The Siddhi Vinayak temple is situated on the north bank of river Bhima at Siddhatek. It is on a hill and is approximately 1 km from the Siddhatek village. Many devotees do 7 times Pradakshina of the hill after Darshan. It is one of the main temples in the Astha Vinayak circute.
The legend: According to Mudgala Purana at the beginning of Creation while Brahma started creating the universe, two demons called Madhu and Kaitabha disturbed Brahma’s. Brahma prays Lord Vishnu who battles them but was not able to defeat them. He prays Lord Shiva and Shiva asks Him to Pray Ganesha 1st. So Vishnu worships Lord Ganesha at Siddhatek and Ganesha blesses Him with powerful siddhis and Vishnu slays the demons. Hence the place is known as Siddhatek.
According to legend Lord Vishnu built this temple. The present temple was built by Ahilyabai Holkar, the Queen of Indore in the late 18th century.
Normally Ganesha idol has the trunk turning to the left. But here Ganesha has his trunk turning to the right. Hence the Ganesha is said to highly powerful with great Siddhis.
Festivals: The Ganesh Chaturthi festival – celebrated from the first to the fifth day of the Bhadrapada Masa with Ganesh Chaturthi on the fourth day.
Timings 4:30 AM to 9:30 PM
How to reach:
Air – The nearest airport is Pune Lohegaon Airport. Many taxis will take you to Siddhatek from there.
Train – Daund Junction Railway Station is 18 km away. Several trains pass through the Daund Junction Railway Station.
Road – Many buses from Pune to Siddhtek. Many travel agents conduct the Astha Vinayak tours.
Many budget and luxurious hotels available but prior booking is a must.
