Siddhatek Ganpati Temple – Ashtavinayak Guide – Timings, Poojas, and Significance

Siddhatek Ganpati Temple – Being one of the Ashtavinayaka temples in Maharashtra, the Siddhatek Ganpati temple is dedicated to the Hindu God, Lord Ganesha. It is present in the Ahmednagar district and is close to the Daund railway station. It is a sacred tourist destination for pilgrims all around the world.

Siddhatek Ganpati Temple – Facts

Deity	Lord Ganesha
Location	Ahmednagar in Maharashtra
Significance	Right-Trunked Lord Ganesh idol
Best Time to Visit	July to November
Darshan Timings	4:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Entry Fees	Free
Vehicle Parking Fees	Free
Dress Code	Traditional
Festivals	Ganesh Chaturthi, Bhadrapad and Magh Chaturthi
Fairs	Vijayadashami and Somavati Amavasya
Architecture	Hindu temple style

What are the timings of Siddhatek Ganpati Temple?

Here are the timings of Siddhatek Ganapati mandir:

Timings	From	To
Regular Temple Timings	5 AM	9:30 PM
Morning Aarti	4:30 AM
Dhoop Aarti Timing	9 PM

Which Poojas and Rituals take place at Siddhatek Ganpati?

The poojas and rituals that take place at Siddhatek Ganapati are:

Timings	From
Saharan Pooja	5:00 AM
Khichdi	10 AM
Panchamriti Pooja	11 AM
Mahabhog	12:30 PM

What is the significance of Siddhatek Ganpati Temple?

Siddhatek Ganpati is along the river Bhima and is in Karjat taluka of Ahmednagar. The Ganesha idol here has his trunk to the right side and is named as Siddhi Vinayaka. Usually, the trunk is towards left and the right trunked Ganesha is very powerful and hard to please.

• Siddhatek Ganpati Mandir is also famous as Jagrut Kshetra.

• The Siddhatek Ganpati Mandir consists of black stones faces the north direction.

• The Garbhagriha or the sanctum is 15ft in height and 10 ft in width. It has Jaya-Vijaya, the gatekeepers of Vishnu’s abode adjoining the main idol of Siddhivinayaka.

• The Siddhatek Ganpati Mandir has a dome-shaped ceiling and the deity and the Ganesha image is self-existent. This is a natural icon in the form of an elephant.

• The sanctum also has a Shiva – Panchayatana along with a shrine dedicated to Goddess Shivai.

• Devotees can see the icon seated cross-legged with his consort siddhi located nearby. The Almighty remains covered with flower garlands and sindoor paste.

What is the history of Siddhatek Ganpati Temple?

The history of Siddhatek Ganapati says that Lord Vishnu built the auspicious shrine. It was later destroyed over time and a cowherd had a vision of this temple who ultimately found the icon of Siddhi Vinayaka. From then on, the cowherd began worshipping the deity and this shrine became popular.

Sardar Haripant Phadke was the commander in chief and an official of the Peshwa rulers. He built the Nagarkhana or the chamber which is the home to Nagaras and a paved road leading to the main door of the temple. Moreover, he worshipped the deity for 21 days and circled the temple 21 times daily.

Ahilyabai Holkar, the Philosopher Queen of Indore built the Siddhatek Ganpati temple in its present form. The Ganapatya, a particular Sect of people that worships Ganesha as the Supreme Almighty, Saint Morya Gosavi, and Narayan Maharaj worshipped at the temple where they attained siddhi.

What are the legends of Siddhatek Ganpati Temple?

As per the legends, the ‘Mudgala Purana’ describes the events relating to the beginning of the Creation. Lord Brahma emerged from the lotus that rises from Lord Vishnu’s navel. While creating the universe, Vishnu was in his yoga Nidra and two demons rise from the dirt in his ear.

