Introduction to 5 Most Famous Ganesh Temples
In Hindu mythology, Lord Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati has a special significance in terms of His special head with trunk, sharp acumen, wisdom, and vision and is revered and worshipped in temples all over the world the 5 most famous being Siddhivinayak Temple (Mumbai), Sri Vinayaka Temple, Guddattu (Kundapura, Udupi), Kurudumale Ganesha Temple, Shri Ganesh Mandir (Jammu and Kashmir) and Dodda Ganapathi Temple Karnataka.
We all are aware of the fact that in Hindu culture and traditions, Lord Ganesha is revered and worshipped first during any Puja Archana. Siddhivinayak Temple (Mumbai), as the name suggests signifies the Lord Ganesha who grants your wishes. Ganesha Bhagwan is invoked whenever something new venture is undertaken.
According to the legend when asked by his parents to take three rounds of Mother Earth, His brother Kartikeya took the rounds of Mother Earth and took time, however, Lord Ganesha took three rounds of his mother and claimed victory. Lord Ganesha was married to Riddhi and Siddhi, the two sisters.
Lord Ganesha is known for his alacrity of mind and sharp wisdom. On Deepawali days Lakshmi and Ganesh puja is the custom and tradition of every Hindu household.
A brief description of the 5 most famous Ganesh Temples in India will give the readers an indication of the grandeur and Mahatmya about the Lord Ganesh and his eternal blessings on the devotees and pilgrims visiting His shrine and worshiping Him in temples or households.
Siddhivinayak Temple (Mumbai)
Siddhivinayak Temple (Mumbai), located in the Prabhadevi area is renowned all over the world. The festival of Ganapati or the Ganesh Chaturthi festival -Ganapati Bappa Maurya is celebrated in Mumbai with gaiety and grandeur to honor and celebrate the birthday of the deity Lord Ganesha. Siddhivinayak Temple (Mumbai) was built by Laxman Vithu and Deubai Patil in 1801.
At the Siddhivinayak Temple (Mumbai), the idol of Lord Ganesha is carved out of a single black stone. It has a mooshak- the mouse carrier. Together with Riddhi and Siddhi- the Goddesses of affluence and prosperity, the Lord Ganesh is called Mahaganpati.
At the Siddhivinayak Temple (Mumbai), a 10-day ritual of Pooja Archana is performed with devotion and dedication. The entire city of Mumbai is immersed and absolved in the religious fervor of the Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations with perfect devotion in the month of August-September each year.
During the Ganapati festival, the devotees carry the idol of Lord Ganesh through the streets in grand processions accompanied by dance, music, and chanting of mantras, vedic hymns, and prayers – Ganapati Bappa Maurya.
On the concluding day of the 10-day Ganapati Festival or the Ganesh Chaturthi, the idol of Lord Ganesh carried in a public procession is immersed in a nearby body of water.
Siddhivinayak Temple (Mumbai) Timings:
Siddhivinayak Temple (Mumbai) opens at sharp 05:30 am and closes at 10:00 pm.
The Siddhivinayak temple (Mumbai) is a 5 storeyed temple. The ground floor has pavilions for devotees; first floor is for performing Pooja and seeking darshan of the deity; second floor is for Naivedya prasad preparation; Third and fourth floors are for administration; 5th floor is for Mahaprasadam.
Sri Vinayaka Temple, Guddattu (Kundapura, Udupi)
Sri Vinayaka Temple, Guddattu (Kundapura, Udupi) is an ancient temple which is located in Udupi district at a place about 15 km away from Kundapur and about 35 km from Udupi. The temple is located on a rock on which the black stone idol of Lord Ganesha in sitting pose is carved beautifully. The entire panorama is so picturesque and is surrounded by lush green plantations.
Besides the regular Pooja-archana, special poojas such as Ayar koda(Pot) seva; Tailabhayanajana; Pancharrutha, and Rudrabhisheka are performed at the Sri Vinayaka Temple, Guddattu (Kundapura, Udupi).
During the Aayira Koda Abhisheka, the deity is bathed with 1000 pots of water collected from the nearby well as a result, the deity is immersed in neck-deep water. The idol of the Shri Vinayaka is believed to be self-manifested.
The Sri Vinayaka Temple, Guddattu (Kundapura, Udupi) is very well connected by road, railways, and air. The nearest airport is Mangalore Airport and the nearest railway station is Udupi/ Kumdapur.
Sri Vinayaka Temple, Guddattu (Kundapura, Udupi) Timings :
Sri Vinayaka Temple, Guddattu (Kundapura, Udupi) opens at 05:00 am and closes at 09:00 pm.
Kurudumale Ganesha Temple
Kurudumale Ganesha Temple is located in Mulbagal region in the Kolar District of the State of Karnataka. The temple is situated at a distance of about 10 km from Mulbagal town.
At the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple, the deity of Lord Ganesha is 13.5 ft tall. Lord Ganesha is known as Vighanaharta – the problem solver and the devotees visit the shrine to seek riddance from their troubles, if any. The Kurudumale Ganesha Temple is about 650 years old since the time of the Chola Vijayanagara and Hoysala Kingdoms.
Devotees, in large numbers, offer their prayers on the Ganesh Chaturthi festival.
Kurudumale Ganesha Temple Timings:
Kurudumale Ganesha Temple Timings are from 06:30 am to 01:00 pm & 03:00 pm to 08:30 pm.
