Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple – Titwala, Maharashtra
Location:– Titwala is a small town near Kalyan in Maharashtra. It is situated about 50 km from Mumbai.
Main Deity:- This temple is one of the most visited temple around Kalyan region and is the home for Shree Siddhivinayak Mahaganpati swaroop of Lord Ganesha. This is a Swayambhu (self manifested ) idol
Architecture:- The temple is built near the kalu river and has been built during Peshwa regime.
It was constructed in the 11th century and follows the hemadpanti style of architecture.
The temple is pretty old but well maintained. However, the roads leading to the temple are in bad shape.
There is also a pond adjacent to the temple where one can do boating. There is also a garden with an amphitheater in the temple premises.
As the temple is very famous and lot of devotees visit the temple, the management has installed steel barricades that keep the queue streamlined.
The temple is a two storied structure. The ground level is where the deity is installed and devotees can sit on the marble floor and offer their prayers. The upper level is where the pradakshina is done. It has open windows through which the deity at the lower level can be seen. An adjoining Hall full of Mandaps for Satyanarayan Puja is also situated here. A small donation is given before Satyanarayan Puja can be done
The main sanctum also has a special shrine for Ganpati’s vahan (favorite animal), the mice. Devotees believe that when you convey your desire in the mice’s ears, the same reaches Lord Ganesh and our wish gets fulfilled.
Right behind the temple are the Dharamsala(guest house) and a Mangal karyalay (wedding hall)
Specialties:- Sage Kanva was the person who first installed the deity in this temple. However, this was destroyed while the lake was being constructed. Later on Madhavrao Peshwa foresaw the rebuilding of the temple. Besides this, there is also another shrine for Lord Shiva in his shivling form.
According to the legend the great King Dushyant married Shakuntala in the Titwala temple.
Festivals/Prayers:- This temple is also known as a Jagrut ganesh temple, where all wishes come true. People believe that the lord resolves conflicts in marriages.
Devotees also visit this temple as a part of the Ashtavinayak tour.
The best time to offer Pujas is early in the morning or late evening after 4 pm. The temple sees a lot of crowd on Chaturthi and sankasti days.
How to Reach:-
By Trains:- In Mumbai the central railway local takes you to Titwala station. The temple is 2 km from railway station
By Road:- Buses, private vehicles or taxis run from Titwala to this temple. This place is well connected from nearby areas of Thane and Kalyan.
By Air:- Mumbai airport is the nearest airport.
Timings:- 5 Am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 9 pm
Nearby Places:-
Vithal-Rukmini Temple
Image Courtesy:- Tripadvisor
Location: Titwala, Maharashtra 421605, India
