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Shree Siddhivinayak Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Shree Siddhivinayak Temple is one of the oldest sacred temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Situated in Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra, is one of the most popular and sacred temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The name Siddhivinayak means “Vinayak who grants one’s wishes.” The Lord is known locally as “Navasacha Ganapati” and “Navasala Pavanara Ganapati.” In Marathi, it means “Ganapati grants a wish whenever prayed with genuine devotion.”

Siddhivinayak Temple – Facts

DeityLord Siddhivinayak (Lord Ganesh)
LocationMumbai, Maharashtra
Entry FeeGeneral Darshan: Free; VIP Darshan: Rs. 100 /-
Best Time to VisitJune to December
Darshan TimingsTuesdays: 3:15 AM to 12:00 AM; Other days: 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM
PoojasRudrabhisek, Laghurudrabhisek
FestivalsSankashti Chaturthi, Vinayaki Chaturthi, Ganesh Chaturthi
Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai, Video

What are the timings of Siddhivinayak Temple?

The temple timings vary depending on the day. However, the temple performs various rituals every day. The devotees can be a part of these rituals, such as the morning, afternoon, and evening poojas.

  • For all days except Tuesdays: The temple opens at 5:30 AM and closes after the last aarti (Shejaarti).
RitualFromTo
Kakad Aarti5:30 AM6:00 AM
Morning Shree Darshan6:00 AM12:15 PM
Naivedhya12:15 PM12:30 PM
Afternoon Shree Darshan12:30 PM7:20 PM
Evening Aarti7:30 PM8:00 PM
Evening Shree Darshan8:00 PM9:50 PM
Shejaarti9:50 PM10:00 PM
  • On Tuesdays: The temple opens at 3:15 AM and closes at midnight after the last aarti (Shejaarti).
RitualFromTo
Early Morning Shree Darshan3:15 AM4:45 AM
Kakad Aarti5:00 AM5:30 AM
Morning Shree Darshan5:30 AM12:15 PM
Naivedhya12:15 PM12:30 PM
Afternoon Shree Darshan12:30 PM8:45 PM
Aarti9:30 PM10:00 PM
Shejaarti10:00 PM12:00 PM
  • On Sankashti Chaturthi: The temple opens at 4:30 AM and closes after the last aarti (Shejaarti) which takes place 90 minutes after Moonrise.
RitualFromTo
Early Morning Shree Darshan4:40 AM4:45 AM
Kakad Aarti5:00 AM5:30 AM

The Shree Darshan starts soon after the Kakad Aarti until 90 minutes before Moonrise.

  • On Vinayaki Chaturthi: The temple opens at 5:30 AM and closes after the last aarti (Shejaarti).
RitualFromTo
Kakad Aarti5:30 AM6:00 AM
Morning Shree Darshan6:00 AM12:15 PM
Abhishekam, Naivedhya, & Pooja Aarti7:30 AM1:00 PM
Afternoon Shree Darshan1:00 PM7:20 PM
Evening Aarti7:30 PM8:00 PM
Evening Shree Darshan8:00 PM9:50 PM
Shejaarti9:50 PM10:00 PM

Devotees are not permitted in the main temple from 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM when the Mahabhishek is performed.

It is worth noting that Tuesdays tend to be more crowded than usual.

What are the poojas and sevas at Siddhivinayak Temple?

Siddhivinayak Temple Pooja
Several poojas and sevas take place daily at The Siddhivinayak Temple.
  1. Atharva Sheesha Havan: The Havan is performed by a team of priests on behalf of the devotee. The Havan is performed to receive the Lord’s blessings and removing any obstacles in his or her life. The Pooja begins with the Ganesh Pooja, followed by the Punyahavacham, Nandishraddha, Grahmukh and finally the invocation of the God of Fire (Agni). The Navagraha Pooja is performed followed by the offering of the Modakas to the Agni. Following the Pooja, the devotee honours the Brahmin priest for performing the Havan.
  2. Panchamrut Pooja: The idol of the deity is bathed with five holy items – Milk, Honey, Sugar, Ghee, and Curd. The ritual takes place among the chants of several hymns and shlokas.
  3. Ashtottar Nama Pooja: The Pooja involves the recital of 108 names of Lord Vinayaka among chants praising him and invoking his blessings.
  4. Shodashopachara Pooja: This is the first step of the ritual of any Pooja that is performed for any God. This Pooja involves 16 steps or parts. These are Upachara, Avahana, Asana, Padaprakshalana, Hastaprakshalana, Achamanam, Snanam, Vastram, Yagyopaveetam, Gandham, Pushpam, Dhupam, Deepam, Naivedyam, Tambulam, Neerajanam, and Mantrapushpam.
  5. Sahastravartan Pooja: In this special Pooja, a silver image of Lord Ganesha is worshipped. The Shodashopachara Pooja is first performed for the Lord followed by Abhishek with Milk. This Pooja is performed for family harmony, healthy and long life, financial happiness and forbearing an heir to a family.
  6. Sri Satya Vinayaka Pooja: This pooja is generally performed by people whose family deity is Lord Ganesha. The auspicious days to perform this Pooja are Tuesdays, Fridays, full moon days, Vaisakha Poornima and Ganesh Chaturthi. In the temple, the Shodashopachar Pooja is performed followed by Sahasra Namam Pooja. Naivedyam is offered to God after which Aarti is conducted. This Pooja is performed for the birth of a child, financial growth, wedding, and prosperous family life.

What is the significance of Siddhivinayak Temple?

The Siddhivinayak Shrine
The shrine of Shree Siddhivinayak.

The significance of the temple is that idol of the deity is carved out of a single black stone with the Lord’s trunk tilted towards the right. It is quite unusual for a Ganesha idol’s trunk to not be left-sided, making the temple very sacred.

The idol consists of four hands, Chaturbhuj, each adorned with the elephant god’s sacred items. While the upper right-hand holds a lotus flower, he wields an axe in his upper left arm, holy beads in the lower right and a bowl full of Modaks in the lower left. On his either sides are goddesses Riddhi and Siddhi, who bestow the devotees with prosperity and riches.

The Goddesses Riddhi and Siddhi who represent sanctity, attainment, prosperity, and riches flank Lord Ganesh on both sides. On the Lord’s forehead, the third eye of Lord Shiva can be seen.

Shree Siddhivinayak is known as Navascha Ganapati in Marathi as it is said that he grants all the wishes of those who pray to him sincerely. It is also one of the wealthiest temples in the county and is visited by all kinds of people, ranging from celebrities to common man.

What is the history of Siddhivinayak Temple?

The history of the temple raises back in time about 200 years ago is prevalent to this date. Shree Akkalkot Swami Samarth’s adherent, Late Shree Ramakrishna Jambhekar Maharaj attained Siddhi. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Ganesha and the Gayatri Mantra. One day, he buried idols of the gods outside a disciple’s courtyard. He prophesied that a Mandar tree would grow in its place and the elephant god would reside in there. 21 years later, as the tree grew, so did people’s faith. 

