Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple - Revision history

Mohammadzaidmansoori at 20:04, 26 November 2025

2025-11-26T20:04:20Z

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			{{Short description\|Hindu Temple}}
	{{EngvarB\|date=September 2013}}		{{EngvarB\|date=September 2013}}
	{{Use dmy dates\|date=~~September 2013~~}}		{{Use dmy dates\|date=May 2024}}
	{{Infobox Hindu temple		{{Infobox Hindu temple
	\| name = Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple		\| name = Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple
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	\| website =		\| website =
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	The '''Siddhivinayaka Mahaganapati Temple''' is a [[Hindu temple]] located in [[Titwala]], a small town in the [[Kalyan, India\|Kalyan]] [[taluka]] of [[Thane district]] – near [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra, India]]. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu, elephant-headed god of wisdom [[Ganesha]]. Titwala is believed to be the putative site of the hermitage of sage [[Kanva]], foster parent of [[Shakuntala]] who was born here. The place is steeped in ancient legend and the temple is frequented by a very large number of devotees on account of the belief that separated married couples could be united and marriages of desired people could be fixed easily if the Ganesha image installed in the temple is worshipped with devotion.This temple is frequented mostly on Tuesdays.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/and-more/find-out-which-day-of-the-week-is-dedicated-to-which-lord_1900162.html\|title=Find out which day of the week is dedicated to which Lord!\|date=2016-06-25\|work=Zee News\|access-date=2018-08-05\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g660976-d4089042-Reviews-Titwala_Ganesh_Mandir-Thane_Thane_District_Maharashtra.html\|title=TITWALA GANESH MANDIR\|website=TripAdvisor}}</ref>
			The '''Siddhivinayaka Mahaganapati Temple''' is a [[Hindu temple]] located in [[Titwala]], a small town in the [[Kalyan, India\|Kalyan]] [[taluka]] of [[Thane district]] – near [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra, India]]. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu, elephant-headed god of wisdom, [[Ganesha]]. Titwala is believed to be the putative site of the hermitage of sage [[Kanva]], foster parent of [[Shakuntala]] who was born here. The place is steeped in ancient legend and the temple is frequented by a very large number of devotees on account of the belief that separated married couples could be united and marriages of desired people could be fixed easily if the Ganesha image installed in the temple is worshipped with devotion.This temple is frequented mostly on Tuesdays.<ref>{{Cite news\|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/and-more/find-out-which-day-of-the-week-is-dedicated-to-which-lord_1900162.html\|title=Find out which day of the week is dedicated to which Lord!\|date=2016-06-25\|work=Zee News\|access-date=2018-08-05\|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g660976-d4089042-Reviews-Titwala_Ganesh_Mandir-Thane_Thane_District_Maharashtra.html\|title=TITWALA GANESH MANDIR\|website=TripAdvisor}}</ref>

	==Legend==		==Legend==
	[[File:Raja Ravi Varma - Mahabharata - Shakuntala.jpg\|thumb\|left\|upright\|[[Shakuntala]], with her friends. Painting by [[Raja Ravi Varma]]]]		[[File:Raja Ravi Varma - Mahabharata - Shakuntala.jpg\|thumb\|left\|upright\|[[Shakuntala]], with her friends. Painting by [[Raja Ravi Varma]]]]

	According to legend, this village was part of [[Dandakaranya]] forest where the Katkari tribe lived (the tribal hamlets are located even now close to the town across the Kalu river, approached only by boats).<ref name = "gazz">{{cite web\|url=http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/Thane/places_t.html\|title=Places:Titvala\|publisher=Maharashtra Gazetteer\|accessdate=19 August 2009}}</ref> [[Rishi\|Sage]] [[Kanva]] had his hermitage here. Kanva was the author of several hymns of the scripture [[Rigveda]] and one of the ~~[[Angiris\|~~Angirasas]]. He had adopted [[Shakuntala]], who was abandoned immediately after her birth by her parents, sage [[Vishwamitra]] and the [[Apsara\|celestial damsel]] [[Menaka]]. Shakuntala’s story has been narrated in the Hindu epic [[Mahabharata]] and dramatised by [[Kālidāsa]], considered the greatest poet and dramatist in [[Sanskrit]] language, in his play called the [[Abhijñānaśākuntalam]] (“The Recognition of Shakuntala").<ref name=guide>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.wsu.edu:8000/~brians/love-in-the-arts/sakuntala.html\|title=Study Guide for Kalidasa: The Recognition of Sakuntala\|accessdate=14 August 2009\|work=Source: Kalidasa: The Loom of Time\|publisher=Penguin Books}}</ref>		According to legend, this village was part of the [[Dandakaranya]] forest where the Katkari tribe lived (the tribal hamlets are located even now close to the town across the Kalu river, approached only by boats).<ref name = "gazz">{{cite web\|url=http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/Thane/places_t.html\|title=Places:Titvala\|publisher=Maharashtra Gazetteer\|accessdate=19 August 2009}}</ref> [[Rishi\|Sage]] [[Kanva]] had his hermitage here. Kanva was the author of several hymns of the scripture [[Rigveda]] and one of the Angirasas. He had adopted [[Shakuntala]], who was abandoned immediately after her birth by her parents, sage [[Vishwamitra]] and the [[Apsara\|celestial damsel]] [[Menaka]]. Shakuntala’s story has been narrated in the Hindu epic [[Mahabharata]] and dramatised by [[Kālidāsa]], considered the greatest poet and dramatist in [[Sanskrit]] language, in his play called the [[Abhijñānaśākuntalam]] (“The Recognition of Shakuntala").<ref name=guide>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.wsu.edu:8000/~brians/love-in-the-arts/sakuntala.html\|title=Study Guide for Kalidasa: The Recognition of Sakuntala\|accessdate=14 August 2009\|work=Source: Kalidasa: The Loom of Time\|publisher=Penguin Books}}</ref>

