The temple remained closed to the public from January 7 to January 11 for the traditional sindoor lepan ritual and other religious observances. During this period, devotees were unable to have darshan of the main idol, though they were allowed to offer prayers to a replica idol placed in the temple
Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati after the Sindoor Lepan ceremony. PIC/ Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple on Instagram
Mumbai’s iconic Shree Siddhivinayak Ganpati Temple has reopened to devotees following the completion of the annual sindoor lepan ceremony, which began on January 7.
Watch | First look after sindoor lepan ceremony
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Earlier, the temple remained closed to the public from January 7 to January 11 for the traditional sindoor lepan ritual and other religious observances. During this period, devotees were unable to have darshan of the main idol, though they were allowed to offer prayers to a replica idol placed in the temple.
Originally built on November 19, 1801, by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil, the Siddhivinayak Temple is among Mumbai’s most visited and wealthiest Hindu pilgrimage sites. The annual sindoor lepan ceremony attracts large crowds, making the temporary closure of the sanctum necessary.
Following the completion of the rituals, the temple performed Prokshanvidhi, Naivedya, and Aarti on the morning of January 12. Regular darshan of the main idol from the sanctum resumed at 1 pm. The Siddhivinayak Temple Trust appealed to devotees to take note of the schedule and cooperate with temple authorities.
The reopening comes ahead of Makar Sankranti, a day when the Siddhivinayak Temple traditionally witnesses a massive influx of devotees. Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarayana or simply Sankranti, is a Hindu festival marking the Sun’s transition into Capricorn and the beginning of the harvest season, according to the reports.
Celebrated across India and Nepal, the festival is observed with colourful decorations, fairs (melas), kite flying, bonfires, dances, and festive meals, as per reports. Many devotees mark the occasion by visiting temples and taking ritual baths in sacred rivers, as mentioned in ancient Hindu texts, including the Mahabharata.
Devotees observe Angarika Sankashti Chaturthi at Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple
Earlier last week, devotees marked Angarika Sankashti Chaturthi at Mumbai’s Siddhivinayak Temple by observing a strict fast from morning until evening. The fast was traditionally broken at night after the darshan of the moon, following special prayers and pooja dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
Angarika Chaturthi, derived from the Sanskrit word Angarak, meaning red like glowing embers, is regarded as especially auspicious. Devotees believe that prayers offered on this day help fulfil wishes and remove obstacles. The Angarika Sankashti fast is associated with relief during difficult times, as Lord Ganesha is worshipped as the remover of obstacles and the embodiment of wisdom.
Before moonrise, devotees recited the Ganapati Atharvashirsha to seek Ganesha’s blessings. The Siddhivinayak Temple also hosted kirtan and bhajan sessions, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere throughout the day.
According to Hindu tradition, Angarika was the son of Earth Goddess Prithvi and a revered sage who was deeply devoted to Lord Ganesha. On Magha Krishna Chaturthi, which fell on a Tuesday, Angarika performed intense worship seeking the deity’s blessings.
Moved by his devotion, Lord Ganesha is believed to have appeared before Angarika and offered to grant him a wish. Angarika asked to be eternally associated with Ganesha’s name. Granting the boon, Ganesha declared that devotees who worship him on this day would have their prayers fulfilled.
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