Situated on the banks of the Bhima River in the Ahmednagar district, the Siddhivinayak Temple at Siddhatek is the traditional second stop on the Ashtavinayaka circuit. It is the only temple in this sacred yatra where the deity’s trunk is positioned to the right, signifying a strict, powerful, and fast-acting manifestation of Lord Ganesha.
The Legend of Lord Vishnu
According to the Mudgala Purana, Lord Vishnu was engaged in a thousand-year battle with the demons Madhu and Kaitabha. Unable to defeat them, Vishnu prayed to Lord Ganesha here at Siddhatek. Granted the Siddhi (power) by Ganesha, Vishnu successfully vanquished the demons.
Unique Temple Features & Pradakshina
Because the idol’s trunk is turned to the right, Siddhivinayak is considered very powerful but strict, requiring devotees to observe rituals with absolute purity. The most unique aspect of this pilgrimage is the Pradakshina (circumambulation). The temple is built right against a hill, so to complete one full circle around the deity, devotees must walk around the entire hill, a trek of about 5 kilometers!
Exact Darshan Timings
- Temple Opening: 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM
- Kakad Aarti: 5:30 AM
- Pooja: 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM
- Dhoop Aarti: 8:30 PM
How to Reach Siddhatek
- Nearest Airport: Pune International Airport (approx. 75 km away).
- Nearest Railway Station: Daund Railway Station is the closest major junction, about 18 km away.
- By Road: Siddhatek is easily accessible from Pune via the Pune-Solapur highway, turning off at Daund.
- Planning your stay? Check current hotel availability and rates near Daund/Pune on MakeMyTrip here
Continue your sacred journey: Siddhivinayak is the second stop on the Ashtavinayaka Pilgrimage Route.
No, the 5 km Pradakshina around the Siddhatek hill must be completed on foot. It is a paved but unshaded path, so early morning is the best time to attempt it.
A right-sided trunk (Dakshinabhimukhi) is associated with the sun channel (Pingala Nadi). It represents fierce power and requires strict adherence to traditional rules of worship compared to the more forgiving left-sided trunk idols.