How to reach Kurudumale Ganesha Temple
Kurudumale Ganesha Temple is accessible by road, railway, and air. It is a distance of about 110 km from Bangalore. Kempegowda International Airport is the nearest airport. The nearest railway station to Kurudumale Ganesha Temple is Mulbagul taluk in the Kolar district.
Shri Ganesh Mandir (Jammu and Kashmir )
The ancient, Shri Ganesh Mandir (Jammu and Kashmir ) is an architectural marvel exhibiting intricately wooden carvings and stone masonry in Kashmiri architectural style. As the name suggests, the Shri Ganesh Mandir (Jammu and Kashmir ) is dedicated to Lord Ganesha.
The intricate carvings and sculptures of the Shri Ganesh Mandir (Jammu and Kashmir ) depict the scenes and stories from Hindu mythological stories related to Lord Ganesha.
The spire of the Shri Ganesh Mandir (Jammu and Kashmir ) is so designed that it receives the first ray of the sun, affording the devotees, a stunning panoramic view.
The presiding deity of Lord Ganesha is in the sanctum sanctorum of the Shri Ganesh Mandir (Jammu and Kashmir ). The walls of the temple are beautifully decorated with intricately designed frescoes depicting the tales relating to Lord Ganesha.
Shri Ganesh Mandir (Jammu and Kashmir ) opens at 05:00 am and closes at 09:00 pm. Morning Aarti, Abhishekam, and Evening Aartis are performed daily and the special pujas are performed on festival days such as Ganesh Chaturthi when the 10-day festival, Deepawali, Navaratri, and Mahashivratri. Rituals involving chanting of Mantras, singing of bhajans, distribution of prasad, and music and dance performances are rendered by devotees.
The best time to visit the Shri Ganesh Mandir (Jammu and Kashmir ) is during summer (April to June) as the weather remains pleasant during this period. From December to February, the weather remains cold but offers a panoramic site of snow-clad peaks.
Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated in August and September months. The nearest airport to visit is Shri Ganesh Mandir (Jammu and Kashmir )
Dodda Ganapathi Temple (Karnataka)
Dodda Ganapathi Temple (Karnataka) is located in the Basavanagudi region in the south of Bangalore city. The deity of Lord Ganesha is an 18 ft. tall and 16 ft. wide idol in a single block of monolith stone. It is believed that the deity of Lord Ganesha is self-manifested. Dodda is a Kannada word meaning ‘Big’ which means big Ganesha.
During the festivals, the deity of Lord Ganesha is covered with 100 kg butter which is referred to as the ‘Benne Alankara’ form. During the festivals, special Pooja Archanas are performed and the devotees are given prasad.
Dodda Ganapathi Temple (Karnataka) Timings: 05:30 to 20:30 Hours.
Conclusion:
In the Hindu religion, special significance is attached to the worship of Lord Ganesha. Lord Ganesha is propitiated at the start of a new undertaking, venture, or business. Lord Ganesha puja is performed at each of the festivals or puja at the very beginning. Lord Ganesh is called Vighnaharan – the God to provides riddance from problems and difficulties.
Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated across India. During the Ganapati festival, the devotees carry the idol of Lord Ganesh in processions while chanting mantras and singing bhajans, hymns and offering prayers. In Maharashtra, the Ganesh Chaturthi festival is celebrated with vibrance, enthusiasm, and energy.
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FAQs About 5 Most Famous Ganesh Temples
Q.1. Why Siddhivinayak Mandir is so famous?
Ans. 1. Siddhivinayak Mandir (Mumbai) is famous for it is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and special puja is performed during Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri, and Deepawali.
Q.2. Which day is crowded in Siddhivinayak Temple?
Ans.2 The Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai, remains most crowded on Tuesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Q.3. What is the story of Guddattu Vinayaka Temple?
Ans.3. During the Aayira Koda Abhisheka, the deity is bathed with 1000 pots of water collected from the nearby well as a result, the deity is immersed in neck-deep water. The idol of the Shri Vinayaka is believed to be self-manifested.
Q.4. What is the significance of Kurudumale Ganesha Temple?
Ans.4. Kurudumale Ganesha Temple is significant on the following counts:-(i) It is about 650 years old. (ii) The idol of Ganesh Bhagwan is 13.5 ft. tall. (iii)The four pillars of the Kurudumale Ganesh Temple represent the 4 Yugas. (iv) As per the legend, the temple idol was installed by the Gods- Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh.
Q.5. How tall is Kurudumale Ganesha in feet?
Ans.5. At the Kurudumale Ganesha Temple, the deity of Lord Ganesha is 13.5 ft. tall.
Q.6. Which is the famous Mandir of Jammu and Kashmir?
Ans.6. The ancient, Shri Ganesh Mandir (Jammu and Kashmir) is an architectural marvel and is famous for its intricate carvings.
Q.7. What is the history of the Dodda Ganapathi Temple?
Ans.7. Dodda Ganapathi Temple (Karnataka) was constructed by Kempe Gowda I in the 16th century. The Dodda Ganapathi temple is also known as Basavana Gudi or the Bull Temple/Nandi temple. It is believed that the deity of Lord Ganesha is self-manifested.
Q. 8 Which Ganesha is famous in Karnataka?
Ans.8. Dodda Ganapathi Temple (Karnataka) and Kurudumale Ganesha Temple are famous in Karnataka.
