Siddhivinayak Temple - Siddhatek, Pune - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Siddhatek Siddhivinayak Temple

At a distance of 85 Km from Ahmednagar, and 98 Km from Pune, Siddhivinayak Temple is a Hindu temple situated at Siddhatek in the Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Located on the banks of the River Bhima, the temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom. It is one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples venerating Lord Ganesha, bearing immense religious importance in Maharashtra. The other Ashtavinayak Temples in Maharashtra being Moreshwar in Morgaon, Ballaleshwar in Pali, Maha Ganapati Temple in Ranjangaon, Varadavinayak in Mahad, Chintamani in Theur, Girijatmaj in Lenyadri, and Vighneshwar in Ozar. This is the second temple in the Ashtavinayaka Yatra, and among the top places to visit as part of the Pune pilgrimage packages.

History of Siddhatek Siddhivinayak Temple

The original temple is thought to have been constructed by Lord Vishnu, but it fell into ruin over time. Subsequently, a cowherd reportedly experienced a vision of the ancient temple and discovered the idol of Siddhi vinayaka. After the cowherd began to worship the deity, word of the shrine spread, attracting others. The current temple was established in the late 18th century by Ahilyabai Holkar, the Queen of Indore. Sardar Haripant Phadke, an official under the Peshwa rulers, constructed the Nagarkhana, a chamber designed to house Nagaras (kettle drums), along with a paved pathway leading to the temple's main entrance. The outer sabha mandapa (hall), originally built by Mairal, a landlord from Baroda, was demolished in 1939 and subsequently rebuilt in 1970. Saint Morya Gosavi and his son Narayan Maharaj are noted for having worshipped at this temple, where they achieved siddhi. Presently, the temple is managed by the Chinchwad Devasthan Trust, which also oversees the Morgaon and Theur Ashtavinayak temples.

Mythology of Siddhatek Siddhivinayak Temple

According to the legends, while Lord Vishnu was in a state of Yoga Nidra during the creation of the universe, two demons, Madhu and Kaitabha, emerged from the dirt in his ear. Their disturbance interrupted the creation process, prompting Lord Vishnu to awaken from his sleep. However, he found himself unable to vanquish the demons and sought assistance from Lord Shiva. Shiva advised him that he had neglected to invoke Lord Ganesha prior to the battle. Consequently, Vishnu undertook penance at Siddhatek and called upon the deity known for beginnings and the removal of obstacles. Ganesha successfully defeated the demons, and it was at this location that Vishnu attained Siddhi. As a result, the site became renowned as Siddhatek.

Architecture of Siddhatek Siddhivinayak Temple

The Siddhatek Temple is distinguished by its elegant yet meaningful architecture, predominantly crafted from black stone. Oriented to the north, it features a sanctum along with two assembly halls (sabha-mandapa). The sanctum, measuring 15 feet in height and 10 feet in width, boasts a dome-shaped stone ceiling and enshrines the central idol of Siddhivinayak, seated in a cross-legged position alongside his consort, Siddhi. Like all Ashtavinayaka temples, the principal Ganesha idol is regarded as swayambhu, naturally formed as an elephant-faced stone. This idol is encased in brass, with its trunk oriented to the right.

The entrance to the sanctum is flanked by brass sculptures of Jaya and Vijaya, who serve as the gatekeepers of Vishnu's realm. Additionally, the sanctum features a Shiva-panchayatana, which includes Shiva surrounded by Ganesha, Vishnu, the Goddess, and the Sun-god Surya, as well as a shrine dedicated to the goddess Shivai. The temple complex also contains a Nagarkhana, or drum chamber.

Festivals of Siddhatek Siddhivinayak Temple

Ganesh Chaturthi, occurring in August or September, is a prominent festival observed at the Siddhatek Temple. The temple transforms into a vibrant spectacle adorned with stunning decorations, captivating hymns, and the lively sounds of traditional drums during the festival. Another important celebration is Ganesh Jayanti, which takes place in the Hindu month of Magha, commemorating the rebirth of Lord Ganesha. During these grand festivities, the temple hosts a three-day palkhi (palanquin) procession, where the idol of Lord Ganesha is carried with great reverence, accompanied by devotional songs and lively cultural performances. In addition to these major events, special rituals are conducted on Vijayadashami and Somavati Amavasya, further enhancing the temple's spiritual vibrancy.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Siddhatek Siddhivinayak Temple

Siddhivinayak Temple in Siddhatek does not enforce a strict dress code; however, it is advisable to wear modest attire that covers the upper arms and legs as a mark of respect. Men are encouraged to don a dhoti or pajama along with an appropriate upper garment, or to wear formal trousers and shirts. Women may choose to wear a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is recommended to avoid modern clothing such as mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops while visiting the temple.

Non-Hindus are generally not allowed inside the main sanctum sanctorum of the temple. However, they can often appreciate the temple's architecture and surroundings from outside.

Siddhatek Siddhivinayak Temple Timings

Monday: 5 AM - 9:30 PM
Tuesday: 5 AM - 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 5 AM - 9:30 PM
Thursday: 5 AM - 9:30 PM
Friday: 5 AM - 9:30 PM
Saturday: 5 AM - 9:30 PM
Sunday: 5 AM - 9:30 PM

Siddhatek Siddhivinayak Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Siddhatek Siddhivinayak Temple

The optimal time to visit Siddhivinayak Temple in Siddhatek is from October to February, as the climate during this period is enjoyable and suitable for exploring the temple. Those wishing to partake in the celebrations should plan their visit around Ganesh Chaturthi, when the temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights, and various religious activities take place. However, it is important for visitors to be aware that this is the peak season, resulting in larger crowds. During the monsoon season, heavy rainfall can make access to the temple challenging. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid visiting during the summer months due to the extreme heat.

How to Reach Siddhatek Siddhivinayak Temple

Pune Airport is the nearest airport which is about 101 Km from Siddhatek. Daund Railway Station is the nearest railhead which is located at a distance of 18 Km from the temple. It has regular trains from Mumbai, Pune, Vizag, Chennai, Hyderabad, Trivandrum, Bidar, Kanyakumari, Satara, Nagercoil, Shirdi, Belgaum, Delhi, Solapur, Mysore, Bangalore, Hubli, and Coimbatore. Shirapur is the nearest bus stop, which is about 1 Km before Siddhatek. Visitors have to walk down a distance of 1 km from Shirapur, and then cross the river Bhima by boat to reach Siddhatek. One can hire a cab to reach Siddhatek Ganapati Temple in Siddhatek from Pune, Ahmednagar, and Daund.