A more popular story is that of an Agri woman, Shreemati Deubai Patil. Rendered childless due to infertility, she funded the construction of the temple with a prayer that the Lord bless women like her with children.

Established in 1801, the temple is more than 200 years old. What was originally a small place of worship, Shree Siddhivinayak was rebuilt into a majestic temple complex of 2550 square feet in 1993.

In 1952, a small Hanuman Temple was consecrated within the temple complex. The idol of Lord Hanuman was excavated during a road extension project.

The official website of The Siddhivinayak Temple is: http://www.siddhivinayak.org/

What is the structure of Siddhivinayak Temple?

The initial shrine was small and had a lake next to it. However, the lake was filled up and currently is not part of the temple complex. Currently, the temple is an imposing six-storied multi-angular structure.

The sanctum sanatorium (Gabhara) is right under a 12 feet high dome with the gold plated Kalash weighing 1500 kgs at its pinnacle.

The central dome is gold plated while the other domes are plated with Panchadhaatu (five metals- gold, silver, copper, brass, and bronze). The second floor houses the temple kitchen and the fourth houses a collection of more than 8000 books related to religion, philosophy, and science.

Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai also conducts social and cultural activities for the welfare of society. It operates a Dialysis Center, conducts blood and health camps and provides free eye checkups.

What is the dress code at Siddhivinayak Temple?

The Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai does not have a strict dress code but recommends decent clothes for men and women. Shorts and miniskirts are to be avoided. Beachwear and other revealing dresses are not allowed inside the premises.

Siddhivinayak Temple Festival
The Siddhivinayak Temple is decorated beautifully during Chaturthi and is visited by a large number of devotees.

What are the festivals celebrated at Siddhivinayak Temple?

Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the most popular festivals of Maharashtra.
  • Ganesha Chaturthi: The biggest celebration dedicated to Lord Ganesha is held in a grand manner at the Siddhivinayak Temple, Mumbai during August – September. The celebrations last for 10 days and the last day are named as “Ananta Chaturdashi”. In preparation for the festivities, a giant clay idol of the Lord is made 2-3 months in advance. The idol is then placed on a giant pedestal and decorated with garlands. The idol is installed at the temple in a ritual known as the Pranaprathishtha Pooja. Vedic hymns and Shlokas are chanted to appease the Lord. Offerings like coconut, jaggery and modaks are made to the Lord to receive his blessings. The temple receives lakhs of pilgrims during these ten days to catch a glimpse of the majestic deity. On the eleventh day, the idol is taken out in a grand procession amidst singing and dancing on devotional songs. The idol is then immersed in the sea, bidding adieu to the Lord who proceeds to his home in Kailash.
  • Sankashti Chaturthi: The auspicious dates fall on the fourth day of the Krishna Paksha or the waning phase of the moon every month of the Hindu calendar. The day is extremely sacred to Ganesha devotees worldwide, who observe fast on these days. The importance of the day is mentioned in the Puranas like the Narasimha Purana and the Bhavishaya Purana. It is believed that Lord Krishna himself explained the importance of the Pooja to Yudhishthar of the Pandavas. On this day, the temple performs important Poojas to the Lord to remove obstacles in the devotee’s life and grant prosperity. Mahapuja is performed for the deity by reciting the Purush Sukt, Brahmanaspati Sukt, Atharva Sheersha, Ganapati Sukt and the Saraswati Sukt.
  • Hanuman Jayanti: The day marks the birth of Lord Hanuman. The festival is celebrated in the month of Chaithra in Maharashtra. On this day, special religious discourses and Poojas are held for the Lord which begin at dawn and end after sunrise. It is believed that the Lord was born at sunrise on this auspicious day.
  • Akshaya Tritiya: The auspicious day is celebrated in the month of May in the Temple. Special Poojas dedicated to the Lord are performed on the day. It is believed that the benefits of doing Jaap, Yagya, and Punya will never diminish but remain forever with the devotee. Along with Ugadi and Vijayadasami, Akshaya Tritiya is believed to be one of the days that are free from all ill-effects.

Besides these festivals, Gudi Parva, Ram Navami, Ganga Dussehra, Nag Panchami, Gokulashtami, Navaratri and Mahashivaratri are some of the other joyous occasions celebrated at the temple premises.

How to reach Siddhivinayak Temple?

  • By Air: The distance from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport to the Siddhivinayak Temple Mumbai is 15 km and takes about an hour depending on the traffic conditions. One can hire a taxi from the airport to Prabhadevi. Mumbai is the financial capital of India and is well connected to all major cities of the country via major airlines.
  • By Train: Dadar is the nearest railway station and is a ten-minute ride to the Temple complex from here. Local trains ply between Dadar and major railway stations like the CST Terminal, Churchgate and Santacruz. Mumbai CST Terminal is well connected to all major cities of the country.
  • By Road: The city of Mumbai is connected to all major nearby cities like Panaji, Pune, Thane, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Surat via wide national highways. The state transport operated government buses from all important towns and cities of Maharashtra. The private bus service also operates regular buses in and out of the city. The city also boasts of good local transport connectivity by buses and taxis.

Where to stay?

A large number of hotels, lodges and guesthouses are available for tourists. Since Mumbai is a coastal city, there are several options for staying in beachfront villas and hotels. The pricing of rooms is on a higher side in the city. The city boasts of several five-star hotels such as the Taj, Trident, and the Four Seasons. One can also book guesthouses like the one run by ISKCON.

Where to eat?

Mumbai is one of the best cosmopolitan cities to experience a wide range of delicacies. One can find an incomparable range of cuisines like Maharashtrian, Coastal, North-Indian, Mughlai and Muslim food, South-Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Italian, Thai and European.

The options to taste these delicacies range from excellent seven-star hotels to local cafes and dhabas that are dispersed through this huge city. The chaats are a must-have at the Juhu and the Chowpatty beach. Vada Pav and Pavbhaji are a must-try. The Khao Gully in Colaba is particularly famous for its Maharashtrian food.

What are some places to visit near Siddhivinayak Temple?

Explore Mumbai
The city of Mumbai has something to offer to everyone.
  • Mahalakshmi Temple: The famous Mahalakshmi Temple is located 6 km from Siddhivinayak Temple. The presiding deity is Goddess Mahalakshmi is a form of Goddess Shakti or Adi Parashakti. The Temple was built in 1785. The deity is represented by her three forms – Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati. The Temple is famous for its yearly grand celebrations of the festival Navaratri.
  • Mumba Devi Mandir: The deity of the famous temple is Maha Amba, known as Mumba in Marathi. The Goddess is the patron deity of the Fishermen of Mumbai, the original inhabitants of the city. The city of Mumbai is named after the Goddess. The original temple dated back to the 15th century. However, it was destroyed and the new structure was built in the 18th century.
  • Sri Radha Rasabihari Ji Temple, ISKCON: The temple complex is located near the Juhu beach. The presiding deities of the temple are Sri Gaura-Nitai, Sri Radha Rasabihari and Sri Sita – Ram, Lakshman and Hanuman. The temple is an architectural landmark and is visited by thousands of devotees and tourists every day.
  • Swaminarayan Temple: The temple dedicated to Sri Swaminarayan is situated in the Bhuleshwar area of Mumbai. The Temple is nearly 100 years old. The Temple follows the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. The tri-spire structure houses the deities Hari Krishna, Gaulokvihari and Radha, Laxminarayan Dev and Ghanshyam Maharaj.
  • Jogeshwari caves: The cave temples of Jogeshwari in Mumbai are some of the earliest cave shrines dedicated to both Hinduism and Buddhism. They date back to 550 AD. The cave complex is used as a temple by the locals who worship the ancient idols of Lord Shiva, Hanuman, Ganesha and Lord Dattatreya. It is believed that the cave also enshrines the footprints of Goddess Jogeshwari who is worshipped by many as Kuladevi.