Then the demons, namely, Madhu and Kaitabha disturbed the process of creation which made Lord Vishnu rise from his sleep. But, Vishnu was unable to defeat them and asked Lord Shiva for help. So, Shiva told him that he has forgotten to invoke Lord Ganesha before the fight.

Consecutively, Vishnu performed penance at Siddhatek and invoked the God of beginning and obstacle removal. Ganesha defeated all the demons, and it is in this place that Vishnu acquired Siddhi. Hence the place became famous as Siddhatek.

What is the Architecture of Siddhatek Ganpati Temple?

The temple is developed in dark stone which faces north. The temple has a sabha-mandapa of dark stone and another sabha-mandapa, which is a later expansion. The threshold of the primary temple has a little demonic head mold. The temple likewise has a Nagarkhana.

The Garbhagriha (sanctum) is 15 ft high and 10 ft wide. It has the Jaya-Vijaya – the guards of Vishnu’s home, flanking the focal symbol of Siddhivinayaka. It has a vault formed a stone roof. Like all Ashtavinayaka places of worship, the focal Ganesha idol is accepted to be Swayambu.

The focal icon of Siddhi-Vinayaka is seated cross-legged with his associate Siddhi situated close-by, however regularly she is covered up with blossom laurels and the sindoor paste that covers the image. The idol is sheathed in metal and with its trunk turned to the right. The sanctum likewise has a Shiva-Panchayatana and a place of worship to goddess Shivai.

Which festivals are celebrated at Siddhatek Ganpati Temple?

There are many festivals that are observed in this temple premises, such as:

1. Bhadrapath: Lord Ganesh’s birth celebrations known as Ganesh Chaturthi or Vinayak Chaturthi is a key festival in the state of Maharashtra. Moreover, in Pali, Lord Ballaleshwar’s birthday is a five-day festival from Bhadrapath Shudh 1 to Bhadrapath Shudh 5 (August – September)
2. Ganesh Jayanti: Another festival that draws visitors from all across India is Ganesh Jayanti. It is another popular occasion that celebrates the birthday of Ganesha on the fourth day of the Hindu month of Magha.
3. Fairs and Celebration: Vijayadasami and Somavati Amavasya, a no-moon day that falls on a Monday are also important days on which the temple organizes a festival and a fair.
4. Magh: The Magh Utsav is an important festival at the Siddhatek Temple.  Here, the celebrations are held from Magh Shudh 1 to Magh Shudh 6 (January – February). During this period, devotees conduct Bhajans, Kirtans and several programs.
5. Holi: The colorful festival of Holi is in the month of Phalgun (February/March), on Phalgun Shudh Poornima.
6. Shravan: Janmashtami or Krishna Ashtami, Lord Krishna’s birthday is celebrated here with a Dahi Handi event during Shravan ( July- August)

How to Reach Siddhatek Ganpati Mandir?

Here’s how to reach Siddhatek Ganapati mandir:

• Air – The nearest airport is Pune Lohegaon Airport. There are numerous numbers of taxis and buses that will take you to Siddhatek from outside the airport.

• Train – Daund Junction Railway Station, which is 18 km away, is the nearest railway station on the Pune – Solapur line. Mumbai Hyderabad Express, Jhelum Express, Nanded Pune Express, Mumbai Nagercoil Express, Konark Express, and Udyan Express passes through Daund Junction Railway Station.

• Road – An alternate route is the long route of 48 km from Daund-Kashti-Pedgoan. In the morning hours, many buses ply from Pune directly to Siddhtek.

• Boat – Buses are available from Pune and Daund to a village called Shirapur, which is a kilometer away from Siddhatek. From there, one can get on a boat to reach the temple.

Where to stay near Siddhatek Ganpati Mandir?

There are budget as well as luxurious hotels available to stay during your visit to Siddhatek Ganpati.  However, for people looking to stay at Siddhatek, prior booking is a must. One can call the Siddhatek Ganpati Mandir priest, Shree Gajanan Purohit to make prior arrangements near the Siddhatek Ganpati Mandir.

