1. Story of Siddhivinayak Temple, Prabhadevi - Mumbai - 1

Here is the story related to origin of Sri Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple, a popular temple located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. The temple is dedicated to Siddhivinayak (wish granting form) form of Ganesha, who is also known as Navasala Pavnara Ganapati.

Once there lived a rich woman called Deubai Patil. Deubai hailed from an agrian society of Matunga region in Mumbai.

One day during the prayer ceremony (Aarti), Deubai made a request to Lord Ganesha. She said, ‘O Ganesha! You are the creator, our saviors and bestower of all wishes. My Lord, I humbly vow to your feet and seek your permission to construct a temple in your pious name. I am a childless woman and know the plea of not having this dispensation. I plead you to grant your divine presence in this temple, where bare couples can seek your blessings for a child’.

It is believed that Lord Ganesha granted Deubai her request and the temple of construction began in 1801. The construction contract was given to contractor Laxman Vithu Patil and thus the temple (original) was built.

The temple of Sri Siddhivinayak is popular for fulfillment /granting of wishes, hence it is also known as Navasacha Ganapati or Navasala Pavanara Ganapati in the local Marathi language which means ‘the benevolent Ganapati who grants wishes when prayed to genuinely and humbly.