Frequently Asked Questions about Siddhivinayak Temple

Is the Siddhivinayak Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Siddhivinayak Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Siddhivinayak Temple is free of cost. However, if you want to avoid the long queues, you can access VIP Darshan by paying Rs. 100/- per person.

Is there any Online Darshan facility available?

Yes, please visit the website http://www.siddhivinayak.org/ for Online Darshan.

Can one carry mobiles and gadgets into the temple?

Yes. All electronic gadgets are strictly allowed (viz. mobile, camera, laptop). However, photography inside the temple is prohibited.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizen?

Wheelchair facilities for disabled and senior citizens are available at the gate of the temple. Lift facilities are also present inside the temple.

What is the weather like during the summers?

The summers at Mumbai start from February and continues until May. The summers here can be hot and humid. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 32 º C.

What are winters like in Mumbai?

In Mumbai, winters start in November and continue until January. The temperatures during this time range from around 18 º C to 28 º C. The weather during this time is warm and pleasant.

If you have any questions about The Siddhivinayak Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir

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Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir: Confluence of Scenic Beauty and Devotion

Matheran is a famous hill station in the district of Raigad in the town of Karjat. It is the smallest hill station in India that attracts lakhs of tourists every year. Matheran is a beautiful tourist destination that attracts many tourists to visit it. The beautiful old british style architecture is preserved in Matheran. For those who want to savor the delights of this scenic beauty, the 38 peaks offer the best views of the hill station. There are indeed many view points in Matheran which will give the panoramic view of the plains below. It offers stunning views of the Sahyadri ranges  and an amazing view of the lights of Mumbai. The various tourist attractions in this place are worth paying for the one who loves the nature beauty. Till date Matheran has maintained and retained the 19th Century colonial ambience. One of the oldest temples located in the hill station of Matheran in the state of Maharashtra in Western India is the Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir. It is one of the few places where there is a presence of Swayambhu Linga which means that it is not build by anybody. The main deity of this temple is Pisharnath who is the village deity. Due to this, the temple is of great significance for the people. The Lingam appears to the devotees as the shape of “L” and it is largely covered with sindhoor. As a result of natural phenomena the stones or the ice forms itself into the shape of Shiva Linga. This temple is located at a height of about 2625 feet above the sea level and is the only hill station in Asia that is free of automobiles. It is located on the banks of a lake which is now known as ‘Charlotte’.

Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir

History and Legend of Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir

  • The shivling in the Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir dates back to such a long time that nobody knows how old it is. Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir  itself is in a dense forested area and the location of the temple is very old. The lingam of Shiva here is considered to the family deity of the folks in the village and they come here to offer prayers at times of all ceremonies and functions.
  • The three main powers which are worshipped by Hindus as their Trimurthis and the most important of these Trimurthis is lord Shiva or Mahadev that is considered to be biggest of all Devs. The most common form of Shiva that is found is most temples is the Linga and there are a few places where there is the presence of the Swayambu Linga. The Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir is one such Swayambu Linga and so this becomes a significant place.
  • During the British era, this hill station was a place for the colonial rulers to escape the hot and humid weather. It was a beautiful escape from the city life. The local railway station for which is built by Sir Adamjee Peerbhoy in 1907 is one of the main attractions of this hill station.

Significance of the Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir

  • Like many Hindu temples, Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir is not constructed with distinctively identifiable features like spires and towers. Besides, the temple is a small red building made out of wood and brick and has a tin roof above it that is built at two different levels. The four walls of the temple are set with windows extending from one end of the wall to the other, and the main entry is gated with a massive thick wooden door. It is believed that devotees can attain iha-para saukhyamsor joys of the mortal and immortal world by praying at this temple. It has great significance among the pilgrims and devotees.
  • The villagers here still follow a culture and they believe that this Shiv Ling is what protects them from all of the trouble and guards them through the day and the night. There is a strong belief about the bad forces that haunt these woods and so, the importance of the shrine becomes multifold as the people come here to pray for their safety from these forces.
  • The temple is set in a beautiful place and gives peace to the visitors in its silent beauty. The scenic surroundings of the temple only helps to amplify the spiritual purity of the place. It offers not only religious and spiritual enrichment but also an unparalleled scenic beauty and gives a great peace of mind.

Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir Timings

The timings of the temple are for 6.00 AM to 12.30 PM and 4.00PM to 9.30PM for the devotees.One of the best time to visit this temple is from September to November and February to March.

Festivals celebrated at the Pisharnath Mahadev Mandir

MahaShivaratri:

Mahashivratri is celebrated on a grand scale here. It is the hindu festival of India celebrated annually in reverence of the God Shiva. Number of devotees come to visit the temple. It is believed that Lord Shiva goes to meet Lord Rama in the Rama Temple and there is a procession through the market of the hill station.

Ram Navami:

It is celebrated with Lord Rama visiting Lord Shiv in the Temple, again with a procession and celebrations throughout the market. Both those days are of major importance with the localites and the procession of the Gods are done in Palkhis!

How to reach: Road, Rail and Air

By Air : Mumbai Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, which is 187 km away from Raigad, is the nearest airport. All the major airlines have service from Mumbai to all major cities in India and many cities abroad including Singapore, Hong Kong, Colombo and gulf countries. Taxis are available from Mumbai to Raigad and costs about Rs 3,000.

By Train : Vir Dasgaon railway station is the nearest railhead to Raigad. This station is connected to Mumbai and Pune with regular trains. Taxi services are available from Vir Dasgaon to Raigad. A Journey by the railways is recommended as it gives the visitors an opportunity to see the beautiful scenery along the way. Moreover, toy trains plying between Neral and Matheran will drop you at the Matheran railway station itself that gives the visitors an experience of a beautiful journey followed by an arrival at a historical landmark.

By Road:  Taxis are another way to get around town. They can be hired from nearby cities and used for local transport as well. Taxis charge around Rs 1500 per day.  A/C taxis and SUV’s such as Toyota Qualis are also available. State transport offer bus regular and frequent services from Mumbai and Pune to Raigad. Raigad is well connected to all neighboring cities by the public transport buses, including Kolhapur (250 km), Pune (102 km), Mumbai (187 km) and Mahabaleshwar (75 km). Public bus charge is less than Rs 4 per km. If you choose to go by car, Matheran is a short hundred kilometre drive from Mumbai. You can leave your car at Dasturi point and take a pony or a hand pulled rickshaw till the main market place from here.