 If you are a single traveler and looking to save up on your budget, then dormitories or sharing rooms are a great alternative. For people traveling with families, there are double, triple and four beds available for rent.

Irrespective of the size of your room, all modern amenities are available in the hotels. From private balconies to basic electronic gadgets and free internet, the hotel staff provides all sorts of comfort to meet the requirements of a modern-day traveler.

Where to eat near Siddhatek Ganpati Mandir?

There are quite a few other options available for good food :

• Free food is provided inside the temple from 12:30 pm to 2 pm.
• In addition, the people of Siddhatek are very friendly and cordial in nature. One can try the conventional Jhunka-Bhakri meal by paying a small amount to the natives.
• By the banks of the Bhima, on the Pune side, one can find village women preparing wholesome, tasty Maharashtrian food. For Rs 35 per meal, diners may have unlimited Bhakri which are rotis made with a choice of jowar/ bajra/ wheat flour, on stone stoves, pithala, and some vegetable dish. 

What are the other Ashtavinayak Temples?

Here’s a list of the other Ashtavinayak Temples:

1. Mayureshwar Temple, Morgaon: Devotees begin and end their journey at the Mayureshwar Temple. Further, the temple got its name after the legend of Mayureshwar – Lord Ganesh riding a peacock, who defeated a demon at this place.
2. Girijatmaj Temple, Lenyadri: Goddess Parvathi performed penance at this place to have a child. Then, her prayers were answered when Lord Ganesh was born. The temple gets its name from the words Girija (Parvathi) and Atmaj (son).
3. Ballaleshwar Temple, Pali: This temple is named after Lord Ganesh’s devotee Ballal. This is the only Ganesh Temple whose name is after a devotee.
4. Varad Vinayak Temple, Mahad: Lord Ganesh is referred to as Varadha Vinayak, the Lord who grants boons and wishes. It is in Mahad, 146 km from the Girijatmaj
5. Chintamani Temple, Theur: Lord Ganesh retrieved the invaluable jewel – Chintamani from a greedy demon and given it back to sage Kapila. The sage rewarded Lord Ganesh by placing around Lord Ganesh’s neck and hence was the name, Chintamani Vinayak.
6. Vighneshwar Vinayak Temple, Ozar: Lord Indra sent Vighnasur to disturb King Abhinandan’s prayer. The troubled devotees turned to Lord Ganesh who defeated the demon at this place.
7. Mahaganapati Temple, Ranjangaon:  Lord Shiva worshipped Lord Ganesh here before proceeding to defeat the demon Tripurasura.

What are some temples near Siddhatek Ganapati temple?

Some temples near Siddhatek Ganapati temple are:

1. Vishal Ganpati Mandir- This temple is for Lord Ganesha. It is a 100-year-old temple. It presents a spectacular sight with a red-colored idol. The Ganesha sits posture and has a Shivalinga coiled by a snake that originates from the navel.
2. Shani Temple- One of the unique things about this temple is that there is no idol present in the temple. Only a black stone stands on a beautiful platform. The native’s belief that this stone has extraordinary powers which protect the village from all sorts of evil.
3. Shirdi Sai Baba Temple– Being located only at a distance of 80 km from Ahmednagar, thousands of devotees throng to this place every day. Shirdi Sai Baba was a famous saint. Moreover, people considered him as the reincarnation of God by the pilgrims. This temple is in Shirdi itself.
4. Renuka Temple- This shrine is for Goddess Durga. It is also among few of the temples that enjoy huge adulation and respect among the local people. As it is a Devi temple, devotees celebrate the Navaratri festival here with lots of fervor.
5. Siddheshwar Temple- This beautiful temple has both a grand architecture along with a natural atmosphere. Also, this popular shrine, in fact, needs no introduction among both the devotees and the tourists visiting this holy place.

Frequently Asked Questions about Siddhatek Ganpati Temple –