	King [[Dushyanta]] of [[Gandhara Kingdom]] while on a battle campaign was passing through the forests when he and Shakuntala fell in love with each other and got married according to the [[Gandharva]] rite (exchanging garlands as a marriage vow) in the hermitage. Since Dushyanta had to leave Shakuntala after some time due to unrest in his capital city, he gave Shakuntala a royal signet (a ring) as a sign of their love, promising her that he would return for her.<ref name=guide/>		King [[Dushyanta]] of the [[Gandhara Kingdom]] while on a battle campaign was passing through the forests when he and Shakuntala fell in love with each other and got married according to the [[Gandharva]] rite (exchanging garlands as a marriage vow) in the hermitage. Since Dushyanta had to leave Shakuntala after some time due to unrest in his capital city, he gave Shakuntala a royal signet (a ring) as a sign of their love, promising her that he would return for her.<ref name=guide/>

	Once, while Shakuntala was in the hermitage in a pensive dreaming mood thinking about her husband Dushyanta, she did not pay the desired reverential attention to sage [[Durvasa]] who was visiting the place. Durvasa, known for his short temper, felt offended by this slight, cursed Shakuntala saying that the person she was dreaming of would forget about her altogether. However, later, Durvasa toned down his curse to mean that the person who had forgotten Shakuntala would remember everything again if she showed him a personal token that had been given to her. As per the curse, Dushyanta refused to recognise her.<ref name=guide/>		Once, while Shakuntala was in the hermitage, in a pensive dreaming mood thinking about her husband Dushyanta, she did not pay the desired reverential attention to sage [[Durvasa]] who was visiting the place. Durvasa, known for his short temper, felt offended by this slight, cursed Shakuntala saying that the person she was dreaming of would forget about her altogether. However, later, Durvasa toned down his curse to mean that the person who had forgotten Shakuntala would remember everything again if she showed him a personal token that had been given to her. As per the curse, Dushyanta refused to recognise her.<ref name=guide/>

	According to local legend, sage Kanva, realising the gravity of the issue faced by his adopted daughter Shakuntala, directed her to build a shrine in honour of god [[Ganesha]] as ''Siddhi Vinayaka''. He assured her that by her sincere prayers Siddhi Vinayaka would bless her and she would once again join her husband Dushyanta.<ref name = "gazz"/> This eventually came true after considerable effort and lapse of time and by which time Shakuntala who had conceived after marrying Dushyanta, also gave birth to a son who came to be known as [[Bharata (Mahabharata)\|Bharata]] according to Mahabharata epic. [[Pandavas]] and [[Kauravas]] were descendants of Bharata.<ref name=guide/>		According to local legend, sage Kanva, realising the gravity of the issue faced by his adopted daughter Shakuntala, directed her to build a shrine in honour of the god [[Ganesha]] as ''Siddhi Vinayaka''. He assured her that by her sincere prayers Siddhi Vinayaka would bless her and she would once again join her husband Dushyanta.<ref name = "gazz"/> This eventually came true after considerable effort and lapse of time and by which time Shakuntala who had conceived after marrying Dushyanta, also gave birth to a son who came to be known as [[Bharata (Mahabharata)\|Bharata]] according to Mahabharata epic. [[Pandavas]] and [[Kauravas]] were descendants of Bharata.<ref name=guide/>

