Siddhivinayaka Mahaganapati Temple is associated with the Hindu religion and has its existence in the town of Titwala in the Kalyan taluk of Thane district. The temple is related to Lord Ganesha and attracts hordes of people, especially on Tuesdays, Chaturthis and Jayantis.

The temple has tremendous importance because it is ancient. It is believed that if people worship the Ganesha image installed here with complete devotion then separated married couples can be united and unmarried people can find a suitable match. The premises of this temple also have the presence of Lord Shiva and Goddess Laxmi. There is also a beautiful artificial pond, which is surrounded by a stunning green garden. Angarika Chaturthi and Ganesh Chaturthi are celebrated with a lot of fervour here, in the presence of a large number of devotees.

History

This beautiful temple was constructed by Shakuntala, who was abandoned by her parents, sage Vishwamitra and the celestial damsel Menaka, right after her birth. The temple was submerged under a tank. It was during the rule of Peshwa Madhavrao that the temple was found buried during the de-silting operations, which were carried out in order to provide drinking water to the town after the emergence of a drought situation.

Peshwasardar Ramchandra Mehendale discovered the image of Lord Ganesha buried in the silt. Soon after, renovation work was initiated on the site and a stone temple was built. The installation of the ancient Ganesha image was conducted by Peshwa Madhavrao in this new temple after the takeover of Vasai Fort. The temple initially had a small structure with a wooden sabha mandap, which was in poor condition. Renovation work was started once again in 1965-66 and a new temple was constructed at the same location involving an estimated cost of US$3,100.

Architecture and Recent Renovations

Siddhivinayaka Mahaganapati Temple is presently constructed on an area of 3-5 acres of land that was donated by the Peshwas. Later, 12 acres of land donated by Joshis (hereditary priests of the temple) was added to the area. The temple also has an audience hall, which covers an area of 90 feet and has been provided with galleries that overlook the main hall. The temple has a presence of marble flooring and the front side of the temple has an impressive lamp tower.

The temple authorities and Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation underwent complete renovation work in May 2009, which was started five years ago. The renovation involved an investment of US$230,000 with an aim of regulating entry arrangements and basic facilities to deal with a large number of devotees who visit the temple. The lake located next to the temple was also de-silted recently and facilities were made for boating.

Devotees and Auspicious Days

Siddhivinayaka Mahaganapati Temple is visited by huge number of audiences especially on Angarika Chaturthi (Angariki) – a Tuesday that follows on the fourth day of the lunar bright fortnight. Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganesh Jayanti are also celebrated here on a wide scale, when more than 500,000 people come to worship in the temple.

Aarti

Siddhivinayaka Mahaganapati Temple conducts aarti two times in a day, and the prasad involves a coconut, mudi packet, flowers and agarbatti that are easily available outside the premises.

Temple Timings

Siddhivinayaka Mahaganapati Temple remains operational every day from 5 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 9 pm. It remains open from 4 pm to 11 pm for sankashti and chaturthi. Meanwhile, the temple also remains open from Monday midnight to Tuesday midnight on Angarika chaturthi.

How to Reach

Siddhivinayaka Mahaganapati Temple can be easily reached through the central line towards Kasara and by getting down at Titwala Station. The temple is located nearly 2.5 km from the station and you can take either Tanga or auto from the station. Mumbai International Airport and domestic airports are the nearest one to Titwala, which is 75 kilometres away. Titwala also has a railway station, but better and more frequent services are offered by Mumbai Suburban Railway from Mumbai via the Kalyan, Thane. Meanwhile, local trains offer services from Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus of Mumbai to Titwala, Asangaon and Kasara.

Best Time to Visit

February, March, November and December are considered as the best months to visit Siddhivinayaka Mahaganapati Temple. The temple remains open from 6 am to 6 pm everyday as well as on public holidays. Meanwhile, there is a wide range of budget and luxury hotels as well as resorts and other private accommodation in the nearby areas in order to ensure pleasant stay for visitors.

Nearby Places to Visit

Siddhivinayaka Mahaganapati Temple has a presence of several attractions in its nearby areas that attract interest of tourists from all over the country. Some of the attractions are Jama Mosque, St. John Baptist Church, St. James Church, Ambreshwar Shiva Temple, Ashapura Devi Temple and Bassein Fort.