21 hours
• Temple remains close for darshan from 13 to 14 hours and 14 to 14:30 hours for Arti every day. (Only the Sannithi doors of Ganapati will remain closed. Temple remains open)
• Temple remains open from 16 to 23 hours on Sankashti, Chaturthi.
• For Angarika Chaturthi, temple is open from Monday Midnight to Tuesday Midnight

How to reach

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By Rail:

On the Mumbai Suburban Railway central line towards Kasara (Fast / Slow is ok), get down at Titwala Station. The Titwala temple is at a distance of about 2.5 km and can be reached by Auto (for Rs. 10) in around 5 to 10 mins.

By Road:

Titwala can be reached by road from Kalyan, Thane & Mumbai.

Mahalakshmi Temple

Mahalakshmi Temple

Mahalakshmi Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to honour 'Goddess Mahalakshmi' who is also known as the 'Goddess of Wealth'. This beautiful temple is one of the most famous temples of Mumbai situated on Bhulabhai Desai Road and was constructed between 1761 A.D.1771 A.D. Many devotees visit this temple to offer their prayers to Goddess Mahalakshmi and the other figures of the magnificent Hindu Goddesses like Mahakali and Mahasaraswati, adorned with stunning jewellery. This well-known temple is a hot destination for tourists and pilgrims all over the world. A large number of believers throng this temple on Fridays. During the days of 'Navaratri' festival, thousands of devotees flock this shrine to witness the celebrations. Within the temple vicinity, there are various shops selling flowers, flower garlands and other 'puja' accessories.

History

Centuries ago, the British wanted to connect Malabar Hill with Worli. This was not possible during those days due to marine disturbances. It is believed that one night the chief engineer dreamt of Goddess Mahalakshmi who asked him to find three idols located at the bottom of the ocean and place them inside a temple dedicated to her. Some say that after he followed the Goddess's instructions, the Breach Candy, that linked Malabar Hill and Worli, was built. Today, one can still find the three idols of Goddess Mahalakshmi, Goddess Mahakali and Goddess Mahasaraswati placed inside the Mahalakshmi Temple.

Architecture & Goddess idol

Mahalakshmi Temple is adorned with intricate designs and is structured in the most exquisite manner. The main doorway leading to the temple complex is luxuriously ornamented that adds to the beauty of this gorgeous shrine. On entering into the temple compound one sees about 10.60 meters high single wooden block covered with silver sheets Dhwajstambh and also Deepmala carved in stone. Then on entering the Sabhamandap one sees a Lion (covered with silver) fixed in the centre of the Sabhamandap facing the deities. The area of the Sabhamandap facing the deities is approximately 12.10 meters X 9.10 meters. There are 27 apex tops on the Sabhamandap, two wooden idols of Jay-Vijay covered with silver located on two sides of main door of Gabhara. On the main gate of Gabhara there is “Shree-yantra” also known as “Laxmi yantra”.

The Goddesses idols

There are small idols of Shree Ganapati and Vitthal - Rukhmini on two sides outside Gabhara or the Sancto Sanatorium. The Gabhara is about 11meters X 11 meters.  On entering in the Gabhara, devotees first get darshan of the three deities (i.e. Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati and on the top of the simhasana there is Annapurna.). The entire ‘SIMHASAN’ in the Gabhara is covered with beautifully carved silver sheets with elephants and peacocks on the front side pillars. The throne of the deities is beautifully carved and part of it is covered with carved silver sheets. One can see the idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi decorated elegantly with gold bangles, pearl necklaces, nose studs and flowers. Other idols of 'Goddess Mahakali' and 'Goddess Saraswati' in the temple are also ornamented with jewels. The top i.e. Kalash of the temple is at a height of about 15 meters.

Things to do

View from sea of Mahalakshmi Temple

The Mahalakshmi temple is not only constructed exquisitely but is also sited beside the ocean, which is visually appealing. One can retreat from the busy city and visit this heavenly temple to experience repose and serenity. One can visit the Mahalakshmi Temple during 'Navaratri' to witness the glorious festive celebrations. Devotees can offer coconuts, sweets and flowers to honour the Goddess during this holy occasion. One can also shop here as there are plenty of stalls selling flowers, sweets and religious relics within the temple complex.

Nearby Places

The Atria Mall located in Worli is very close to Mahalakshmi Temple and is an amazing place to visit, especially if you love shopping! The Heera Panna Shopping Centre is one of the most popular shopping areas in Mumbai and is sited close to the temple. One can also visit the Haji Ali Dargah, which is another popular tourist and sacred spot in Mumbai.

How to reach

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By Rail

The Mahalakshmi Station is the closest station to the temple and one can hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from here to the Mahalakshmi temple.

By Road

Mahalakshmi Temple is well-connected by roads therefore it is easy to reach the temple via road. Buses are available from the Mahalakshmi Station to the Mahalakshmi Temple.

Mumbadevi Temple

Mumbadevi Temple, Mumbai

Mumbadevi Temple in Mumbai is the temple of Maa Mumbadevi. Mumbai has derived its name from Goddess Mumbadevi. It is built to pay a tribute to the Goddess of Mumbai. There is a great mythological story attached to the creation of this temple. The current name of the city is derived from the resident deity of Mumbai, Goddess Mumbadevi. On Mondays the temple remains closed.

