Famous Temples in India

Architecture

The temple was constructed in black stone facing north. The temple has sabha-mandapa (assembly hall) of black stone and another sabha-mandapa, which is a later addition. The threshold of the main shrine has a small demonic head sculpture. The temple also has a Nagarkhana.[5] The garbhagriha (sanctum) is 15 ft high and 10 ft wide. It has the Jaya-Vijaya – the gatekeepers of Vishnu's abode – brass sculptures flanking the central icon of Siddhivinayaka. It has a dome-shaped stone ceiling. Like all Ashtavinayaka shrines, the central Ganesha image is believed to be svayambhu (self-existent), naturally occurring in the form of an elephant-faced stone.[8] The central icon of Siddhi-Vinayaka is seated cross-legged with his consort Siddhi seated nearby, though often she is hidden with flower garlands and the sindoor paste that covers the image. The icon is sheathed in brass and with its trunk turned to the right. The sanctum also has a Shiva-panchayatana (Shiva surrounded by Ganesha, Vishnu, the Goddess and the Sun-god Surya) and a shrine to goddess Shivai.

Siddhatek is situated on the banks of river Bhima. On crossing the river, while going towards the temple, you will come across the place where sage Vyas had performed yadnya (sacrifices). It said that, years ago there was a heap of ashes from this sacrificial fire. However, this place is now covered by water. The road leading to main temple was built by Peshwa's Senapati Haripant Phadke. Shree Siddhivinayak's temple is on hill top facing north. Sanctum of the temple, which is fifteen feet high and ten feet broad was built by Ahilyabai Holkar. Hall of the temple was previously built by Baroda's landlord late Shri Mairal. It was broken in 1939 and was rebuilt by all Ganesh devotees in 1970. Nagarkhana on the main gate was built in memory of Shree Haripant Phadke.