	==History==		==History==
	The Siddhivinayaka Mahaganapati temple built by Shakuntala with the stated legendary background was submerged under a tank. During the rule of the [[Peshwa]] [[Madhavrao I]], to resolve the drought situation in the town, the tank was de-silted to provide drinking water to the town. It was during the de-silting operations that the temple was found buried. The image of god Ganesha was found by Peshwa [[sardar]] Ramchandra Mehendale buried in the silt. Soon thereafter, the renovation of the temple was undertaken and a stone temple was built. Peshwa Madhavrao I consecrated the ancient Ganesha image in this new temple, after the conquest of Vasai fort. Initially, the temple was very small with a wooden ''sabha mandap'' (audience hall), which was in a run-down condition. Since the Peshwa temple had also degenerated over time, in 1965–66, renovation work was initiated again and a new temple was constructed at the same location at cost of {{INRConvert\|200000}}.<ref name = "gazz"/><ref name=Titvala>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.kdmc.gov.in/kdmc/pattern3.jsp?leftid=34&header=-Tourist%20Places-Titvala&image=City-\|title=Titvala\|accessdate=15 August 2009\|publisher= Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC)}}</ref><ref name=sura>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.surajinfo.com/ganesh/Temples/gmain.asp\|title= Famous Temples in Greater Mumbai\|work= iv) Shree Mahaganpati (Titwala)\|accessdate=14 August 2009}}</ref><ref name="Titwala">{{Cite web\|url=http://www.travelmazza.com/titwala_religious_place.php\|title= Titwala\|accessdate=14 August 2009}}</ref><ref name=Masur/>		The Siddhivinayaka Mahaganapati temple built by Shakuntala with the stated legendary background was submerged under a tank. During the rule of the [[Peshwa]] [[Madhavrao I]], to resolve the drought situation in the town, the tank was de-silted to provide drinking water to the town. It was during the de-silting operations that the temple was found buried. The image of god Ganesha was found by Peshwa [[sardar]] Ramchandra Mehendale, buried in the silt. Soon thereafter, the renovation of the temple was undertaken and a stone temple was built. Peshwa Madhavrao I consecrated the ancient Ganesha image in this new temple, after the conquest of Vasai fort. Initially, the temple was very small with a wooden ''sabha mandap'' (audience hall), which was in a run-down condition. Since the Peshwa temple had also degenerated over time, in 1965–66, renovation work was initiated again and a new temple was constructed at the same location at cost of {{INRConvert\|200000}}.<ref name = "gazz"/><ref name=Titvala>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.kdmc.gov.in/kdmc/pattern3.jsp?leftid=34&header=-Tourist%20Places-Titvala&image=City-\|title=Titvala\|accessdate=15 August 2009\|publisher=Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC)\|archive-date=27 September 2011\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927114259/http://www.kdmc.gov.in/kdmc/pattern3.jsp?leftid=34&header=-Tourist%20Places-Titvala&image=City-\|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=sura>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.surajinfo.com/ganesh/Temples/gmain.asp\|title=Famous Temples in Greater Mumbai\|work=iv) Shree Mahaganpati (Titwala)\|accessdate=14 August 2009\|archive-date=27 December 2008\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227163938/http://www.surajinfo.com/ganesh/Temples/gmain.asp\|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Titwala">{{Cite web\|url=http://www.travelmazza.com/titwala_religious_place.php\|title= Titwala\|accessdate=14 August 2009}}</ref><ref name=Masur/>

	==Architecture and recent renovations==		==Architecture and recent renovations==
	The current temple is built on {{convert\|3\|-\|5\|acre\|ha\|0\|abbr=on}} land donated by the Peshwas, which was further supplemented by {{convert\|12\|acre\|ha}} of additional land donated by Joshis, the hereditary priests of the temple. The existing audience hall, after renovation, measures {{convert\|90\|ft\|m\|0}}x{{convert\|45\|ft\|m\|0}} and has been provided with galleries that overlook the main hall. The raised platform on which temple has been built with stone is {{convert\|3.5\|ft\|m}} in height. The temple hall has marble flooring. Recently, the eyes and the navel of the image have been decorated with [[ruby]] stones. On the right of the main entrance door is a shrine containing a [[Shiva]]-[[linga]]. In front of the temple, there is also an impressive lamp tower. The temple [[Sikhara\|Shikhara]] (pinnacle) is decorated with sculptures of the [[Ashtavinayaka]], central images from eight revered Ganesha temples near [[Pune]], Maharashtra.<ref name = "gazz"/><ref name="Titvala"/><ref name="sura"/><ref name="Titwala"/> In the main sanctum, on the right corner padukas (foot wear) of Shri Vengaonkar Joshi, a Ganesha devotee is also seen.<ref name=sura/><ref name=Masur>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article&sectname=News%20-%20City&sectid=2&contentid=2009060220090602025318685c984dc66\|title=Siddhivinayak Temple at Titwala gets a makeover\|accessdate=14 August 2009\|work = [[Mumbai Mirror]]\|author = Masurkar, Alpita }}</ref>		The current temple is built on {{convert\|3\|-\|5\|acre\|ha\|0\|abbr=on}} land donated by the Peshwas, which was further supplemented by {{convert\|12\|acre\|ha}} of additional land donated by the Joshis, the hereditary priests of the temple. The existing audience hall, after renovation, measures {{convert\|90\|ft\|m\|0}}x{{convert\|45\|ft\|m\|0}} and has been provided with galleries that overlook the main hall. The raised platform on which temple has been built with stone is {{convert\|3.5\|ft\|m}} in height. The temple hall has marble flooring. Recently, the eyes and the navel of the image have been decorated with [[ruby]] stones. On the right of the main entrance door is a shrine containing a [[Shiva]]-[[linga]]. In front of the temple, there is also an impressive lamp tower. The temple [[Sikhara\|Shikhara]] (pinnacle) is decorated with sculptures of the [[Ashtavinayaka]], central images from eight revered Ganesha temples near [[Pune]], Maharashtra.<ref name = "gazz"/><ref name="Titvala"/><ref name="sura"/><ref name="Titwala"/> In the main sanctum, on the right corner padukas (foot wear) of Shri Vengaonkar Joshi, a Ganesha devotee is also seen.<ref name=sura/><ref name=Masur>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article&sectname=News%20-%20City&sectid=2&contentid=2009060220090602025318685c984dc66\|title=Siddhivinayak Temple at Titwala gets a makeover\|accessdate=14 August 2009\|work=[[Mumbai Mirror]]\|author=Masurkar, Alpita\|archive-date=23 February 2012\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223141348/http://www.mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article&sectname=News%20-%20City&sectid=2&contentid=2009060220090602025318685c984dc66\|url-status=dead}}</ref>