Local Transport: There is a toy train that takes you to the hill station, then there are hand rickshaws that will take passengers up the hill. The best thing to do would be to trek up Matheran and then visit the temple.

Hotels in Matheran: Where to stay

There are many good hotel in Matheran where one can stay. Starting with all prices.

Where to eat

There are various hotels around that offers a wide variety of food, for vegetarians as well as non vegetarians. There are also small market places besides the road. Chikki of matheran is very famous, which is a confection made of gram flour, jaggery and cashew nut. Nariman Chikki Mart located near the railway station in Matheran, is by far the most popular. For the snacks purpose there is Mumbai’s most famous Vada Pav and other foods like Misal, Usal and Jalebi. Food here is the mixture of Maharashtrian and Gujarati dishes. So there are many restaurants in Matheran that will offer the pure Vegetarian meal.

If you want to try the Gujarati thali than Hotel Gujarat Bhavan and Hotel Regal are the best places to go. Hotel Laxmi also offers the traditional Gujarati food but it is less spicy. Besides there are other restaurants Garden View restaurant, Dilawar Bakery that offers you an amazing bakery stuff, Tree Top Restaurant, Deepak Restaurant and many more.

Nearby Temples

Ambarnath Temple: This temple is located on Mumbai-Pune railway line at Akoli. The ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have been constructed during 1060. The shrine of Ambarnath is believed to have been built by King Mahamandaleshwar. It is among the revered shrines of the region.

Ram Mandir: The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is visited by devotees from different places. The shrine is bounded by the famous market road where one can obtain various accessories and is popular visiting spot.

Shiv Mandir: This temple was built in 1893 by Shri Jagmohandas Samuldas, a Kapol vanik. Mahashivratri  vastly celebrated throughout Matheran, where the Lord Shiva goes to meet Lord Rama in the Rama Temple and there is a procession through the market of the hill station.

Shivaji’s Ladder: Shivaji’s Ladder and its steps look like a ladder and goes down from One Tree hill point to the Matheran valley. It is said that the Chathrapathi Shivaji Maharaj was using the place as a way for his pleasure trips and hunting options in the Matheran hills. It was rediscovered in 1850 by Hugh Mallet the then collector of Thane District under British rule.

Prabal Fort: The historical fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from Mughal. It is Located on top of Prabal Hills at 2325 feet above sea level, the fort is located 8 km from Panvel. The fort had two gateways and eleven towers in the fortifications and in the year 1818, the gateways were destroyed in the fights.

Other Tourist attractions include

Charlotte Lake: Also known as Sharlott Lake, Charlotte Lake is the prime source of drinking water to Matheran and was built in 1956. The picturesque lake is nested in lusting greenery and attracts many visitors during monsoon.

Alexander Point: It is Located near post office, other 2-3 points, Towers of Bhivpuri Power House, Karjat Palasdari Lake, Borgaon Village are visible.

Echo Point: Echo Point is the central point of the Matheran and most popular among other points. The point offers a panoramic view of the hill station. Echo point is known for echo of screams and yells can be heard from here.

Panthers Caves (Waghachi Gufa): Panthers caves is group of thirty rock caves. Some of these natural caves are dry and some little bit muddy. It is said that a tiger used to live in these caves. The natural formation of the caves attracts many tourists for exploring the unique entity.

Morbe Dam: The dam is built by Maharashtra Jeevan Pradhikaranon Dhavari River near Khalapur, Raigad district. Morbe Dam is located around 30 km Matheran and popular for weekend picnic from Mumbai and Pune.

Toy Train: Toy train is essentially the travel attraction of Matheran. Moving through the scenic beauty gives a very and calming experience to the visitors.

One Tree Hill Point: Located on Shivaji road within 3 km from post office. A tent Hill, Chowk Village, Mumbai-Pune Highway and Panvel City are visible from here.

The other tourist attraction includes the Louisa Point, Panorama Point, Monkey Point, Garbut Point, King George Point, Mount Berry, Khandala Point and many other.

Aundha Nagnath Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Aundha Nagnath Temple (one of the 12 Jyotirlinga Temples) in Hingoli, Maharashtra is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is worshipped as Lord Nagnath in this region. The devotees praying to Lord Nagnath believe that the Lord will guide them to the correct path of life, just as he did with demons at Darukavane.

Planning to visit this temple? Have a look at our Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra Tour Package.

Aundha Nagnath Temple – Facts

Deity Lord Nagnath (Lord Shiva)
Location Hingoli, Maharashtra
SignificanceJyotirlinga
Tours 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra Tour
Darshan Timings4:00 AM to 9:00 PM
PoojasRudrabhishek
Entry FeeFree
Best Time to VisitJune to August
FestivalsShravan Maas, Mahashivratri, Vijayadashami
Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra Sri Vaidyanath, Sri Trimbakeshwar,
Sri Grishneshwar, Sri Bhimashankar
Aundha Nagnath Temple Video

Aundha Nagnath Temple is one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. The other 4 Jyotirlingas are:

The 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra

What are the timings of Aundha Nagnath Temple?

The temple opens at 4:00 AM in the morning and closes at 9:00 PM in the evening. The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as the afternoon and evening aarti.

The timings of Aundha Nagnath Temple are as follows:

Rituals Timings
Darshan4:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Darshan during Shravan Maas4:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Afternoon Pooja1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Evening Pooja4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

What is the significance of Aundha Nagnath Temple?

It is a popular belief that the Nagesh Linga or the Jyotirlinga is the Adhya or the first Jyotirlinga on Earth. Devotees believe that by praying at this temple, one can protect themselves against all kinds of poisons.

Since this form of Shiva is Nagnath since he has a snake around his neck. This association with snakes has led to a belief that this Linga is very powerful and potent against negating the harmful effects of all poisons. Devotees have often sighted snakes with open hoods guarding the Linga.

The Aundha Nagnath Temple is one of the Top 50 Famous Temples of India.

What is the history of Aundha Nagnath Temple?

The history of Aundha Nagnath Temple dates back to the period of Pandavas. Yudhistra, the eldest among the Pandavas, first built this majestic temple during his exile. It is also believed that Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb tried to raze down the Aundha Nagnath temple. But it is said that a swarm of bees attacked his men and Aurangzeb gave up and left the temple.

However, damages were made, to a certain extent, to this sacred Jyotirlinga. Later, Rani Ahalyabai Holkar, Queen of the Maratha Malwa Kingdom, repaired and renovated the temple.

The Aundha Nagnath Temple is a pious site for followers of both Hinduism and Sikhism.

Sant Namdev Maharaj was a well-known saint and poet. He is also considered as one of the Gurus in Sikhism and his writings are a part of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the holy book of Sikhs.