History

The Mumbadevi Temple was first built in Bori-Bunder in 1675. The temple was destroyed and reconstructed at Zaveri Bazaar, Bhuleshwar in 1737. Since ancient times, the Koli fishermen and Dravidians offered their prayers to Mumbadevi at this temple and still continue to do so.

Legend

According to a legend, Mumbadevi, an eight-armed Goddess, was sent by 'Lord Brahma' to vanquish an evil demon known as 'Mumbaraka', who terrorized the locals. After his defeat, Mumbaraka fell on his knees and begged the Goddess to take his name. He was also given the permission to build a beautiful temple dedicated to her. Thus, the magnificent shrine of Mumbadevi Temple was built by Mumbaraka in the heart of the city.

Architecture & goddess’s idol

Goddess Mumbadevi

The structure of Mumbadevi Temple is a marvellous sight for anyone who visits this shrine. The highlight of the Mumbadevi Temple is the benevolent Goddess Mumbadevi, dressed in silver robes, adorned with a silver crown, a golden necklace and a nose stud. The idol is placed on an altar, bedecked with marigold flowers. Idols of 'Hanuman' and 'Ganesh' are also placed within the temple complex. In the Mumbadevi Temple, apart from the image of the Goddess Mumbadevi, there also reside idols of Ganesh, Indra and Hanuman. Other figures include a stone idol of 'Annapurna' seated on a peacock and a sculpture of a fierce tiger. It is believed that the Maa Mumba does not let down any of her devotees if they are sincere while offering their prayers.

Things to Do

Apart from attending the Mumba Devi Temple activities, one can also explore the various shops surrounding the temple vicinity. There are several shops selling a variety of fresh flowers and delicious sweets. One can find shops selling religious artefacts and idols. There are also several jewellery shops located in Zaveri Bazaar (which literally translates into Jewellers’ Market) if you are looking to invest in some gold!

Nearby Places

Crawford Market situated nearby is famous for its fresh vegetables, fruits and meat. The Chowpatty Beach, a hot tourist destination, is located at the Northern end of Marine Drive so if you are looking for some solitude, you might want to head to the beach after the temple aarti.

How to Reach

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By Road

One can hire auto-rickshaws or taxis to Bhuleshwar where the Mumbadevi Temple is located.

By Rail

One can reach Mumbadevi Temple easily by boarding local trains from the city. The Charni-road Station is only 10 minutes from Bhuleshwar. Churchgate Station is also located close to Bhuleshwar.

Shree Siddhivinayak Ganesh Temple

The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir is a temple dedicated to Lord Shri Ganesh. It is a famous temple located in Prabhadevi in Mumbai, Maharashtra. People believe that lord ganesh of siddhivinayak temple fulfills the desires of his worshipers. 

Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir, Prabhadevi, Mumbai

Temple architecture & Lord Ganesh’s idol

The Siddhivinayak Temple is designed exquisitely and truly is one of the most magnificent shrines in Mumbai. The temple encompasses a small hall or 'mandapam' where Lord Ganesh is placed. The 'Gabhara' is an octagonal shelter, which is about ten feet wide that covers the idol of Lord Ganesh. The roof inside the Gabhara is gold plated and enhances the beauty of the idol. One can observe intricate designs and 8 different images of Lord Ganesh, known as Ashtavinayak (the eight manifestations of Ganesha in Maharashtra), that are carved perfectly on the wooden doors of the temple. The temple complex covers an area of 2550 sq. meters. In the periphery, there is a Hanuman temple as well.

Ganesh, the son of Shree Shiva is one of the most prominent altars, faithfully invoked and dedicatedly worshipped by a large number of devotees. The idol of Shree Siddhivinayak is of black stone and it is carved out of a single stone. It is 2½ feet high and 2 feet wide. The trunk of the Ganesh idol is tilted towards its right and the figure is represented with 4 hands. 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 auspicious idol of Shree Siddhivinayak with its trunk bent towards the right is unique, as the trunk is usually found curving leftwards.

Planning to visit, take a note of these instructions

• Tuesday is considered to be a special day for Lord Ganesh devotees, 'Aartis' are performed inside the temple which is flocked by devout worshippers.
• During 'Sankashti Chaturthi' and 'Angaraki', a large number of devotees gather to attend the special events held within this temple.
• Laptop and Cameras are not permitted in the Temple premises. Lockers are provided just outside the main gate at nominal charges.
• Temple is a very sacred place and Visitors are requested and expected to dress appropriately.
• Remaining silent and chanting "Shree Gajanana, Jai Gajanana, Jai Jai Ganesh Morya" pleases the Lord immensely.

How to reach here

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By Air:

If you are travelling to Mumbai from outside India, then you will arrive at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, the temple is at a distance of 11kms approximately from International Airport. If you are travelling to Mumbai from within India, then you will arrive at the domestic terminal of the airport, the temple is at a distance of 16kms approximately from Domestic Terminal. The easiest way further to reach is by road.

By Rail:

Mumbai is well connected to all major cities & town with express trains and passenger trains. Also Mumbai city has a good local train network (similar to the metro or the tube in some countries). One can further hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw.

 By Road:

One can hire taxis or auto-rickshaws to reach here easily. Many buses are also available that would take you to the temple.