	In May 2009, the temple trust and the Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC) have completed renovation of the temple – initiated 5 years ago. At a cost of {{INRConvert\|15\|m}}, the renovation work provides regulated entry arrangements and basic facilities to cater to a very large number of devotees who visit the temple. The lake, Titwala Talav next to the temple, has also been de-silted recently and facilities created for boating.<ref name=Masur/>		In May 2009, the temple trust and the [[Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation]] (KDMC) had have completed renovation of the temple – initiated 5 years ago. At a cost of {{INRConvert\|15\|m}}, the renovation work provides regulated entry arrangements and basic facilities to cater to a very large number of devotees who visit the temple. The lake, Titwala Talav next to the temple, has also been de-silted recently and facilities created for boating.<ref name=Masur/>

	==Devotees and auspicious days==		==Devotees and auspicious days==
	Based on the popular legend narrated, Hindus believe that by devotional worship of the Titwala Ganesha, marriage to one’s wished person will take place and marital discord will be happily resolved.<ref name=load>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/specialfeatures/special_have-loads-of-fun-in-twin-cities_1270809\|title=Have loads of fun in twin cities: Titwala Mandir\|accessdate=14 August 2009\|work = [[DNA (newspaper)\|DNA]]}}</ref> The temple is visited by lacs of devotees,<ref name=Masur/> particularly on Angarika Chaturthi (Angariki) – a Tuesday that follows on the fourth day of the lunar bright fortnight. Tuesday as well as the fourth day of the lunar fortnight are considered auspicious days to worship Ganesha, both of which attract a fair number of worshippers to the temple. [[Ganesh Chaturthi]] and [[Ganesh Jayanti]] is celebrated with great fervour, when more than {{formatnum:500000}} people congregate for worship in the temple. Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav is the central festival of Ganesha that falls on the fourth day of the bright lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August–September). Ganesha Jayanti or Maghi Ganeshotsav is the birthday of Ganesha, which falls on the fourth day of the bright lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of [[Magha (poet)\|Magha]] (January–February).<ref name=Titvala/~~><ref name = travel>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.blessingsonthenet.com/travel/showplace4.asp?place=Titwala\|title=Maharashtra: Titwala\|accessdate=15 August 2009}}</ref~~><ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/india/mumbai/excursions-from-mumbai/titwala.html\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070906015816/http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/india/mumbai/excursions-from-mumbai/titwala.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=6 September 2007\| title=Titwala\|accessdate=14 August 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/36702247.cms\|title=Maghi Ganeshotsav celebrated with reverence\|date= 7 February 2003\|work=[[The Times of India]]\|accessdate=19 August 2009}}</ref> The temple is often frequented by devotees from [[Mumbai]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/greater_bombay/people.html#3\|title=Ganapatipujana\|publisher=Maharashtra State Gazetteer – Greater Bombay District\|accessdate=17 August 2009}}</ref>		Based on the popular legend narrated, Hindus believe that by devotional worship of the Titwala Ganesha, marriage to one’s wished person will take place and marital discord will be happily resolved.<ref name=load>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/specialfeatures/special_have-loads-of-fun-in-twin-cities_1270809\|title=Have loads of fun in twin cities: Titwala Mandir\|accessdate=14 August 2009\|work = [[DNA (newspaper)\|DNA]]}}</ref> The temple is visited by lacs of devotees,<ref name=Masur/> particularly on Angarika Chaturthi (Angariki) – a Tuesday that follows on the fourth day of the lunar bright fortnight. Tuesday as well as the fourth day of the lunar fortnight are considered auspicious days to worship Ganesha, both of which attract a fair number of worshippers to the temple. [[Ganesh Chaturthi]] and [[Ganesh Jayanti]] is celebrated with great fervour, when more than {{formatnum:500000}} people congregate for worship in the temple. Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav is the central festival of Ganesha that falls on the fourth day of the bright lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August–September). Ganesha Jayanti or Maghi Ganeshotsav is the birthday of Ganesha, which falls on the fourth day of the bright lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of [[Magha (poet)\|Magha]] (January–February).<ref name=Titvala/><ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/india/mumbai/excursions-from-mumbai/titwala.html\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070906015816/http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/india/mumbai/excursions-from-mumbai/titwala.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=6 September 2007\| title=Titwala\|accessdate=14 August 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/36702247.cms\|title=Maghi Ganeshotsav celebrated with reverence\|date= 7 February 2003\|work=[[The Times of India]]\|accessdate=19 August 2009}}</ref> The temple is often frequented by devotees from [[Mumbai]].

