Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek
Siddhatek, Maharashtra
The Siddhivinayak Temple at Siddhatek is one of the eight Ashtavinayak temples. It stands on a small hill beside the river Bhima. According to the legend, Vishnu won the Vedas back from the demons Madhu and Kaitabha with Ganesha's blessing, and the place is called Siddhatek, the hill of success. One source notes that the idol's trunk turns to the right, which makes it unusual among the eight.
What to see and do
- Have darshan of Siddhivinayak, with the trunk turned to the right
- See the old temple on its small hill above the river
- Walk around the hill, as many pilgrims do, if you have the time and the energy
- See the Bhima river nearby
Ideal for
- Pilgrims doing the Ashtavinayak yatra
- Devotees who want blessings for a new start
- Families with time for a short walk
Good to know
- One source lists the temple as open from about 4:15 am to 9 pm, but check locally
- Dress modestly, and remove footwear at the entrance
- Ganesh Chaturthi and Angarki Chaturthi are extremely crowded
- Siddhatek is the farthest of the eight from Pune, about 100 km, so it needs a long drive
- The walk around the hill is long, so ask your guide whether it suits you
Spiritual significance
Siddhatek is the place of success in the Ashtavinayak story, and the one temple where Ganesha's trunk turns to the right. It is a quiet, hilltop shrine on the river.
Why it matters
- A temple of success: the legend of Vishnu and the Vedas
- A right-turned trunk: unusual among the eight
- A hilltop on the Bhima: a quiet setting