It is believed that he used to sing praises of Lord Shiva every day at the temple. But the priests objected to this saying that it disturbed their routines. They drove him away. Since he was such a staunch devotee, the Lord turned the temple to face him and the priests were left facing the back of the temple. Thus, the entire temple stands rotated and directions of the Linga and Nandi are different from other temples.

Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga
The Aundha Nagnath Temple is said to be the 8th Jyotirlinga among the 12 Jyotirlingas in the country.

What is the legend of the Jyotirlinga?

During their exile, the Pandavas built their hermitage in a forest in this region of Hingoli. The cows from their hermitage drank the water from the nearby river and released milk into the river. Bhima noticed this one day and informed Yudhistra.

The Pandavas felt the presence of a great God residing in the river. Thus, they began to remove the water. Beyond a certain point, the water was boiling hot. Bhima struck the river thrice with his mace. Blood started oozing from the spot and a Linga emerged. Yudhistra then built a temple and instated the Jyotirlinga.

What is the legend of Nageshwar Darukavane?

The Aundha region was lush with thick forests in which serpents lived. It was popular as Darukavane, named after the Asuras – Daruk and Daruka. The demons harassed the hermits living in the area and imprisoned them. This angered the Gods who fought the demons and drove them away.

But Daruka was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and was blessed by a boon from Goddess Parvati.

The boon gave them the power to shift the entire forest into an island. And the demons continued to harass the hermits from the island. Among the imprisoned hermits was an ardent devotee Lord Shiva named, Supriya. She invoked the powerful Rudra Mantra along with the priests. Lord Shiva then appeared and destroyed the demons.

Daruka repented for their sins and asked for Lord Shiva’s forgiveness. He requested that he stay in the forest. Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati accepted his request and assumed the form of a Jyotirlinga. They stayed in Darukavane as Lord Nageshwar and Nageshwari.

What is the structure of Aundha Nagnath Temple like?

Architecture of Aundha Nagnath Temple
The temple is built using stones from the period of the Pandavas.

The Aundha Nagnath Temple structure is strong as it consists of stones from the Pandava period. Therefore, the temple is nearly 3000 years old.

The Garbhagriha and Linga are in the basement level and devotees have to climb down to worship the main deity. The Linga faces the South and the Gomukha faces the East. The corridors of this temple are huge and are supported by eight pillars in an oval shape. The Garbhagriha consists of the Nagesha Lingamurthi inside.

One of the shrines inside the Aundha Nagnath Temple complex houses the Runomochan Teerth as is also famous as Saas Teerth and Bahu Teerth (Mother-in-law and Daughter-in-law). Interestingly, the Saas Teerth has brackish water while the Bahu Teerth has sweet water. Once every 12 years during Kapila Shashti, the water from Kashi Ganga is offered here and the water of the teerth would turn crystal clear.

What are the poojas and rituals of Aundha Nagnath Temple?

The poojas that take place at Aundha Nagnath Temple are:

PoojaTiming
Rudrabhishek Pooja4:05 AM
Aarti Pooja12:00 PM
Shrisnan Pooja4:00 PM
Shejaarti Pooja11:00 AM
Sayarakchai Pooja8:30 PM

The rituals that take place at Aundha Nagnath are:

Rituals
Rudrabhishek
Dudhabhishek
Rudrabhishek with Bhog
Char Somvar (four Mondays) Ek Ammavasya Rudrabhishek
Ek Shravan Maas Akhand Jyot
Rudrabhishek for one year every Somvar
Ek Somvar 1008 Bilva Patra Abhishek
Laghurudra by 11 Brahmins
Ek Shravan Maas Jalabhishek
Ek Shravan Maas Doodh and Bilva Patra Abhishek
Char Somvar Ek Ammavasya Rudrabhishek with Doodh
Ek Somvar 1008 Mahamrityunjaya Jaap

What are the festivals celebrated at Aundha Nagnath?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Aundha Nagnath Temple are:

  • Shravan month: Shravan Maas falls on the fifth month of the Hindu calendar, starting late July and ending by the third week of August.
  • Mahashivratri: It is the day when Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati. It usually occurs in late February to early March.
  • Vijayadashami: Also known as Dussehra, this festival signifies the victory of good over evil and is celebrated after the nine days of Navratri.

How to reach Aundha Nagnath Temple?

Here’s how to reach Aundha Nagnath Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is in Nanded which is 54 km from Aundha Nagnath.
  • Rail: The nearest stations Parbhani is 50 km from the temple. One can also find connecting trains to the Hingoli junction.
  • Road: There are buses connecting from Aurangabad, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and other nearby cities of Maharashtra.

Where to stay nearby?

There few accommodation options at Aundha Nagnath Temple. Travelers mostly stay at Nanded or Parbhani.

Where to eat nearby?

Restaurant options at Aundha Nagnath Temple are very few. Travelers eat at Dhabbas which one can find on the highway or at the hotels in Nanded and Parbhani.

What are some temples nearby?

Exploring Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra
There are four more Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra apart from the Aundha Nagnath Temple.

Some of the temples near Aundha Nagnath are:

  • Mallinath Digambar Jain Temple: The Mallinath Digambar Jain Temple is in Shirad Shahapur Village and is for Lord Mallinath. This 300-year-old temple is 15 km from Aundha.
  • Parli Vaidhyanath Jyotirlinga Temple: This temple is in Parli, Beed District, Maharashtra. The temple is 118 km from the Aundha. Devotees believe that praying at this temple improves health conditions.
  • Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is near Pune and is 465 km from Aundha Nagnath Temple.
  • Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: This Jyotirlinga is in Verul, Beed District, Maharashtra. This temple is the last of the Jyotirlingas and for devotees who undertake the Jyotirlingas pilgrimage, a visit to this temple completes their journey. The Grishneshwar temple is 227 km from Aundha.
  • Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Trimbakeshwar Temple is in the town of Trimbak, Nashik District, Maharashtra. The temple is 286 km from Aundha Nagnath Temple and the Linga has three faces symbolizing Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.

Frequently Asked Questions about Aundha Nagnath Temple

Is the Aundha Nagnath Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Aundha Nagnath Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Aundha Nagnath Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizens?

No. There is no facility for specially-abled and senior citizens.

Which is the best time to visit the Aundha Nagnath Temple?

June to August are the months when the monsoon starts in Maharashtra. The weather is pleasant, making it an ideal time to visit the temple.

What is the weather like during summer?

The summers at Maharashtra start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the day-time often go up to 36 º C.

What are winters like in Maharashtra?

In Maharashtra, winters start in November and continue until January. The temperatures during this time range from around 20 º C to 30 º C.

If you have any questions about the Aundha Nagnath Temple, please leave a comment below and we will get back to you within one hour.

Grishneshwar Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Grishneshwar Temple is located in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra. It belongs to the celebrated list of 12 Jyotirlinga temples of Lord Shiva. This temple is nearly 3000 years old and the Linga faces east. The sanctum sanctorum includes Lord Grishneshwar and his consort Grishneshwari.

Planning to visit this temple? Have a look at our Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra Tour Package.

