Devotees planning a pilgrimage to Mumbai’s iconic Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple in Prabhadevi should adjust their schedules, as the temple administration has announced a temporary closure next week. According to the latest updates from Lokmaha News, the temple will remain closed to the public from January 7 to January 11 to facilitate the auspicious Sindoor Lepan ritual.
Siddhivinayak Temple Closed: Key Dates and Details
The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple Trust (SSGT) has confirmed that the deity’s idol will undergo a scheduled maintenance and religious ceremony known as Sindoor Lepan. Consequently, the temple sanctum will be inaccessible for Darshan (viewing of the deity) during this five-day period.
Devotees should note the following schedule to avoid inconvenience:
- Closure Begins: January 7 (Tuesday)
- Closure Ends: January 11 (Saturday)
- Reason: Application of vermilion (Sindoor) to the idol.
While the main idol will not be visible, the temple trust often makes arrangements for devotees to offer prayers from a designated distance outside the main sanctum, though entry inside remains restricted.
What is the Sindoor Lepan Ritual?
For our global readers unfamiliar with this tradition, the Sindoor Lepan Vidhi is a significant and delicate ritual observed at the Siddhivinayak Temple. The idol of Lord Ganesha is coated with a fresh layer of Sindoor (vermilion), a sacred orange-red powder used in Hindu worship.
This is not merely a cosmetic procedure but a spiritual preservation technique that has been followed for decades. Given the intricacies involved in applying and drying the vermilion layers, the process requires the sanctum to remain undisturbed for several days. This ensures the longevity and sanctity of the revered idol.
When Will Darshan Resume?
The temple gates are scheduled to reopen for devotees on January 12 (Sunday). According to information verified by Lokmaha News, the reopening will follow a specific schedule:
- January 12, 1:00 PM: The idol will be unveiled for the Maha Aarti and first Darshan following the completion of the ritual.
- Regular Timings: Normal queues and entry procedures are expected to resume immediately after the afternoon Aarti.
As this reopening falls on a Sunday, a day that typically sees high footfall, the temple administration anticipates a significant rush of devotees eager to catch the first glimpse of the deity in the new year.
Plan Your Visit with Lokmaha News
The Siddhivinayak Temple is one of the wealthiest and most visited shrines in India, attracting millions of visitors annually. Closures for rituals like Sindoor Lepan are standard practice but can often catch tourists and out-of-town devotees off guard.
We advise all devotees to check real-time updates on crowd management and potential queue modifications before heading to Prabhadevi on January 12. Stay tuned to Lokmaha News for further updates on temple timings and city news.
