Shri Siddhivinayak Maharaj

Shri Siddhivinayak is one of the popular deities of Mumbai.His temple is located at Prabhadevi.Here is the link to the temple website : http://www.siddhivinayak.org/

The idol of Shri Siddhivinayak here is carved out of a single black stone and is 2’6” high and 2′ wide with the trunk on the right. The upper right and left hands hold a lotus and an axe respectively while the lower right and left hands hold a japmala and bowl full of Modak respectively. As it resembles the sacred thread, a snake appears on the left shoulder to right side belly. On the forehead of deity is an eye, which almost looks like the third eye of Lord Shiva. On both sides of the Lord Ganesh idol, are placed one idol each of Riddhi and Siddhi goddesses who appear to be peeping from behind Ganeshji. Because of these two deities along with Lord Ganesh, this temple is known as the Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple. These goddesses signify sanctity, success, wealth and prosperity.

In Marathi,the local language,this deity is known as “Navasacha Ganapati” or “Navasala Pavanara Ganapati” i.e. Ganapati who bestows every wish that is humbly and genuinely prayed for by devotees.

As he is believed to be Vignaharta = Remover of Obstacles , it is customary to pray at this temple before every new venture.Small wonder that the temple is equally popular with celebrities like the Bachchan Parivar, billionaires like L.N. Mittal and common folk.

Here are videos of the Aarti at Shri Siddhivinayak Mandir,Prabhadevi.I’m afraid I haven’t been able to locate better quality images so far.I will substitute them as soon as I can find better ones.I hope you find the Aarti as comforting as I do.