The idea of the construction of the temple struck to Late Deubai during the prayer time, she humbly requested Lord Ganesh and said, "Although I cannot have a child, let other ladies who are childless get the pleasure of child on visiting the temple and praying you". Looking at successful subsequent history of the temple, it appears like the Lord Ganesh nodded to this humble request and pious thoughts and deeds of Late Deubai Patil. It is, therefore, this Siddhivinayak is famous for it and known as "Navasacha Ganapati" or "Navasala Pavanara Ganapati" in Marathi (Ganapati bestows whenever humbly genuinely prayed a wish) among devotees.
The idol of Shree Siddhivinayak was carved out of a single black stone and is 2'6" (750mm) high and 2' (600mm) wide with the trunk on the right. This is rather unusual appearance of Lord Ganesh. The upper right and left hands hold a lotus and an axe respectively while the lower right and left hands hold a rosary (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 are appearing like peeping out of the Ganesh idol from behind. 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.
Around 125 years ago, Shri Akkalkot Swami Samarth's great disciple, Late Ramakrishna Jambhekar Maharaj, who was also ardent devotee of Lord Ganesh and Gayatri Mantra was blessed with Assyssinian ( Siddhi ). One day Swami Samarth asked Shri Jambhekar to bring divine idols. Out of the idols, except two idols, Swami Samarth told to bury in the front courtyard of the house of Swami Samarth's another disciple Shri Cholappa, where Swami Samarth used to temporarily reside. Shri Jambhekar was also told to inhume remaining two idols in front of Lord Ganesh that he usually worshipped. During his attendance with Swami Samarth, Shri Jambhekar foretold that a Mandaar tree would grow on the place after 21 years, Swayambhu ( Swayambhu ) Ganesh would appear on the sacred place. From that onward people's devotion would grow in leaps and beyond.
After few years, Jambhekar Maharaj whose Math is near sea-shore at Dadar, Mumbai, asked Late Priest Govind Chintaman Phatak to look after, perform regular religious pooja etc. of Shree Siddhivinayak Temple. The predecessor of Priest Phatak, there was Late Namdev Kelkar performing priest-wood job in the temple.
From the available information and records, the land of the temple complex was around 2550 sq.mtrs. There was a lake towards eastern and southern side of temple admeasuring approx. 30 x 40 sq.mtrs. This lake was built by Nardulla in early 19th century, to overcome the scarcity of the water, faced by the area. The lake was, later on, filled up, and now it is playground and a part of Kakasaheb Gadgil Marg.
There was also a rest house, sought of Dharmashala and a pair of beautiful 3.6 in high, stone masonry "Deepmalas". There was also a dwelling unit for the owner of this complex. In the earlier days when there were not many structures of residential and commercial type in its neighborhood area. The devotees in large numbers started visiting the temple only after 1952 and the long standing Q's were seen in 1965 onwards.
Since the owner had divided the original plot and subleased it to different parties and naturally the space available around this old temple reduced and became quite small. After 1975, the number of devotees visiting the temple started growing by real sense of Geometrical Progression. It became difficult to enter the temple or even to have "Darshan" of Lord Ganesh, the devotees were finding it quite troublesome to enter through the two small doors
 | | Shree Ganesh is the first to be worshipped before beginning any new project or venture as he is the destroyer of obstacles (Vighnaharta). This is Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple at Prabhadevi in Mumbai, a two-century-old Temple that fulfills the desires of the worshipers.The city of Mumbai is a mute witness to places of worship & historical interest, which are not only popular but also of archaeological importance.
Arguably the most popular & significant places of worship are the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir situated at Prabhadevi. This temple was first consecrated on Thursday 19th November 1801, a fact that is noted in
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| government records. The temple then was a small structure housing the black stone idol of Shree Siddhivinayak, which was two and half feet wide. The outstanding feature of this deity is the tilt of the trunk to the right side. The idol has four hands (Chaturbhuj), which contains a lotus in upper right, a small axe in upper left, holy beads in the lower right and a bowl full of Modaks (a delicacy which is a perennial favorite with Shree Siddhivinayak). Flanking the deity on both sides are Riddhi & Siddhi, goddesses signifying sanctity, fulfillment, prosperity and riches. Etched on the forehead of the deity is an eye, which resembles the third eye of Lord Shiva.
