Ganesh Chaturthi 2024: According to Hindu mythology, Ganesh Chaturthi marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Celebrating Ganesh Utsav for ten days involves performing proper worship and rituals, which are believed to lead to the fulfilment of one's wishes. People visit different temples and pandals of Lord Ganpati. Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai is considered to be one of the most significant temples of Lord Ganesh.
The Siddhivinayak Temple of Mumbai is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh. The temple is celebrated for its heritage and spiritual significance by Hindus. Devotees all across the country visit the temple to seek blessings and in hope of getting their wishes granted.
1. The Richest Temple:
The Siddhivinayak Temple is one of the richest temples in the whole world. This temple has transformed from a small shrine made of bricks. This shrine was renovated into a building due to the generous donation made by a rich woman, Deubai Patil.
Today, the temple has changed meticulously with exotic carvings and an inner sanctum plated with gold. Siddhivinayak has been known to receive donations of up to 100 millions. This shows the faith that people have in the god of wisdom, Lord Ganesh.
2. Ganesh’s Trunk Towards Right:
Usually Lord Ganesh’s idols have its trunk towards the left, however, the idol in Siddhivinayak temple has a trunk pointing towards the right direction. The Ganesh with trunk towards the right is called Siddhi Vinayaka. The trunk on the right side symbolises liberation from all the worldly desires and the achievement of Moksha.
Lord Ganesh’s idol in Siddhivinayak temple has been carved out of a single black stone. Idols of Riddhi and Siddhi, goddesses of success, prosperity and wealth are placed on either side of the 2.5 feet high idol of Lord Ganesh.
3. Hanuman Idol:
During 1952, an idol of Lord Hanuman was found near Siddhivinayak Temple. When spotted by devotees, they immediately informed the head priest of the temple. The then head priest brought Hanuman’s idol inside the temple and built a small temple for it.
After that, a shrine was made for Lord Hanuman’s idol inside the temple. Today, a lot of devotees come to Siddhivinayak and seek the blessing of Lord Hanuman as well.
4. Lord Ganesh’s Third Eye:
The idol of Lord Ganesh in Siddhivinayak temple has a third eye just like Lord Shiva. The eye symbolises divine perception and insight. According to Hindu mythology, the third eye gives the ability to see unordinary things, this represents awareness and the power to perceive the truth.
The third is placed not on the forehead of Lord Ganesh but on his trunk which makes the idol unusual. The placement of the eye enhances the spiritual significance, emphasising the deity’s capacity to oversee and guide devotees with wisdom.
5. Vahan Of Lord Ganesh:
Mooshak is considered to be the vahan of Lord Ganesh according to Hindu Mythology. The mouse symbolises the ability to deal with and overcome obstacles. In Siddhivinayak Temple, Mooshak made in silver is placed near Lord Ganesh.
Devotees believe that whispering a wish into the mice years goes directly to Lord Ganesh and is never unheard.