	==Topography==		==Topography==
	The Kalu river, is a small river that flows close to Titwala in its upstream reaches. The Kalu River also flows close to Ambivali, a little farther from Titwala. This river after flowing westwards, in its downstream, receives the small Bhatsa River, which in turn joins the Ulhas River near [[Kalyan, India\|Kalyan]], an [[industrial suburb]] of Mumbai. In its further course of {{convert\|45\|km\|mi}}, the river receives effluents from several industrial units.<ref name=Kumar>{{Cite book\|last=Kumar\|first=Arvind \|author2=C. P. Bohra \|author3=L. K. Singh\|title= Environment, pollution and management\|work= Relationship of the rate of growth of plants with effect of industrial pollution at Kalu river in the content of minerals\|page=547\|accessdate=14 August 2009\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TAC6B_1FhL4C&q=Titwala&pg=PA548\|publisher= APH Publishing\|year= 2003\|isbn=9788176484190}}</ref>		The Kalu river is a small river that flows close to Titwala in its upstream reaches. The Kalu River also flows close to Ambivali, a little farther from Titwala. This river after flowing westwards, in its downstream, receives the small Bhatsa River, which in turn joins the Ulhas River near [[Kalyan, India\|Kalyan]], an [[industrial suburb]] of Mumbai. In its further course of {{convert\|45\|km\|mi}}, the river receives effluents from several industrial units.<ref name=Kumar>{{Cite book\|last=Kumar\|first=Arvind \|author2=C. P. Bohra \|author3=L. K. Singh\|title= Environment, pollution and management\|work= Relationship of the rate of growth of plants with effect of industrial pollution at Kalu river in the content of minerals\|page=547\|accessdate=14 August 2009\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TAC6B_1FhL4C&q=Titwala&pg=PA548\|publisher= APH Publishing\|year= 2003\|isbn=9788176484190}}</ref>

	==Other shrines==		==Other shrines==

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	==Devotees and auspicious days==		==Devotees and auspicious days==
	Based on the popular legend narrated, Hindus believe that by devotional worship of the Titwala Ganesha, marriage to one’s wished person will take place and marital discord will be happily resolved.<ref name=load>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/specialfeatures/special_have-loads-of-fun-in-twin-cities_1270809\|title=Have loads of fun in twin cities: Titwala Mandir\|accessdate=14 August 2009\|work = [[DNA (newspaper)\|DNA]]}}</ref> The temple is visited by lacs of devotees,<ref name=Masur/> particularly on Angarika Chaturthi (Angariki) – a Tuesday that follows on the fourth day of the lunar bright fortnight. Tuesday as well as the fourth day of the lunar fortnight are considered auspicious days to worship Ganesha, both of which attract a fair number of worshippers to the temple. [[Ganesh Chaturthi]] and [[Ganesh Jayanti]] is celebrated with great fervour, when more than {{formatnum:500000}} people congregate for worship in the temple. Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav is the central festival of Ganesha that falls on the fourth day of the bright lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August–September). Ganesha Jayanti or Maghi Ganeshotsav is the birthday of Ganesha, which falls on the fourth day of the bright lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of [[Magha (poet)\|Magha]] (January–February).<ref name=Titvala/><ref name = travel>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.blessingsonthenet.com/travel/showplace4.asp?place=Titwala\|title=Maharashtra: Titwala\|accessdate=15 August 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/india/mumbai/excursions-from-mumbai/titwala.html\| title=Titwala\|accessdate=14 August 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/36702247.cms\|title=Maghi Ganeshotsav celebrated with reverence\|date= 7 February 2003\|work=[[The Times of India]]\|accessdate=19 August 2009}}</ref> The temple is often frequented by devotees from [[Mumbai]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/greater_bombay/people.html#3\|title=Ganapatipujana\|publisher=Maharashtra State Gazetteer – Greater Bombay District\|accessdate=17 August 2009}}</ref>		Based on the popular legend narrated, Hindus believe that by devotional worship of the Titwala Ganesha, marriage to one’s wished person will take place and marital discord will be happily resolved.<ref name=load>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/specialfeatures/special_have-loads-of-fun-in-twin-cities_1270809\|title=Have loads of fun in twin cities: Titwala Mandir\|accessdate=14 August 2009\|work = [[DNA (newspaper)\|DNA]]}}</ref> The temple is visited by lacs of devotees,<ref name=Masur/> particularly on Angarika Chaturthi (Angariki) – a Tuesday that follows on the fourth day of the lunar bright fortnight. Tuesday as well as the fourth day of the lunar fortnight are considered auspicious days to worship Ganesha, both of which attract a fair number of worshippers to the temple. [[Ganesh Chaturthi]] and [[Ganesh Jayanti]] is celebrated with great fervour, when more than {{formatnum:500000}} people congregate for worship in the temple. Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav is the central festival of Ganesha that falls on the fourth day of the bright lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August–September). Ganesha Jayanti or Maghi Ganeshotsav is the birthday of Ganesha, which falls on the fourth day of the bright lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of [[Magha (poet)\|Magha]] (January–February).<ref name=Titvala/><ref name = travel>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.blessingsonthenet.com/travel/showplace4.asp?place=Titwala\|title=Maharashtra: Titwala\|accessdate=15 August 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/india/mumbai/excursions-from-mumbai/titwala.html\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070906015816/http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/india/mumbai/excursions-from-mumbai/titwala.html\|url-status=usurped\|archive-date=6 September 2007\| title=Titwala\|accessdate=14 August 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/36702247.cms\|title=Maghi Ganeshotsav celebrated with reverence\|date= 7 February 2003\|work=[[The Times of India]]\|accessdate=19 August 2009}}</ref> The temple is often frequented by devotees from [[Mumbai]].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/greater_bombay/people.html#3\|title=Ganapatipujana\|publisher=Maharashtra State Gazetteer – Greater Bombay District\|accessdate=17 August 2009}}</ref>

