About Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek
The Siddhivinayak Temple stands on a small hillock beside the Bhima river at Siddhatek, in Karjat taluka of Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar) district, Maharashtra. It is the second stop on the traditional Ashtavinayak yatra, which starts at Morgaon and goes on to Siddhatek, Pali, Mahad, Theur, Lenyadri, Ozar and Ranjangaon before returning to Morgaon. It should not be confused with the well-known Siddhivinayak temple in Mumbai, which is not one of the Ashtavinayak.
According to the Mudgala and Ganesha Puranas, when Vishnu could not defeat the demons Madhu and Kaitabha, Shiva advised him to seek the blessing of Ganesha. Tradition says Vishnu worshipped Ganesha on this hill, gained siddhi (success) and then slew the demons, which gives both the place and the deity their names. The saint Moraya Gosavi of Morgaon is also said to have attained spiritual realisation here. The present temple is traditionally credited to Ahilyabai Holkar, the Maratha queen of Indore, in the 18th century, while later additions were made by Peshwa-era officials.
The temple faces north and is built of black stone. Its sanctum holds a self-manifested Ganesha with the trunk turned to the right, a form considered very powerful and strict in the observance of rituals. The murti is seated cross-legged with Riddhi and Siddhi beside him. Many devotees walk the pradakshina around the whole hillock, a path of roughly a kilometre, instead of only circling the sanctum. The Bhima river flows quietly below, and the setting is peaceful and rural. Because the village is small and quiet, darshan here is usually calmer than at the Ashtavinayak shrines close to Pune.
Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek timings & aarti
Usually open from about 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Around 5:30 AM (approx.) |
| Midday aarti | Around noon (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | Around sunset (approx.) |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek
By air
Pune International Airport is about 100 km away.
By train
Daund Junction is the nearest major railway station, about 20 km away.
By road
Siddhatek is reached by road from Daund. Coming from the Daund side, pilgrims have traditionally crossed the Bhima by ferry; the road route via the bridge is longer but easier for cars. State buses run to nearby towns.
Festivals at Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek
- Ganesh ChaturthiAug/Sep
- Magha Ganesh JayantiJan/Feb
- VijayadashamiSep/Oct
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
- Entry
- Free darshan.
- Do not mix this temple up with Siddhivinayak in Mumbai; use "Siddhatek, Karjat" in navigation apps.
- Set aside time for the pradakshina around the hillock if you are able to walk.
- Facilities for food and stay are limited in the village, so Daund is a better base.
- Carry water and a cap in summer; the area is hot and dry.
Places to visit near Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek
- DaundRailway junction town with hotels, about 20 km away
- Moreshwar Temple, MorgaonFirst Ashtavinayak shrine, about 70 km away by road
- Chintamani Temple, TheurFifth Ashtavinayak shrine near Pune, about 75 km away
Frequently asked questions
Is Siddhatek the same as Siddhivinayak in Mumbai?
No. The Ashtavinayak Siddhivinayak is at Siddhatek on the Bhima river in Ahilyanagar district. The Mumbai temple is a separate, later shrine.
Why is the Siddhatek Ganesha special?
It is the only Ashtavinayak murti with its trunk turned to the right, a form traditionally regarded as very powerful.
How to reach Siddhatek?
The nearest railway junction is Daund, about 20 km away. Pune airport is about 100 km away, and the last stretch is by road.
What are the Siddhatek temple timings?
The temple is usually open from about 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM. Check locally on festival days.
What is the aarti time at Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek?
Morning aarti: Around 5:30 AM (approx.); Midday aarti: Around noon (approx.); Evening aarti: Around sunset (approx.). Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek?
Modest traditional clothing is recommended.
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