Shree Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai’s Prabhadevi is one of the most prominent temples in the city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha in his “Siddhivinayak” form, which means the one who fulfils desires and removes obstacles. It is one of the most visited temples in Mumbai, with heavy footfall on Tuesdays. The temple trust has recently announced that the temple will be closed from January 7, 2026, to January 11, 2026, for the annual sindoor lepan ceremony. What is this ceremony? Will the temple actually be closed? Here’s everything you must know!
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple: Temple Closure, Timings, And Rituals
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple Sindoor Lepan Ceremony
The main idol at the Shree Siddhivinayak temple will not be available for darshan from January 7 to January 11. The idol is placed in the main garbha griha or sanctum of the temple, where the devotees generally visit for Ganesha’s darshan.
This garbha griha will be closed during this time as the temple trust will perform the annual ritual of sindoor lepan. The sindoor lepan ceremony is a five-day-long, elaborate ceremony performed by senior priests. During this ceremony, the main idol is smeared with vermillion or sindoor while chanting various religious mantras.
The ceremony holds great significance as it is meant to fortify the idol with divine power and positive energy. Hence, this ceremony is generally held once every year according to the muhurat, nakshatra, tithi, and yog.
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Timings For Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
Hence, due to the sindoor lepan ceremony, the main idol darshan will be closed at the temple. However, a replica will be set for the convenience of the devotees lining up for the darshan.
The temple trust decided to announce the closure of the garba griha in advance because many people from far-off cities and countries generally flock in for darshan. This advance announcement can help in avoiding devotees’ disappointment and planning their visit.
On Monday, January 12, after the completion of the sindoor lepan ceremony, the priests will perform certain rituals. There will be rituals like Prokshanvidhi, Naivedya, and Aarti in the morning, and then from 1 PM, the usual darshan in the garbha griha will begin.
Note: Not the Siddhivinayak temple, but its garbha griha housing the main idol will be closed for darshan. Hence, devotees who still wish to visit can pray to the replica at the usual timings of the temple from January 7 to 11.
History of The Famous Shree Siddhivinayak Temple
The Shree Siddhivinayak Temple was constructed by Laxman Vithu and his wife Deubai Patil in 1801. The couple lived in a quiet village in Prabhadevi and were childless since many years. They were completely devoted to Lord Ganesha. One night, Deubai saw a divine dream in which Lord Ganesha asked her to construct a shrine on her plot amid coconut groves.
Deubai and Laxman found a swayambhu or self-manifested idol in the coconut groves itself. The couple funded the construction of this shrine in hopes that Lord Ganesha would bless all the childless women with progeny. This is why the temple is known as the “Siddhivinayak” temple, which means the one who fulfils wishes.
Deubai’s prayers and devotions were answered with the birth of her own son, which sparked the story of a miracle. People from far and wide places visited this temple in hopes of their wishes getting fulfilled. That small brick temple built in 1801 is today’s Shree Shiddhivinayak Temple, known as one of the wealthiest temples in Mumbai.
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Summing Up
The temple trust has announced that the temple’s garbha grisha will be closed from January 7 to 11. Devotees will not be able to see the main idol but a replica will be placed for their convenience.
FAQs
What time does Darshan resume on January 12?
1:00 PM
Is Siddhivinayak Temple fully closed from 7 to 11 January?
No, only the garba griha with the main idol is closed.
Why is Siddhivinayak Temple main idol closed for 5 days?
The temple is closed for the sindoor lepan ceremony for 5 days.
What is Sindoor Lepan ceremony in Ganesha temples?
During this ceremony, the main idol is smeared and coated with vermillion while chanting various religious mantras.
Can we see the Ganesha replica at Siddhivinayak?
Yes, you can see the replica.
When will Siddhivinayak garbha griha open for devotees?
The temple will reopen with the usual darshan from January 12, 2026.
What are the regular darshan timings for Shree Siddhivinayak temple?
Regular daily darshan typically runs from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM, with brief pauses for aartis.
What is Siddhivinayak Temple’s reopening date after Sindoor Lepan?
The temple will reopen with the usual darshan from January 12, 2026.