	==Topography==		==Topography==

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{{EngvarB|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2013}}
{{Infobox Hindu temple
| name = Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple
| image = {{Photomontage
| photo1a = Titwala, Maharashtra 421605, India - panoramio (10).jpg
| photo2a = Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple Titwala.jpg
| spacing = 1
| color_border = white
| color = white
| size = 240
| foot_montage =
}}
| alt =
| caption = Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple, Titwala (Maharashtra, India)
| map_type = India Maharashtra
| map_caption = Location in Maharashtra
| coordinates = {{coord|19|18|02|N|73|13|18|E|type:landmark_region:IN_scale:100|display=inline,title}}
| native_name = श्री सिध्दीविनायक महागणपती मंदिर
| country = [[India]]
| state = [[Maharashtra]]
| district =
| location = [[Titwala]]
| elevation_m =
| deity = [[Ganesha]]
| festivals=
| architecture = North Indian Architecture
| temple_quantity =
| monument_quantity=
| inscriptions =
| year_completed = original structure: Ancient (unknown)<br /> present structure: 1965–66
| creator = [[Shakuntala]] on sage [[Kanva]]’s directive
| website =
}}
The '''Siddhivinayaka Mahaganapati Temple''' is a [[Hindu temple]] located in [[Titwala]], a small town in the [[Kalyan, India|Kalyan]] [[taluka]] of [[Thane district]] – near [[Mumbai]], [[Maharashtra, India]]. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu, elephant-headed god of wisdom [[Ganesha]]. Titwala is believed to be the putative site of the hermitage of sage [[Kanva]], foster parent of [[Shakuntala]] who was born here. The place is steeped in ancient legend and the temple is frequented by a very large number of devotees on account of the belief that separated married couples could be united and marriages of desired people could be fixed easily if the Ganesha image installed in the temple is worshipped with devotion.This temple is frequented mostly on Tuesdays.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://zeenews.india.com/entertainment/and-more/find-out-which-day-of-the-week-is-dedicated-to-which-lord_1900162.html|title=Find out which day of the week is dedicated to which Lord!|date=2016-06-25|work=Zee News|access-date=2018-08-05|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.tripadvisor.in/Attraction_Review-g660976-d4089042-Reviews-Titwala_Ganesh_Mandir-Thane_Thane_District_Maharashtra.html|title=TITWALA GANESH MANDIR|website=TripAdvisor}}</ref>

==Legend==
[[File:Raja Ravi Varma - Mahabharata - Shakuntala.jpg|thumb|left|upright|[[Shakuntala]], with her friends. Painting by [[Raja Ravi Varma]]]]

According to legend, this village was part of [[Dandakaranya]] forest where the Katkari tribe lived (the tribal hamlets are located even now close to the town across the Kalu river, approached only by boats).<ref name = "gazz">{{cite web|url=http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/Thane/places_t.html|title=Places:Titvala|publisher=Maharashtra Gazetteer|accessdate=19 August 2009}}</ref> [[Rishi|Sage]] [[Kanva]] had his hermitage here. Kanva was the author of several hymns of the scripture [[Rigveda]] and one of the [[Angiris|Angirasas]]. He had adopted [[Shakuntala]], who was abandoned immediately after her birth by her parents, sage [[Vishwamitra]] and the [[Apsara|celestial damsel]] [[Menaka]]. Shakuntala’s story has been narrated in the Hindu epic [[Mahabharata]] and dramatised by [[Kālidāsa]], considered the greatest poet and dramatist in [[Sanskrit]] language, in his play called the [[Abhijñānaśākuntalam]] (“The Recognition of Shakuntala").<ref name=guide>{{Cite web|url=http://www.wsu.edu:8000/~brians/love-in-the-arts/sakuntala.html|title=Study Guide for Kalidasa: The Recognition of Sakuntala|accessdate=14 August 2009|work=Source: Kalidasa: The Loom of Time|publisher=Penguin Books}}</ref>

