Attraction
Gateway of India
The 1924 basalt arch on the Apollo Bunder waterfront, built to mark a royal visit and now the departure point for Elephanta ferries.
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
Mumbai's best-known Ganesh temple, founded in 1801 in Prabhadevi and visited by large numbers of devotees, with the longest queues on festival days.
At a glance
- Type
- Hindu temple
- Area
- Prabhadevi, Mumbai, India
- Official site
- siddhivinayak.org
Good to know
- Footwear stand
Why we recommend it
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi is dedicated to Ganesh and is one of the most visited temples in Mumbai. The original shrine was consecrated on 19 November 1801, built by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil. Over the following two centuries it grew from a small structure into the large modern temple you see today, which is run by the Shri Siddhi Vinayak Ganpati Temple Trust under its own act of the Maharashtra legislature.
The focus of every visit is the image of Ganesh in the inner sanctum, whose roof is plated with gold on the inside. Devotees queue to see the deity, make offerings and receive prasad, and the atmosphere of chanting, bells and flowers is the main reason non-Hindu visitors come too. In the evenings the exterior dome is lit in changing colours. The trust also runs a range of charitable services, including a medical help department and a book bank for students, which are funded by donations.
Expect crowds, as the temple draws devotees from across the city, and queues grow longer on festival days and around Ganesh Chaturthi. For a calmer visit, go early on a weekday. Arriving soon after the temple opens gives you the best chance of a shorter wait. Allow 30 minutes to an hour on a normal day, and much longer at busy times. Visitors of any faith are welcome as long as they follow the rules of the temple.
The temple asks visitors to switch off their mobile phones before entering, to dress modestly in keeping with its traditions, and to leave their footwear at the stand outside the entrance. Revealing clothing is not permitted, so cover your shoulders and knees. Travel light, as large bags are awkward in the queues. For pooja bookings and other services, the trust's office can be reached by phone.
The temple stands on S.K. Bole Marg in Prabhadevi, in the central part of the city between Dadar and Worli. Taxis can drop you close to the entrance, which is the simplest option. A visit combines well with the Haji Ali Dargah and the Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat further south, which are a short taxi ride away.
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple FAQs
Who is the temple dedicated to?
Ganesh.
When was the temple founded?
The original temple was consecrated on 19 November 1801.
Can non-Hindus visit?
Yes, visitors are welcome provided they follow the temple's rules on dress and behaviour.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Modest clothing is required and revealing clothes are not permitted.
Can you use your phone inside?
No. The temple asks visitors to switch off mobile phones before entering.
When is it busiest?
Festival days, particularly around Ganesh Chaturthi, bring the longest queues.
When is the quietest time to go?
Early in the morning on an ordinary weekday.
Where do you leave your shoes?
At the footwear stand outside the entrance.
How do you contact the temple office?
Call +91 22 6249 1111.