Siddhivinayak Temple
श्री सिद्धिविनायक मंदिर
A Ganesha temple built in 1801, the most popular Hindu temple in Mumbai, and a must-visit for Bollywood stars and businesspeople seeking success and good fortune.
Siddhivinayak Temple lies in Prabhadevi in central Mumbai. It was founded in 1801 by a woman who had no children. It houses a 2.5-foot black stone image of Ganesha with its trunk curving to the right, which is rare. On either side stand the goddesses Siddhi and Riddhi, symbols of achievement and wealth. In the 1990s it was rebuilt as the multi-story golden-domed temple seen today. It is the richest and most popular temple in Mumbai, with tens of thousands of worshippers each day. Bollywood stars come to pray before the release of new films, and businesspeople come for good fortune in their deals.
Visiting: Admission is free and the temple is open about 5:30 to 22:00 (opening at 3:15 on Tuesdays). Security at the entrance is strict, and phones and cameras must be checked in. A regular queue takes 1–3 hours. A paid VIP fast-track darshan ticket (about 50–100 rupees) can cut the wait to 30 minutes. Shoes must be removed before entering the shrine, and photography is prohibited inside. You can buy a box of coconuts and flowers as offerings at the stalls by the entrance, for about 50 rupees.
Getting there: Dadar or Prabhadevi station on the Western line of the metro is a 10-minute walk, or take a taxi. The nearby Dadar area is home to the Marathi community, and Shivaji Park, nearby, is the cradle of Indian cricket greats. You can also visit the Dadar flower market to see the morning flower wholesale.
Tips: Visit on a weekday morning, other than Tuesday, after 10 a.m., for about an hour. Dress conservatively.
Opening hours
About 5:30 AM–10:00 PM
Nearby sights
- Bandra–Worli Sea Link
- Bandra Fort & Bandstand Promenade
- Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount
- Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat
- Dharavi
- Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum
- Haji Ali Dargah
- Mahalaxmi Temple