Inside Siddhivinayak Temple
Shree Siddhivinayak Temple as it stands now was re-constructed five years ago after deliberations with experts on Hindu religion and customs, so as to maintain the sanctity of the idol as per the Hindu Shastras. The Kalash, which adorned the earlier temple was lowered with proper rituals and is now kept as an exhibit within the temple premises.
The idol of Shree Siddhivinayak has not been touched in the process of rebuilding the temple. So as to ensure that there is no human transgression in the area from the point at which the idol is situated he up to the Kalash-a 12 feet high pointed dome of Gabhara (sanctum sanctorum) weighing 1500Kg is plated in gold. The devotees can thus earn the satisfaction of seeking the blessing of Shree Siddhivinayak by taking a devoted look at the Kalash.
The Gabhara of the new temple structure has been designed with an aim to attain maximum convenience and comfort for the devotees. It is a spacious enclosure with 3 main doors of about 13 feet height. This facilitate the 'Darshan' of Shree Siddhivinayak from either the area surrounding the Gabhara or the stage (Sabha Mandap) constructed to conduct pujas and festivities, under the directives of the Management.
A mezzanine floor with a viewers gallery has been constructed in symmetry with the Gabhara thus enabling scores of devotees to seek the Lord from there. The area surrounding the Gabhara has been designed as a sitting area and the stage adjoining the same is utilised as a platform for common Darshan sought by the devotees who are unable to spend hours in serpentine queues to go inside the Gabhara.
The Gabhara is an octagonal enclosure, about 10 feet wide and consists of a silver plated Makhar (a smaller structure within the Gabhara which houses the idol of Shree Siddhivinayak). The dome inside the Gabhara is gold plated and has been designed to enhance the beauty of the idol. An exquisite chandelier lights up the Gabhara, making it a sight never to be forgotten. doors which are used for entry and exit by the devotees are made of perforated wood. They depict Ashta Ganapati, Ashta Laxmi and Dashavatar. The donation box is made of white marble and is decorated with meenakari. This is placed before the idol of Shree Siddhivinayak.
The two side doors are used by the priests and the employees assisting them to carry routine functions.
As compared to the Gabhara of the earlier temple structure, the Gabhara of new temple structure is at a lower height. Due to this those, seeking Darshan of Shree Siddhivinayak from outside the Gabhara can do so easily and get a complete uninterrupted view of the idol of Shree Siddhivinayak.
The first floor of the five storied structure comprises of a mezzanine gallery, from here Darshan of Shree Siddhivinayak can be easily obtained. It is also used for performing pujas, Abhisheks, on Tuesday, Sankashti Chaturthi and Angaraki Chaturthi .
The office of the supervisor and his deputy are located on second floor, along with a monitor room housing a complete close-circuit video unit, a rest room for the priests and a kitchen where the Maha-Naivedya is prepared. There is a lift connecting the kitchen and the Gabhara, which is used exclusively by the priests in order to carry the Naivedya to the Gabhara.
The third floor houses, the Chairperson's chamber, the Trustee's chamber, office of the Executive officer, office of the Officer on special duty and the administrative offices of the temple trust. It also houses a conference room and the information technology section.
The library on the fourth floor has a collection of over 8500 books, on a wide range subjects. There is also a reading room and study room for the students. The subjects range from engineering, management to religion.
Arrangements for the preparations of Naivedya during the festivities of the temple have been made on the fifth floor. There is also a hall to enable the devotees to take benefit of Prasad on such days. Solar energy producing cells have also been installed on the temple. These produce electricity and have made temple independent for its electricity supply.