The Temple's old architecture
The old temple had an ancient architectural style, consisting of a hall, a sanctum sanctorum, some free open space, the temple's administrative office to the right and a water tank in the front. One can get an idea of what it may have looked like by visiting the Kashi – Vishveshwar temple situated near the Matunga signal near Citilight Cinema.
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|  | The Temple's New architecture
The architect made an extensive survey of temples in Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. The climatic conditions in both states are dry, hot and semi arid for most parts of the year. However considering the hot and humid climatic conditions, heavy monsoon period for nearly 4 months and proximity of the temple to the sea, the architects came to conclusion that the Shiva Temple at |
| Ambernath would be the ideal role model for this new temple. This Shiva Temple has a solid stone elevation and had faced local climatic condition admirably.Today, the Siddhivinayak temple has undergone a complete architectural transformation. Keeping the idol intact, the temple has been built into unique multiangular, six storeyed structure, that reaches to the skies surmounted with a main central gold plated dome. The other small crowns that surround it are made of gold's and panchadhatu (five metals). Three main entrances lead to the interior. The Makhar (frame) of the sanctum sanctorum has been crafted by the father-son duo, Suresh and Mitesh Mistry, with a long-standing tradition in fine intricate design. They have rendered their services at prestigious religious centers which speaks volumes of their expertise. A Marathi artisan crafted the crown of the temple. The temples renovation commenced in 1990. It was completed in 3 years with an expense of Rupees three crores. The main stones used were marble and pink granite. The temple was designed to be a fine architectural example. Thus, a 200 year old temple was renovated and restored into a magnificent, multistoried and palace like temple. | | | | The first floor of the temple is a mezzanine floor mainly used for puja's and darshan. |  |
| | | | The second floor houses the kitchen used to make Shree's Maha Naivedya (offering) and a restroom.
The Naivedya prepared in the kitchen is carried to the sanctum sanctorum by an elevater system. The floor is under constant security & vigilance through video cameras. This floor also has the administrative offices of the supervisior and assistant supervisor. | |
| | | | The third floor has the temple central office . It has the committee member's chamber, the C.E.O. chamber , member's chamber, conference hall and a computer room that handles all modern administrative and information data processing. | |
| | | | The fourth floor has the temple's library with an exhaustive collection of 8000 books on religion, literature, medicine, engineering, economics etc. It is continuously updated with new titles and editions. The library also has a study hall for students who can avail of all the priceless collection of books on medicine and engineering for reference or study. This library and study hall is open for all the public free of cost. | |
| | | The fifth floor is mainly used for food preparations required for festivals and fire offerings. It once housed a solar heater but was dismantled during the renovation phase
The summit of the temple is a cluster of crowns, 47 gold plated with the main 12 feet crown and 3 fine feet crowns and 33 3.5 feet crowns. The magnificent and graceful temple's crown installation and Kumbhabhishek ceremony took place on 13 June 1994 (Hindu Calendar: - Jestha Shukla Chaturthi Shaka 1916) by the auspicious hands of Shree Shankaracharya Dakshinamnay, Shree Shraddha Pitha, Shamgeri, Shree 2008 Bharti Tirtha Mahaswamiji. During the renovation, the crown of the temple was brought down systematically and as per the customary rites, decorated and mounted in the hall for public viewing. All care and precautions were taken during renovation to preserve the sanctity and purity of the temple and the idol. The multistoried structure of the temple is designed with walls circling the center in such a manner that there is open space up to the summit, which also serves the purpose of keeping the area above the holy sanctum sanctorum away from footsteps. The main crown of the temple, a magnificent gold plated dome, represents the Shree's magnificence, power and presence. Devotee's who are unable to see the main idol, during rush hours or time constraints, often take darshan of the dome which givens them the same solace. In Pandharpur, during Aashadhi and Kartika Ekadashi, when devotees (varkari) come in huge members to set a glimpse of the diety Vithal, they often take darshan of the Vithal Mandir's crown.
