Siddhivinayak Temple, Siddhatek, Hindu temple at Siddhatek, India

Siddhivinayak Temple in Siddhatek stands on a hilltop in Maharashtra and is one of eight important Ganesha shrines in the region. The complex features an outer walkway, a central shrine, and several smaller prayer spots along the ascent.

The present temple was built in the late 18th century by Ahilyabai Holkar, the queen of Indore who restored many Hindu temples. Sardar Haripant Phadke, a Peshwa official, added the Nagarkhana drum chamber and a paved path to the main door after regaining his command by circumambulating the shrine 21 times over 21 days. The outer sabha-mandapa, first built by Mairal of Baroda, was demolished in 1939 and rebuilt in 1970.

The name Siddhi-Vinayaka means giver of siddhi, the accomplishment or supernatural powers that Vishnu received here after invoking Ganesha with the mantra "Om Sri Ganeshaya Namah". The Ganapatya saint Morya Gosavi and his son Narayan Maharaj are said to have worshipped at the temple and attained siddhi. Devotees circumambulate the hillock seven times, and the palkhi of Ganesha is carried for three days during Ganesh Chaturthi and Ganesha Jayanti.

The temple sits on a hillock about 1 km from Siddhatek village, on the north bank of the Bhima. The nearest railway station is Daund, 19 km away; from Shirapur on the south bank, a bridge now replaces the former boat crossing. A full circumambulation of the hillock covers roughly 1 km along an unpaved path through thorny shrubs.

The sanctum's central image is svayambhu, a self-existent elephant-faced stone, seated cross-legged with the goddess Siddhi beside it, usually hidden under flower garlands and sindoor paste. The brass sheath leaves the right-turned trunk visible.