Temples of Lord Ganesha

The elephant head God Ganesh is known by various names like Ganapati, Ekadanta, Vinayaka, Heramba, etc. There are various temples dedicated to the god of wisdom across the country. Every auspicious ceremony has to start by invokong Lord Ganesha. The major temples dedicated to Ganapati are: Ashta Vinayak shrines, Siddhi Vinayak, Vatapi Ganapati, Pillayaarpati Ganapati etc.

This God of knowledge and the remover of obstacles is also the older son of Lord Shiva. Lord Ganesha is also called Vinayak ( knowledgeable ) or Vighneshwer (god to remove obstacles). He is worshipped, or at least remembered, in the beginning of any auspicious performance for blessings and auspiciousness. He has four hands, elephant's head and a big belly. His vehicle is a tiny mouse. In his hands he carries a rope (to carry devotees to the truth), an axe (to cut devotees' attachments), and a sweet dessert ball -laddoo- (to reward devotees for spiritual activity). His fourth hand's palm is always extended to bless people. A unique combination of his elephant-like head and a quick moving tiny mouse vehicle represents tremendous wisdom, intellegence, and presence of mind.

Siddhivinayaka Temple - Mumbai, Maharastra

Shree Siddhivinayak's temple is on a hill top facing north. The sanctum of the temple, which is fifteen feet high & ten feet broad was built by Ahilyabai Holkar. The swayambhu idol of Shree Siddhivinayaka is placed in a brass frame. Brass idols of Jay & Vijay are placed on both sides of Siddhivinayaka. In the sanctum itself there is a Shivapanchayatan & goddess Shivai's small temple. The hall of the temple was previously built by Baroda's landlord late Shri Mairal. It was broken in 1939 & was rebuilt by Ganesh's devotees in 1970. Nagarkhana on the main gate was built in memory of Shree Haripant Phadke. Legend has it Mahavishnu who was engaged in a serious battle against the demons Madhu and Kaitabha, was dismayed by his inability to bring the battle to a quick and decisive finish. Shiva advised him to propitate Ganesha. Upon doing so, Ganesha appeared on the battlefield, and his appearance strengthened Mahavishnu's resolve and abilities and enabled him to vanquish the demons with ease. Ganesha's appearance on the battlefield is marked by the Siddhivinayak shrine at Siddhatek, said to be capable of granting Siddhi. Mahavishnu is worshipped as the destroyer of the demons Madhu and Kaitabha at Tiruvallur near Chennai in Tamilnadu, and as the restorer of the Vedas from the same demons, at Indalur in Mayiladuturai near Thanjavur again in Tamilnadu, both these temples being over 1200 years old. Another Legend,It is said that, years ago there was a heap of ashes from this sacrificial fire. However, this place is now covered by water. The road leading to the main temple was built by the Peshwa's Senapati Haripant Phadke.