Shree's devotees share this same sentiment. The sanctum sanctorum of the renovated temple is spacious with fine entrances of which three are main entrance with a height of 13 feet. Their tallness enables more than 300 devoteees to see the idol from the main hall, as well as the mezzanine floor, all at one time. The central hall around the sanctum sanctorum has tall seating with stairs. Beyond the stain is a huge platform for pooja's, mahapujas etc. This platform too has a view of Shree Siddhivinayak which adds to the satisfaction of the pooja's taking place. The platform is also used for taking Shree's darshan on specific days like Tuesday, Sankashthi Chaturthi and Angarkhi Chaturthi, when the number of devotees reaches to about 2 lakhs. On these days the pujas are carried out on the mezzanine floor, which too has a view of Shree Sidhivinayak. After the pooja rites are over, after 1 a.m. devotees can have darshan from the mezzanine floor, which facilitates devotees who can go back to work within ten to fifteen minutes. The whole architectural design is centered around the convenience of the devotees. The renovation and restoration was done not only to the structure of the temple but also to the faith of the devotees. |
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|  | | Ganesha Mantras
Ganesha mantras are siddhi mantras. Each mantra contains certain specific powers of Lord Ganesha. When chanted with the proper pranayama (rhythmic breathing) and sincere devotion, they will yield good results. In general, Ganesha mantras will ward off all evil and bless the devotee with abundance, prudence and success. Evil spirits dare not enter the home or the mind of the devotee where Ganesha mantras are recited. Some such mantras are given below for the spiritual benefit of the readers. One more point to remember is that one should bathe or wash the limbs before sitting for repetition of the mantra. Also, one should do three or more pranayama before beginning the mantra. The minimum repetition of the mantra should be one full rosary or 108 times. When this is done at a rigid hour and place regularly for 48 days. it becomes an "upaasana" which means intense meditation which will yield siddhi or spiritual powers. The warning given is that one should use those powers only for healing the sick and other such selfless actions for the benefit of mankind. These powers should not be misused. Misuse of power may bring the curse of the deity. | | |  | Om Gam Ganapatayae Namaha |
| | This is a mantra from Ganapati Upanishad. One may always use it before beginning a journey, a new course in school, new career or job, or before entering into any new contract or business so that impediments are removed and your endeavor may be crowned with success. | | | | Om Namo Bhagavatae Gajaananaaya Namaha |
| | | This is a very devotional mantra personifying the all-pervading consciousness of Ganesha. This mantra is very efficacious to have the darshan of Ganesha or to feel his immediate presence as a person. | | | | Om Sri Ganeshaaya Namaha |
| | This mantra is usually taught to all children for their good education. it increases their memory power and they become successful in their examinations. Of course, people of any age may use this mantra when taking courses in a school or university and for success in attaining their degree | | | | Om Vakratunaaya Namaha |
| | This is a very powerful mantra as discussed in the Ganesha Puraana. When something is not working properly, individually or universally, nationally or internationally, or when the minds of the people get curved and negative, the attention of Ganesha may be drawn by this mantra to straighten their ways. The HUM symbolizes "Delay no more, my Lord, in straightening the paths of the curve-minded ones." This mantra is used many times in the Ganesha Puraana to curb the atrocities of cruel demons. In addition, this mantra could also be used for healing any spinal deficiency such as curvature of the spine or curved limbs. Dedicate 1008 repetitions of this holy word to straighten and heal such deficiences. | | | | Om Kshipra Prasadaya Namaha |
| | That kshipra means instantaneous. If some danger or something is coming your way and you don't know how to get rid of that trouble, with true devotion, practice this mantra for quick blessing. | | | | Om Shreem Hreem Kleem Glaum Gam Ganapatayae
Vara Varada Sarva Janamai Vashamanaaya Swaha |
| | There are several bija (seed) mantras in this mantra. Among other things, it means "shower Your blessings, I offer my ego as an oblation." | | | | Om Sumukhaaya Namaha |
