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 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.
The architect Ar. Shri. Sharad Athale of SK Athale & Associates 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, thanks to the efforts of Ar. Shri. Sharad Athale of SK Athale & Associates.
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 pujas 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 elevator system. The floor is under constant security & vigilance through video cameras. This floor also has the administrative offices of the supervisor 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.