Temple history
Shree Ganesh is the first to be worshipped before beginning any new project or venture as he is the destroyer of obstacles (Vighnaharta).
Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple at Prabhadevi in Mumbai, a two-century-old Temple that fulfills the desires of the worshipers.
The old temple was consecrated on Thursday, 19th November 1801. According to our Hindu Calendar, it falls on Kartik Shudha Chaturdashi. It was built by a professional contractor, Late Mr.Laxman Vithu Patil as per the financial support and instructions of Late Mrs.Deubai Patil, who was a rich lady of Agri Samaj from Matunga. Although she was rich enough, she had no child. The idea of the construction of the temple struck 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 the successful subsequent history of the temple, it appears like 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 an 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 a 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 the 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.
Significance of Right-Sided Trunk
The trunk should be curved to the left for normal idols. If it is curved to the right, it is called siddhi vinakya and needs special worship. One should be very careful in worshipping such idols.
But why is the trunk curved to the right so special and so strict? The iDa naaDii is on the left side, while the Pingala naaDii is on the right. The left-turning trunk has easy rules and one can do puja however one wants with respect since the idea Maadi is the moon. but the right turning Nadi is the sun and will burn one if rules are violated. When the trunk is facing straight forward, then it signifies the Sushumna is entirely open. Idols such as these are very rare and special. Even more special is the trunk where the trunk is swung upright in the air. It means the kundalini shakti has reached the Sahasra permanently.
Why Ganesha has stayed single?
Often it is asked why Ganesha, beloved of the gods and of all humanity, remained a Brahmachari, single and celibate (as believed in the south).
A legend states that the reason was that he felt that his mother, Parvati, was the most beautiful and perfect woman in the universe. Bring me a woman as beautiful as she is, and I shall marry her, he said.
None could find as equal to the lovely Uma. The gods as still searching and so is Ganesha!.
Why should we use Lord Ganapati’s statue only in seated, and not in a standing position?
When we have a guest, we offer him a seat; we do not leave him standing. Similarly, during Ganesh Chaturthi we invoke the Ganesh principle (Ganesh tattva), meaning me to invite Lord Ganesh. Hence, we should show hospitality with the faith that Lord Ganesh Himself is visiting us.
Besides, if the statue is kept standing for 10 days, there are chances of the weight on the legs of the statue actually breaking the statue. Hence, statues should be made as to the traditional ones in the seated position.
What is the Significance of Sankashti Chaturti?
SANKASHTI CHATURTHI: This vow is done by devotees on the fourth day of the second fortnight of every month. On this day devotees fast for the whole day & break their fast after having darshan of Lord moon & worshipping Lord Ganesha.
This vow is observed strictly by devotees to get rid of problems in their life.
On this day in the evening after having a bath first, worship Lord Ganesh, offer 21 Durvas, do Aarti, show Naivedyam & pray for fulfilling your desires. Then have Lord moon’s darshan, offer his Naivedyam, give a meal to Brahman & break your fast. In this way, if a vow is observed all your desires are fulfilled.
Why was Tulsi Cursed By Ganesh?
Tulsi, the daughter of Dharmaraja. the God of righteousness was roaming about in the world in ecstatic devotion to Lord Narayana, in her youthful days White thus going about, she came upon the banks of the sacred river Ganga. There she wandered into a serene ashram full of fragrant flowers and plants swaying in the cool breeze. She saw Ganeshji, who was in the prime of his youth, beautifully dressed in yellow silks, and lost in deep contemplation on Lord Krishna. She was captivated by the beauty of Ganeshji and entreated him to marry her. Ganeshji turned down the proposal, saying that he was least interested in married life. This became angry and cursed Ganeshji saying: "You shall surely marry !", whereupon Ganeshji also pronounced a counter—curse on her: "You too shall get married, but to an Asura, and thereafter you shall be cursed to be born as a plant by the wise men". Realizing her mistake, Tulsi pleaded for mercy and extolled Ganeshji with divine hymns. Ganeshji relented and said: "Though you shall be born as a plant, you will inherit the essence of all fragrance. All the gods will be happy with your fragrance, and Lord Hari will be especially glad to receive worship with your leaves. But you shall not be acceptable in the worship offered to me". So saying, Ganeshji left that place and went to Badrikashram.
What is the significance of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi?
In the 120 days from the full moon (Purnima) in Ashadh till that in Kartik of the Hindu lunar calendar, Yama frequencies, which have the ability to destroy and are Tama predominant reach the earth in greater quantities. During this period they are of a greater intensity. However since during the same period, that is from the fourth day (Chaturthi) in the bright fortnight of Bhadrapad till Anant Chaturdashi, Ganesh frequencies too reach the earth in greater quantities it helps in reducing the intensity of the same frequencies. Thus celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi derives the benefits from Ganesh frequencies and helps in reducing the effects of Yama frequencies.