| | This mantra has a lot of meaning, but to make it simple, it means you will be always very beautiful in soul, in spirit, in face, everything. By meditating on that mantra, very pleasing manners and beauty comes on you. Along with that comes peace which constantly dances in your eyes, and the words which you speak are all filled with that power of love. | | | | Om Aekadantaaya Namaha |
| | Aekadanta refers to one tusk in the elephant face, which means God broke the duality and made you to have a one-pointed mind. Whoever has that oneness of mind and single-minded devotion will achieve everything. | | | | Om kapilaaya Namaha |
| | Kapila means that you are able to give color therapy. You are able to create colors around yourself and around others, bathe them in that color and heal them. As per the mantra you create, so will you create the colors. Another meaning is "wish cow", the "cow of plenty." It means that whatever you wish, that comes true. There is a wish-cow inside you. Whatever you wish, especially for healing others, comes true immediately. | | | | Om Gajakarnakaaya Namaha |
| | The ears of Ganesha, the elephant, are constantly fanning, which means people may talk a lot, but you are not receiving inside anything other than which is important. It also means that you can sit anywhere and tune this cosmic television (the body) with seven channels (chakras) and all 72,000 nadis, to any loka and be able to hear ancestors, angels, the voice of God, or the voice of prophets. That kind of inner ear you will develop through this mantra. | | | | Om Lambogharaaya Namaha |
| | Which means you feel that you are this universe. It means that all the universe are within you. Like an entire tree is in the seed, the whole universe is in the sound of creation which is OM and that OM conciousness in you makes you feel that you are the universe. Therefore, if you say, realizing the oneness with the universe, "shanti" to the world everyday, then the grace of God will come and there will be world peace, universal peace. It is the universes within OM and OM within you. | | | | Om Vikataaya Namaha |
| | Means realizing this world as a dream or a drama. When you are in that high consciousness, this whole world looks like a dream. All of us have taken a role. We have to play our role in life as wife or husband or kids or citizens as per the role which we have taken. When an actor bitten by a sponge cobra which is brought on the stage falls, the entire audience cries, but that boy who has fallen knows that it was not a real cobra and that he is not dead. Life is a drama-definitely life in this material world, this physical world of ego is a drama. But inside, like the boy on the stage who is very happy knowing that he didn't die by the bite of the sponge cobra, like that, the truth never dies in us; it is immortal. So everything else you consider as drama. That consiousness comes to you by knowing this mantra. | | | | Om Vighna Nashanaaya |
| | Invokes the Lord to remove every impediment in your life and in your works. By constantly knowing this mantra, all obstacles and blocked energy in you also is released. | | | | Om Vinayakaaya Namaha |
| | Vinayakaya is the name of Ganesha in the golden age. So by realizing this mantra, your life will have a golden age. In your office, in your work, you'll be the boss. Vinayaka means something under control. Vinayaka means the Lord of problems. | | | | Om Dhumraketuvae Namaha |
| | Halley's Comet in called Dhumrakeyu in the Vedas. Whenever Halley's Comet appears, on the whole planet earth and in other places also, there will be fear and terror. The guiding Masters and those who have the wisdom to face it will all withdraw to the higher worlds. Important people die during that time, and bloodshed and various other problems come. To overcome that, it's important for us to remember this mantra for world peace. | | | | Om Ganadhyakshaaya Namaha |
| | This mantra is so important. Suppose you have a group, a country, neighbours, or any kind of group therapy, group healing or a whole country nddeing healing, then you have to bring that entrie group to your mind's arena and say this mantra. A group healing takes place by this mantra. | | | | OM BHALACHANDRAAYA NAMAHA Om Bhalachandraaya Namaha |
| | In Sanskrit, bhala means the forehead center. Chandra means tha cresent moon. Bhalachandra means that chakra from where the nectar drips. That is the secret of all healing. It is to feel yourself as Shiva. Identifying yourself with the Truth and feeling constantly that you are carrying the cresent moon, the symbol of growth and nectar and peace. | | | | Om Gajaananaaya Namaha |
| | This means to have upon your trunk an elephant head. It means the ego is cut off and in its place, OM is kept. This means to have a head filled with infinite consciousness. |
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