Titwala Ganesh Mandir: Where Devotion Meets Serenity

Titwala Ganesh Mandir | Sri Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple is one of the ancient Hindu temples. Siddhivinayak temple boasts from the period of Mahabharata, with magnificent architectural style. This temple is popularly known as “Titwala Ganesh” and is flooded with devotees on Tuesdays and Chaturthi.

Lord Vinayaka is considered to eliminate all kinds of obstacles and he is considered to be worshiped first before starting any task. Here in this Titwala Ganesh Mandir, devotees believe if separated couples pray lord with devotion then they will get united and the Marriage desires of bachelors will be fulfilled.

Ganesh Gayatri Mantra to be chanted:

“Om Tatpurushaya Vidmahe Vakratundaya
Dheemahi, Tanno Danti Prachodayat.”

History of Sri Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple:

Once King Dushyanta passed from the forest with his battle campaign fell in love with Shakuntala (the adopted daughter of Sage Kanva). They both got married according to the Gandharva rite. Due to unrest in his kingdom Gandhara, Dushyanta has to leave. Before leaving he gave a ring which is believed to be a royal signet and promised to return back.

While Shakuntala was dreaming about her husband she forgot to pay attention to Sage Durvasa (who is known for his short temper), in return Sage cursed her that her husband would forget her and would not return back. After accepting her apologies he toned his curse and said Dushyanta would recognize her once she showed a token of love.

Meanwhile, Shakuntala’s father sage Kanva established the idol of Siddhi Vinayak and said to build a shrine and worship with devotion. Lord will bless you and join her husband. In the later period, she not only got united with her husband but also gave birth to a child who is well known as Bharath.

 Architecture of Titwala Ganesh Mandir: 

As Shakuntala built this temple during the period of Mahabharata, we can find samples of ancient architecture. During the rule of Peshwa Madhav Rao, this temple was found during the de-silting operation of the water tank.

He found the idol of Lord Ganesh and started renovation work with stones. Initially, the temple was built with wood and was very small, later Peshwas donated land to make it big. We find idol eyes decorated with ruby stones. The Temple pinnacle is sculptured with Ashtavinakas and we have Shiva temple in the form of Linga on the right-hand side of the main entrance.

Sri Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple has attracted millions of Hindus from across India for the pilgrimage. The miracle-working powers, which feature this temple as its priority, are such that Lord Ganesha is said to fulfill the desires of his devotees. While the crowd is regular throughout the year, Tuesdays and Chaturthis see more people thronging Titwala Ganesh Mandir, since these days are declared auspicious for worshipping Ganesha.

Although it is rich in religious significance, Titwala Ganesh Mandir also represents Hindu aesthetic beauty. It is the traditional Marathi style where a tall shikharas and intricate carvings are on its walls and pillars, among others.

Speciality of Titwala Ganpati Mandir:

• Self-manifested idol: Lord Ganesha’s main idol is said to be a swayambhu form, which means it manifested itself on its own.
• Historical importance: It is said to be the supposed home of the hermitage of Sage Kanva, who is Shakuntala’s foster parent, the born one here.
• Architectural grandeur: The temple is well-designed in a traditional Maharashtrian style with beautiful carvings and gaudy decorations.
• It also holds religious importance. Devotees believe that if they pray at this place, then their wishes will be granted to them by Lord Ganesha.
• Titwala Ganesh Mandir is greatly crowded during Ganesh Chaturthi, wherein thousands of devotees come to pray and celebrate the festival. Another attraction in the temple complex is a sacred pond wherein devotees perform rituals and seek blessings.

Sri Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple Timing:

• This temple is usually open early in the morning, and it is between 4:30 AM or 5:00 AM. Devotees are admitted at this time for morning darshan (deity viewing).
• Afternoon: The temple remains closed after the morning darshan for a few hours during the afternoon. This can run for hours and may vary from day to day as well. It is the time when temple premises get cleaned, and the deity prepares for the evening darshan.
• Evening: During evening, typically around 6:30 PM or 7:00 PM, the temple reopens. In evening also, darshan is considered the most sought after by devotees to visit and seek blessings of Lord Ganesha.

Discover More Sacred Sites: Explore These Must-See Temples!

Trikut Ganesh Temple, Nanded,

Sri Swayambhu Siddhivinayak Temple, Rejinthal,

Shree Ganesh Temple in Ganpatipule,

Sri Siddhi Vinayaka Temple, Secunderabad,

Sri Sampath Vinayagar Temple, Visakhapatnam.

Places to visit near Titwala Ganesh Mandir:

Mahuli Fort: Mahuli Fort is an ancient hill fort, located near Titwala about 13 kilometers and is very popular for trekking. You can see a marvellous view of the landscape. The fort is mainly historical with ancient caves.

Khopoli: It is a small town located around 20 km from Titwala. Khopoli is said to present picturesque beauty mainly during monsoons.

Bhatsa Dam: Bhatsa is the reservoir which is at the distance of 25 km from Titwala. Here you can share some quite moments by water. Also, it is an important place through which water supply is done to Mumbai city.

Ganeshpuri: Ganeshpuri is a small town, which finds fame in the Nityanand Maharaj Ashram. Devotees and seekers of spirituality come here to really experience some tranquil and spiritual moments. The hot springs of Vajreshwari nearby attract the devotees.

Ambernath: Ambernath is also highly famous with its old Shiva temple, Ambernath Temple. The temple is full of lovely carvings that also give it enormous historical significance. It’s at a distance of 12 km from Titwala.

Kondhane Caves: Ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves are situated near Karjat, which is just a few kilometers from Titwala. The dates of these caves exist since more than 1st century BC, meaning the history and archaeological facts about these caves are pretty important.

Ulhas Valley: Certain areas of Karjat along with the Western Ghats form the Ulhas Valley bringing in magnificently beautiful natural appeal concerning lush green landscapes and waterfalls. One of the wonderful destination spots for trekking and other outdoor adventures.

How to reach Titwala Ganesh Mandir:

By Air:

The nearest airport: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM)

Distance: Aprrox. 50-60 Kms.

By Train:

Nearest Railway Station: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST)

By Road:

Devotees can take Eastern Express Highway (NH 3) Coming from Mumbai.