Acharya Karan V – Lord Ganesha is the first God to be worshipped and venerated before one commences any significant task like a new business or a long journey. Ganesha is believed to be the God of success and good will. He is also called “Vighanharta” or the one who annihilates hindrances. He is the one who jotted down the story of Mahabharata as Ved Vyasa narrated the story. Ganesha is also considered to be the God of knowledge. Having head of an elephant and rest of the body as human, Lord Ganesha has endeared himself to one and all.

The Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai is a result of this religious passion which His devotees have for the Lord. Built in 1801, the temple is the richest temple in Mumbai. The temple has got large amount of donations estimated to be around 100 million in a year. The huge amount of donations comes from the devotees belonging to all walks of life. Everyone from famous politicians, film personalities and sportspersons to common people belonging to various parts of the country come here to do regular puja aarti at Siddivinayak temple, pay their obeisance to Lord Ganesha fondly known as “Ganpati Bappa”.

Every Tuesday in this temple marks a special day for Lord Ganesh as thousands of devotees throng the temple to bow before their beloved “Ganpati”. A Street called “Phool Gali” that leads to the temple has got lots of vendors selling accessories like coconut, fresh flowers, vermilion and holy threads required in rituals. On Tuesday, the “Phool Gali” bustles with devout followers eagerly waiting for their turn to prostrate before the Lord.

Another festival that gets all the followers swinging in devotion is “Ganesh Chaturthi” also known as “Vinayak Chaturthi”. The temple reverberates with the “Aarti” and Sanskrit chants for ten consecutive days, with cymbals and temple bells clanking throughout the day.

Other festivals observed at this temple are “Sankasthi Chaurthi” celebrated by devotees keeping fast for a day and “Ganesh Jayanti” celebrated in January-February marking birthday of Lord Ganesh. The Siddhivinayak Temple has been a symbol of unshakeable faith of Hindus on their beloved God. People have thronged the temple, with a positive hope that Lord Ganesh will remove their sorrows and, in return, their “Ganapati Bappa” has truly lived up to His name – “The Vighnharta”.