Grishneshwar Temple – Facts

Deity Lord Grishneshwar (Lord Shiva)
Location Aurangabad, Maharashtra
SignificanceJyotirlinga
Tours 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra Tour
Darshan Timings5:30 AM to 9:30 PM
PoojasRudrabhishek
Entry FeeFree
Dress CodeMen: Dhoti, No shirt; Women: Saree, Churidar
Best Time to VisitJune to August
FestivalsShravan Maas, Mahashivratri
Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra Sri Vaidyanath, Sri Trimbakeshwar,
Sri Aundha Nagnath, Sri Bhimashankar
Grishneshwar Temple
Grishneshwar Temple Video

The Grishneshwar Temple is one of the 5 Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra. The other 4 Jyotirlingas are:

The 5 Jyotirlingas of Maharashtra

Grishneshwar Temple Timings

Grishneshwar temple opens at 05:30 am in the morning and closes at 09:30 pm in the evening. During the month of Shravan, the temple remains open between 03:00 am to 11:00 pm. The time required for Darshan: 1 to 2 hours depending on the crowd.

The temple also performs various rituals during this time. The devotees can be a part of these rituals such as the afternoon and evening aarti.

The timings of Grishneshwar Temple are as follows:

Rituals Timings
Darshan5:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Darshan during Shravan Maas3:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Afternoon Pooja1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
Evening Pooja4:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Kindly note: It usually takes approximately 2 hours to complete darshan during normal days. However, during Shravan, it takes around 6-8 hours due to heavy rush.

What are the sevas and poojas at Grishneshwar Temple?

Grishneshwar Temple Pooja
The Grishneshwar Temple shrine during pooja.

The sevas and poojas at Grishneshwar temple are:

TimingsFrom
Mangal Arati4 AM
Jalhari Sanghan8 AM
Maha Prashad12 PM
Jalhari Sagan4 PM
Evening Aarti7:30 PM
Night Aarti10 PM

What is the significance of Grishneshwar Temple?

Grishneshwar Shrine
The Grishneshwar Jyotirlinga decorated with flowers and the holy beads of Rudraksha.

The significance of the temple is that the pilgrims believe that by paying a visit to the Grishneshwar temple, one can reap the benefits of worshiping all the 12 Jyotirlingas. It is also said that the Grishneshwar temple is a classic example of the pre-historic style of architecture and has beautiful carvings.

Devotees can see the marriage scene of the Lord and his consort in the temple murals and carving. The Grishneshwar temple also houses a well that springs holy water.

The Grishneshwar Kund
The Grishneshwar Temple consists of a holy Kund.

What is the history of Grishneshwar Temple?

The history of Grishneshwar temple speaks of Maloji Bhosle, an ardent devotee and chief of the Verul village. He built the temple in the 16th century after he found a treasure hidden inside an anthill. Rani Ahilyabai Holker, Queen of the Maratha Malwa Kingdom, renovated the temple in the 17th century.

According to the Shiva Purana, several legends are associated with this ancient place of worship:

Legend of Shivalay

The legend of Shivalay states that during his hunting expeditions, the king of Verul killed animals living in the hermitage of Rishis. This angered the Rishis who cursed the king and insects swarmed over his body. The king wandered in the forest and came across a hole with water flowing from it.

The moment he started drinking the water, the insects miraculously vanished from his body. The overwhelmed king did severe penance in that place. Pleased with the penance, Lord Brahma blessed the king and created a lake that came to be known as Shivalay.

Legend of Kumkumeshwar

Lord Shiva and his consort Parvathi were residing in the Sahyadri range, near Shivalay. One day, when the Goddess was about to apply vermilion, she mixed it with the Shivalay water. The vermilion then transformed into a Linga, emitting a radiant ray of light.

Since the Linga emerged from the vermilion, this Jyotirlinga was initially called Kumkumeshwar. But the Goddess named it Grishneshwar since she believed the Linga came from the rubbing action, and the word Grish means friction.

Legend of Ghushmeswar

A great Brahmin scholar, Brahmavetta Sudharm and his wife, Sudeha, lived in the southern mountain of Devagiri (later known as Daulatabad). They were childless, and an agonized Sudeha persuaded her sister Ghushma to marry Sudharm so that they could have a child together.

Eventually, Ghushma and Sudharm had a son much to the envy of Sudeha. The boy grew up to be a handsome young man and eventually got married. Unable to cope with jealous feelings, Sudeha killed the boy when he was asleep and threw the body into a lake.

A deeply grieving Gushma continued with her routine. During her morning ritual of visiting the lake where she usually made and worshipped a hundred Lingas, she saw her son emerging from the lake. Then Lord Shiva appeared before her and said that Sudeha had killed her son.

Pleased with Gushma’s devotion, he gave back her son and also granted her a boon. Then Ghushma requested the Lord to forgive her sister and also to remain in the place. The Lord accepted her request and continued to reside there in the form of a Jyotirlinga. Hence, he took the name Ghushmeswar in Gushma’s honor.

What is the architecture of Grishneshwar Temple like?

Architecture of Grishneshwar Temple
The Grishneshwar Temple is carved out of red stone and is a treat for lovers of ancient architecture.

History lovers would find the temple engrossing as several rock carvings of Maratha heroes are preserved beautifully in the temple. Devotees and visitors find the brilliant five-tiered Shikhara (temple tower) amazing.

The Shikara also includes intricate carvings of the Dasavathar, which appear resplendent in the red volcanic rock. Devotees also marvel at the statue of Nandikeshwara that adorns the court hall.

What are the festivals celebrated at Grishneshwar Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Grishneshwar Temple are:

  • Mahashivaratri: Like all important Shiva temples, the Maha Shivaratri festival is a grand event at Grishneshwar temple. It is the main festival here. Crores of devotees make a trip to this town to catch a glimpse of the Lord on this auspicious day that falls in February/March every year.
  • Ganesh Chaturthi: Dedicated to Lord Ganesh, this festival is celebrated in August / September
  • Navratri or Durga Puja: It is a famous festival, celebrated as a symbol of victory of good over evil. As per legend, Goddess Durga defeated the demon king Mahishasura to save the world and restore Dharma. Navratri is celebrated across India for nine days. Celebrations in the temple include stage decorations, recital of the legend, enacting of the story, and chanting of the scriptures of Hinduism.

How to reach Grishneshwar Temple?

Here’s how to reach Grishneshwar Temple:

  • Air: The nearest airport is in Aurangabad, and there are regular flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Udaipur.
  • Train: Aurangabad is the nearest railway station. Manmad is also closer and better connected.
  • Road: From Pune: 256 km/4.5 hours. From Nasik: 187 km/3 hours. From Shirdi: 122 km/2.5 hours.

Where to stay nearby?

Grishneshwar Temple is situated in a small village called Verul and there aren’t many accommodation options available nearby. Devotees usually stay either in Daulatabad or Aurangabad, with the latter offering more choices of accommodation. You can expect mostly budget accommodations in Daulatabad.

