Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek

Siddhivinayak Temple in Siddhatek is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is one of the eight revered Ashtavinayak shrines in Maharashtra. Located on the northern bank of the Bhima River in Ahmednagar district, it is the only Ashtavinayak temple in this district. The present structure was built in the late 18th century by Ahilyabai Holkar. The deity is unique among Ashtavinayak temples for having its trunk turned to the right.

Visitors can expect a traditional Hindu temple experience centered around a self-manifested (svayambhu) Ganesha idol with a rare right-turned trunk. The temple stands on a hillock surrounded by babul trees near the Bhima River. Devotees often perform pradakshina (circumambulation) of the hill, which involves walking on an unpaved path through thorny shrubs. The temple complex includes a black stone sabha-mandapa, a Nagarkhana (drum chamber), and brass sculptures of Jaya and Vijaya flanking the sanctum.

The original temple is believed to have been built by Vishnu according to mythology. A cowherd later rediscovered the ancient icon after a vision. The present temple was constructed in the late 18th century by Ahilyabai Holkar. Sardar Haripant Phadke, a Peshwa official, built the Nagarkhana and paved pathway after regaining his commander-in-chief post following 21 days of prayer and circumambulation. The outer sabha-mandapa was rebuilt in 1970.

The temple is considered a jagrut kshetra (awakened sacred site) where the deity is believed to be highly powerful. According to the Mudgala Purana, Vishnu performed penance here and received siddhis (powers) from Ganesha to defeat demons Madhu and Kaitabha. Saints Morya Gosavi and Narayan Maharaj of the Ganapatya sect are said to have worshipped here and attained siddhi. Major festivals include Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Jayanti, Vijayadashami, and Somavati Amavasya.