Mumbai’s iconic Siddhivinayak Temple is set to undergo a major upgrade, with the first phase of its beautification project scheduled to commence next week. The bhoomipujan ceremony will be performed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The initial phase of the project, estimated at Rs 78.01 crore, will focus on improving key structural and aesthetic elements of the temple. Engineers Studio Pvt Ltd has been appointed to execute the work. Planned upgrades include revamping the temple’s entrance, adding stone cladding to both interior and exterior walls, and constructing a roof on the northern side.
The larger redevelopment is designed in three phases. The second phase will introduce a new access point, Riddhi Gate, along Kakasaheb Gadgil Marg to streamline visitor movement. Along with Siddhi Gate, these entrances will symbolically represent the consorts of Lord Ganesha, while also improving crowd management.
In addition, the temple trust plans to introduce an Anna Daan service, offering free meals to devotees. The facility will be housed within a proposed centre equipped with a passenger lift, basement parking, and modern systems aimed at reducing waiting times. Sada Sarvankar, who heads the temple trust, stated that meals will include roti, sabji, dal, rice, and a sweet, similar to arrangements at the Shirdi Sai Baba Temple.
The trust is also in the final stages of acquiring Ram Mansion, a nearby three-storey building, to enable further expansion. With a total outlay of Rs 493 crore, the entire redevelopment is expected to be completed within 12 months.
Established in 1801, the temple remains one of Mumbai’s most visited religious sites and among the city’s wealthiest temple trusts.
Source: Swarajya