Where to eat in Grishneshwar?

Several devotees partake the free lunch provided at the temple. There are not many restaurant options in Verul. However, one can find several good standalone restaurants in Aurangabad.

What are some temples near Grishneshwar Temple?

Explore Aurangabad
The Ellora Caves is a famous tourist attraction near Aurangabad.

Some of the temples near Grishneshwar are:

  • Ellora Caves: The Ellora Caves is a collection of Hindu caves, Buddhist caves, and Jain caves and is an excellent example of religious harmony during the ancient period. The Ellora Caves are within a 1 km distance from Grishneshwar Temple.
  • Bhadra Maruti Temple, Khuldabad: This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god. The Bhadra Maruti Temple also enjoys the reputation of being the only Hanuman temple with the deity in reclining or sleeping position. The temple is just 6 km away from the Grishneswar Temple.
  • Aundha Nagnath Jyotirlinga Temple: The Aundha Nagnath Temple in the village of Aundha Nagnath in Maharashtra, is the first of the Jyotirlinga temples. The temple is 227 km from the Grishneshwar temple. According to beliefs, Yudhishtra, the eldest of the Pandava brothers built the Temple during their exile.
  • Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga Temple is near Pune and is 201 km from Grishneshwar Temple. The Linga here is one of the five Jyotirlingas in Maharashtra.
  • Parli Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple: Vaijnath Jyotirlinga Temple is located in Parli, Beed District, Maharashtra. The temple is 246 km from the Grishneshwar Temple. Moreover, devotees believe that health conditions improve by praying at this temple.
  • Trimbakeshwar Jyotirlinga Temple: The Trimbakeshwar Temple is in the town of Trimbak, Nashik District, Maharashtra. The temple is 214 km from Grishneshwar Temple. The Linga has three faces symbolizing Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, and Lord Brahma.

Frequently Asked Questions about Grishneshwar Temple

Is the Grishneshwar Temple open throughout the year?

Yes, the Grishneshwar Temple is open all 365 days of the year.

What is the entry fee?

The entry to the Grishneshwar Temple is free of cost.

Is there any online darshan facility available?

No. There is no facility for online darshan available.

Is there any facility for specially-abled and senior citizens?

Yes. There is are palki services available for the specially-abled and senior citizens.

Which is the best time to visit the Grishneshwar Temple?

June to August are the months when the monsoon starts in Maharashtra. The weather is pleasant, making it an ideal time to visit the temple.

What is the weather like during summer?

The summers at Maharashtra start from March and continues until June. The summers here can be very hot. Temperatures during the daytime often go up to 36 º C.

What are winters like in Maharashtra?

In Maharashtra, winters start in November and continue until January. The temperatures during this time range from around 20 º C to 30 º C.

If you have any questions about the Grishneshwar Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Swaminarayan Temple Mumbai Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

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Swaminarayan Temple is a popular Hindu temple and is a part of the Swami Narayan Sampraday. Swaminarayan Temple located in the Bhuleshwar area of the Mumbai city of Maharashtra state of India and is dedicated to the Lord Swaminarayan who is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and extremely popular among the Vaishnava-ites. The temple is the oldest temple dedicated to Lord Swami Narayan and is known to be about 100 years old.

Jeevanpran Swamibapa had a wish that there should be a grand centre for the divine Karan Satsang which should become a centre of spirituality and charity and everyone should benefit from this Satsang in the important city of Mumbai. Therefore, the temple was built by his divine holiness Acharya Swamishree to fulfill the wishes of Jeevanpran Swamibapa. The temple has been established in the prestigious region of Mahalaxmi in Mumbai and is visited by many devotees.

The temple was built in 1868 on the day of Vaishakh Shukla Ekadashi by Ranchhoddas Pranjeevandas who was the builder of the first ever Shree Swami Narayan temple in the city of Mumbai. He had built the temple by breaking and rebuilding his personal residence. Acharya Maharajshri Bhagwatprasadji Maharaj instated the deities of Hari Krishna Maharaj, Gaulokvihari, and Radhika.

swaminarayan Temple 2

Structure of the Swaminarayan Temple

The Swami Narayan Temple has a tri-spire structure and has the idols of Lord Laxmi Narayan Dev, Hari Krishna Maharaj, Ghanshyam Maharaj, Gaulokvihari, and Radha. The Shikharband temple comes under the Gadi of Laxmi Narayan Dev (Vadtal). The popular temple along with many others has given rise to the flower market in the Bhuleshwar area as there was a high demand of flowers for offerings to the deity in these temples.

Tri-spire temple: In 1903, the deities of Ghanshyam Maharaj and Lakshmi Narayan Dev were instated in the present tri-spire temple structure on the occasion of Vaishakh Shukla Dwadashi by Acharya Maharajshri Lakshmiprasadji. A devotee of Swami Narayan, Rao Bahadur Sheth Curumsey Damjee had generously contributed towards the reinstatement of this temple with all material, physical and intellectual resources. His associates and friends also donated to this work and his close associate and one of his friends, Shree Mathurdas Vaishnav too had donated Rs. 25,000/- towards this work.

The pious Swaminarayan Temple had been built at Bhuleshwar with an elaborately carved frontage. The grand temple and the frontage are a real visual treat in the otherwise shabby surroundings of the region. Swaminarayan Temple has many different spaces and about twenty-five steps lead the devotees to the audience hall (Sabhamandap). Swaminarayan Temple has many shrines including a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha and one for Lord Hanuman on the left and right of the audience hall. In all, the temple has three main shrines. The shrine that is on the east has the idols of Hari Krishna Maharaj, Gaulokvihari, and Radhika. In the center, there are shrines of the popular Gods Ghanashyam Maharaj, Narayan, and Laxmi, who is the consort of Lord Narayan.  The shrines located on the west houses resting place for the deities. The Sabhamandap has a dome which is a visual treat as it has upon it the painted scenes from the Krishnalila (Sports of Krishna). The temple’s dome is supported by fifty-four pillars. The temple has a big audience hall on the first floor and this is the place where religious discourses and sabhas are held regularly.  The Swami Narayan Temple holds weekly assemblies at this place and many devotees attend these assemblies in the presence of the holy teachers.

History & Legend of Swaminarayan Temple

Lord Krishna has said in the Bhagavad Gita that “Whenever religion suffers tormented regression I re-create myself to uproot irreligion and reestablish good religion to protect the gentle folk and to destroy the evil ones in every age”. (Geeta 48-49).

Lord Shree Swami Narayan (who is revered as a form of Lord Vishnu) had never actually visited the city of Mumbai but whilst he had given darshan upon this earth, he did send many of his devotees and saints according to several instances to this region. These saints and disciples were sent with the main purpose of preaching about his faith and also to perform various official duties in this region. Thus, various eminent disciples of Lord Swami Narayan had during the time of Sadguru Shree Gopalanand Swamibapa and whilst Jeevanpran Bapashree and Sadguru Shree Ishwarcharandasji Swamibapa gave darshan, lived in Mumbai to get their company.