King [[Dushyanta]] of [[Gandhara Kingdom]] while on a battle campaign was passing through the forests when he and Shakuntala fell in love with each other and got married according to the [[Gandharva]] rite (exchanging garlands as a marriage vow) in the hermitage. Since Dushyanta had to leave Shakuntala after some time due to unrest in his capital city, he gave Shakuntala a royal signet (a ring) as a sign of their love, promising her that he would return for her.<ref name=guide/>

Once, while Shakuntala was in the hermitage in a pensive dreaming mood thinking about her husband Dushyanta, she did not pay the desired reverential attention to sage [[Durvasa]] who was visiting the place. Durvasa, known for his short temper, felt offended by this slight, cursed Shakuntala saying that the person she was dreaming of would forget about her altogether. However, later, Durvasa toned down his curse to mean that the person who had forgotten Shakuntala would remember everything again if she showed him a personal token that had been given to her. As per the curse, Dushyanta refused to recognise her.<ref name=guide/>

According to local legend, sage Kanva, realising the gravity of the issue faced by his adopted daughter Shakuntala, directed her to build a shrine in honour of god [[Ganesha]] as ''Siddhi Vinayaka''. He assured her that by her sincere prayers Siddhi Vinayaka would bless her and she would once again join her husband Dushyanta.<ref name = "gazz"/> This eventually came true after considerable effort and lapse of time and by which time Shakuntala who had conceived after marrying Dushyanta, also gave birth to a son who came to be known as [[Bharata (Mahabharata)|Bharata]] according to Mahabharata epic. [[Pandavas]] and [[Kauravas]] were descendants of Bharata.<ref name=guide/>

==History==
The Siddhivinayaka Mahaganapati temple built by Shakuntala with the stated legendary background was submerged under a tank. During the rule of the [[Peshwa]] [[Madhavrao I]], to resolve the drought situation in the town, the tank was de-silted to provide drinking water to the town. It was during the de-silting operations that the temple was found buried. The image of god Ganesha was found by Peshwa [[sardar]] Ramchandra Mehendale buried in the silt. Soon thereafter, the renovation of the temple was undertaken and a stone temple was built. Peshwa Madhavrao I consecrated the ancient Ganesha image in this new temple, after the conquest of Vasai fort. Initially, the temple was very small with a wooden ''sabha mandap'' (audience hall), which was in a run-down condition. Since the Peshwa temple had also degenerated over time, in 1965–66, renovation work was initiated again and a new temple was constructed at the same location at cost of {{INRConvert|200000}}.<ref name = "gazz"/><ref name=Titvala>{{Cite web|url=http://www.kdmc.gov.in/kdmc/pattern3.jsp?leftid=34&header=-Tourist%20Places-Titvala&image=City-|title=Titvala|accessdate=15 August 2009|publisher= Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC)}}</ref><ref name=sura>{{Cite web|url=http://www.surajinfo.com/ganesh/Temples/gmain.asp|title= Famous Temples in Greater Mumbai|work= iv) Shree Mahaganpati (Titwala)|accessdate=14 August 2009}}</ref><ref name="Titwala">{{Cite web|url=http://www.travelmazza.com/titwala_religious_place.php|title= Titwala|accessdate=14 August 2009}}</ref><ref name=Masur/>

==Architecture and recent renovations==
The current temple is built on {{convert|3|-|5|acre|ha|0|abbr=on}} land donated by the Peshwas, which was further supplemented by {{convert|12|acre|ha}} of additional land donated by Joshis, the hereditary priests of the temple. The existing audience hall, after renovation, measures {{convert|90|ft|m|0}}x{{convert|45|ft|m|0}} and has been provided with galleries that overlook the main hall. The raised platform on which temple has been built with stone is {{convert|3.5|ft|m}} in height. The temple hall has marble flooring. Recently, the eyes and the navel of the image have been decorated with [[ruby]] stones. On the right of the main entrance door is a shrine containing a [[Shiva]]-[[linga]]. In front of the temple, there is also an impressive lamp tower. The temple [[Sikhara|Shikhara]] (pinnacle) is decorated with sculptures of the [[Ashtavinayaka]], central images from eight revered Ganesha temples near [[Pune]], Maharashtra.<ref name = "gazz"/><ref name="Titvala"/><ref name="sura"/><ref name="Titwala"/> In the main sanctum, on the right corner padukas (foot wear) of Shri Vengaonkar Joshi, a Ganesha devotee is also seen.<ref name=sura/><ref name=Masur>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mumbaimirror.com/index.aspx?Page=article&sectname=News%20-%20City&sectid=2&contentid=2009060220090602025318685c984dc66|title=Siddhivinayak Temple at Titwala gets a makeover|accessdate=14 August 2009|work = [[Mumbai Mirror]]|author = Masurkar, Alpita }}</ref>

In May 2009, the temple trust and the Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation (KDMC) have completed renovation of the temple – initiated 5 years ago. At a cost of {{INRConvert|15|m}}, the renovation work provides regulated entry arrangements and basic facilities to cater to a very large number of devotees who visit the temple. The lake, Titwala Talav next to the temple, has also been de-silted recently and facilities created for boating.<ref name=Masur/>