Jeevanpran Swamibapa had in his childhood days lived in Kheda with his parents Muljibhai and Ichhaba. His father Muljibhai was a key government official and, therefore, had to travel to Mumbai very frequently. Hence after completing his education in his hometown of Ahmedabad, Jeevanpran Swamibapa went to Mumbai for work. He there attended this temple in the Bhuleshwar region of Mumbai. It was at that time that Jeevanpran Swamibapa met Khimjibhai Darji of Rampara and Jagjeevanbhai of Sayla, and both of them were ardent followers of Jeevanpran Bapashree. So, Jeevanpran Swamibapa was first introduced to Shree Abji Bapashree and Sadguru Shree Ishwarcharandasji Swamibapa in Mumbai. After some years of association, Jeevanpran Swamibapa finally accepted initiation as a saint from Shree Ishwarcharandasji Swamibapa and thus became the protector and propagator of the glories of Lord Shree Swami Narayan and started spreading Jeevanpran Bapashree’s sublime principles throughout the world.

Jeevanpran Swamibapa’s and his disciples were sincere devotees and followed the strict disciplines that were decreed by Lord Shree Swami Narayan. They used to travel al lot to Mumbai for official duties and whenever they travelled to or from abroad, they would definitely go to Mumbai. But the lack of facilities made it difficult for them to live in and eat according to the strict requirements of the Swami Narayan Faith. Jeevanpran Swamibapa was also a frequent traveler to Mumbai and whenever he visited, the homes of disciples would need to be emptied so that Swamibapa would live there. Therefore taking all these difficulties into consideration, Jeevanpran Swamibapa finally decided that their organization needed a building of its own for these facilities and after looking for many months, they purchased a bungalow in the Walkeshwar district of Mumbai.

Significance of the Swaminarayan Temple

The Swami Narayan Temple was built about a century ago. The Swami Narayan Sampraday had their Guru in Shri Ramanand Swami who had in the end years of his life moved from Jetpur to Faneni and here in this village, he breathed his last on the 13th day of the bright half of Magshar of the Hindu Lunar year of Samvat year 1858. After the post-death rituals of Shri Ramanand Swami were over on the 11th day of dark half of Magshar in the Samvat year 1858, Shri Sahajanand Swami held a large meeting with all the followers who had gathered there to mourn the demise of Shri Ramanand Swami.

At this moment, a pandit from Bihar Shitaldas was also present in the meeting. He had been moving from place to place in search of a Guru and thus had left his home. When he realized that Shri Ramanand Swami was the Guru who he was searching for, who would enable him in the realization of the Supreme God, he had come to Faneni to meet him. But when he reached there he realized that Shri Ramannd had already left his body and was no more in the world. In this meeting, he explained his objective to Shri Sahajanand Swami hence with serene calmness Shri Sahajanand Swami said that he would be easily able to realize his object if he chants with love and faith the word “Swami Narayan”. Consequently, the glory of the Swaminnarayan Sampraday spread far and wide and many people became devotees of Lord Swami Narayan.

In the year 1967, the disciples purchased two adjacent flats in the district of Babulnath. This accommodation was appropriate for a small temple and also for Jeevanpran Swamibapa to live in whenever he was in Mumbai. The place could also be useful for the saints to reside in, and for disciples to stay when they visited the city. After Jeevanpran Swamibapa had the temple established in Mumbai, he immediately asked his disciples and the saints to locate suitable land that could be used to build a grand Shikhar-bandh temple in the city.

Eventually, in the region of Mahalaxmi, a large plot was identified for the main temple on Bhulabhai Desai Road. This became close to one of Mumbai’s most sacred and well-regarded old temples, the Mahalaxmi temples. Before this temple was built, the plot among the large land used to be home to numerous lawless gangs. They had illegally occupied the makeshift dwellings situated there. They would loot and hurt anyone who passed through that side street after sunset. But by creating a new temple, Acharya Swamishree completely transformed the entire region of Mahalaxmi. The local officials in Mumbai hailed this transformation as a miracle and attributed the beneficial revolution of this locality to Acharya Swamishree.

When Shree Divyadarshandasji Swami was clearing the land with his associates and during the building work, he encountered many difficulties but by the divine grace of Lord Swami Narayanbapa Swamibapa and Acharya Swamishree, the troubles were overcome. On 26 February 1984, the ground breaking ceremony was performed by Acharya Swamishree performed. Building work was then commenced under the direction of Sadguru Shree Uttampurushdasji. The sanctification (Vastu) ceremony was performed at the temple on 17 April 1989 was performed at the Temple

Swaminarayan Temple Timings

The temple opens at 7:30 in the morning and closes at 8:15 in the evening. The temple closes for short intervals for the Rajbhog Thal at 11:15am and between 12 noon to 4PM. In the evening, the temple closes for Thal between 6PM to 7 PM. The temple holds Satsang sabha on Sundays between 5PM to 7PM.

Festivals Celebrated At the Swaminarayan Temple

The temple celebrates many major festivities like:

  • Janmashtami,
  • Mahashivratri,
  • Nrisinha Jayanti,
  • Ram Navami/Swami Narayan Jayanti,
  • Vaman Jayanti,
  • Ganesh Chaturthi, etc.

Apart from all these, the festival of Hindola is celebrated here as part of festivities during the month of Shravan in the Indian hindu calendar.

Poojas and Rituals at Swaminarayan Temple

Swaminarayan Temple follows all the rituals and strict disciplines of the Swami Narayan Sampraday. The priests offer the daily offerings to the God and many aartis and rituals are performed here throughout the day. On festivals, many devotees visit the temple and pray to the Lord.

How to Reach By Road, Rail & Air

Mumbai, being a major Metro city is easily accessible through all modes of transport.

By Air: There are regular flights from all the major cities of the country to Mumbai and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Airport is the major airport.

By Train: Mumbai has many train stations and the major ones are CST and VT. Trains from all major cities stop here.

By Bus: Regular buses cam be caught from Mumbai to a+ll from other major cities of the country and back.

Hotels in Mumbai

Mumbai has many hotels to stay. The major luxury ones are the Taj, Oberoi, and many resorts. The city also has many 3, 4 and 5-star hotels, motels and guest houses.

Temples in Mumbai

Mumbai is the commercial and entertainment capital of India and has many places to explore along with many major temples. Here are some of them:

  • Shri Sidhhivinayak Temple: One of the most popular temples of Mumbai as well as of the country, the temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is visited by many common people as well as by many celebrities. The temple is known to be miraculous.
  • Mumba Devi Temple: Mumba Devi is the presiding deity of Mumbai and the city was named after her. Thus, the temple is popular among the locals.
  • Mahalakshmi Temple: Dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, this temple is a popular temple among the devotees of the Goddess and the region has been named after her.
  • Prabhadevi Temple: Another popular temple of the city, the temple attracts the followers of Goddess Prabhadevi.

Hence, next, whenever you happen to visit Mumbai, do visit the popular Swami Narayan Temple and enjoy spirituality in its best form.

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