==Devotees and auspicious days==
Based on the popular legend narrated, Hindus believe that by devotional worship of the Titwala Ganesha, marriage to one’s wished person will take place and marital discord will be happily resolved.<ref name=load>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/specialfeatures/special_have-loads-of-fun-in-twin-cities_1270809|title=Have loads of fun in twin cities: Titwala Mandir|accessdate=14 August 2009|work = [[DNA (newspaper)|DNA]]}}</ref> The temple is visited by lacs of devotees,<ref name=Masur/> particularly on Angarika Chaturthi (Angariki) – a Tuesday that follows on the fourth day of the lunar bright fortnight. Tuesday as well as the fourth day of the lunar fortnight are considered auspicious days to worship Ganesha, both of which attract a fair number of worshippers to the temple. [[Ganesh Chaturthi]] and [[Ganesh Jayanti]] is celebrated with great fervour, when more than {{formatnum:500000}} people congregate for worship in the temple. Ganesh Chaturthi or Ganeshotsav is the central festival of Ganesha that falls on the fourth day of the bright lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of Bhadrapada (August–September). Ganesha Jayanti or Maghi Ganeshotsav is the birthday of Ganesha, which falls on the fourth day of the bright lunar fortnight in the Hindu month of [[Magha (poet)|Magha]] (January–February).<ref name=Titvala/><ref name = travel>{{Cite web|url=http://www.blessingsonthenet.com/travel/showplace4.asp?place=Titwala|title=Maharashtra: Titwala|accessdate=15 August 2009}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.asiarooms.com/travel-guide/india/mumbai/excursions-from-mumbai/titwala.html| title=Titwala|accessdate=14 August 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/36702247.cms|title=Maghi Ganeshotsav celebrated with reverence|date= 7 February 2003|work=[[The Times of India]]|accessdate=19 August 2009}}</ref> The temple is often frequented by devotees from [[Mumbai]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.maharashtra.gov.in/english/gazetteer/greater_bombay/people.html#3|title=Ganapatipujana|publisher=Maharashtra State Gazetteer – Greater Bombay District|accessdate=17 August 2009}}</ref>

==Topography==
The Kalu river, is a small river that flows close to Titwala in its upstream reaches. The Kalu River also flows close to Ambivali, a little farther from Titwala. This river after flowing westwards, in its downstream, receives the small Bhatsa River, which in turn joins the Ulhas River near [[Kalyan, India|Kalyan]], an [[industrial suburb]] of Mumbai. In its further course of {{convert|45|km|mi}}, the river receives effluents from several industrial units.<ref name=Kumar>{{Cite book|last=Kumar|first=Arvind |author2=C. P. Bohra |author3=L. K. Singh|title= Environment, pollution and management|work= Relationship of the rate of growth of plants with effect of industrial pollution at Kalu river in the content of minerals|page=547|accessdate=14 August 2009|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TAC6B_1FhL4C&q=Titwala&pg=PA548|publisher= APH Publishing|year= 2003|isbn=9788176484190}}</ref>

==Other shrines==
At this pilgrim centre, apart from the Ganesha Temple, the other famous temple is dedicated to [[Vithoba]], a local form of [[Krishna]] and his consort [[Rukmini]]. Sri Shani Temple is near Sri swamy Samarth Math, Sadguru Nivas, Titwala (E). Sri Sai Baba Temple at Titwala (E), Sri Hanuman Temple is near Titwala Station. Another renowned temple is at [[Ambarnath]], close by, which is dated to the 11th century, constructed in the [[Hemadpanthi]] style of architecture, which is named after its introducer and founder, prime minister [[Hemadpant]] in the court of [[Seuna Yadavas of Devagiri]]. Vaishno Devi temple is nestled in Titwala 22 minutes walking distance from Titwala station east towards south direction. It is a temple of Mata Bhavtarini – Vaishno Devi. Manju Mataji takes care of this temple and organised Chowki's either on Tuesdays or Fridays every week. Big Chowki comes twice a year in Navratri on Ashtami. Manju mata (Ludhiana) and second is in Titwala (Thane). People do come in huge numbers around {{formatnum:300000}} for darshan of mata rani. Durga Puja during October is also known as Akal Bodhon or untimely invocation, Vasant Navratri, also known as Chaitra Navratras or Spring Navratri or Basant Navratri. As this Navratra coincides with Ram Navami, it also referred as Ram Navratri. Vasant Navratri (Chaitra). Lord Ram who changed the period of Durga Puja. Lord Ram wanted to get the blessings of Goddess Durga before beginning the war with Ravana. Therefore, he invoked Goddess Durga during Ashwin (October – November).Devotees are not allowed to wear any leather articles like wallet, belt and handy bag. Transport facilities are available from station.<ref name=load/><ref name=shrine>{{Cite web |url=http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/TouristDelight/Shrines/Shrines.aspx?strpage=Shrines_OtherShrines.html |title=Shrines around Mumbai – Titwala|accessdate=14 August 2009|publisher = Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation.|year = 2004}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|2}}

{{Hindu temples in Maharashtra}}

[[Category:Ganesha temples]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Thane district]]