The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir Trust in Prabhadevi, Mumbai is moving ahead with a Rs 100-crore expansion plan, beginning with the acquisition of Ram Mansion, a three-storey residential building next to the temple.
The trust is also in negotiations with the Siddhivinayak Cooperative Housing Society (CHS), which stands on land owned by the temple. Combined, the two plots cover nearly 1,800 square metres.
What temple head said about the acquisition?
According to Shiv Sena MLA Sada Sarvankar as reported by TOI, who heads the trust, the acquisition will allow the construction of new facilities including a darshan queue complex, a prasadalaya, toilets, and changing rooms for devotees. The design is expected to mirror the queue complex at the Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi, offering structured access for large numbers of visitors.
Sarvankar highlighted the limitations currently faced by devotees, who often queue on the road to enter the temple. At present, visitors lack access to essential facilities such as toilets and changing rooms, while the temple’s 225 staff members also face space constraints.
“Devotees frequently rely on the petrol pump opposite the temple for toilets. We feel bad that they stand on the road for darshan. The new complex will provide basic amenities and ease crowding,” Sarvankar said.
What do we know about the Ram Mansion?
The public notice regarding Ram Mansion’s acquisition states that the property will be handed over free of encumbrances, with residents receiving compensation 1.5 to 2 times the market value. The state law and judiciary department, which oversees the temple trust, has already approved the proposal. Ram Mansion comprises 20 flats, most measuring 565 sq ft.
Although acquiring the Siddhivinayak CHS may have been simpler, a long lease extension in 2001 has complicated negotiations. Nevertheless, the trust is optimistic about securing both plots to fulfil its expansion vision
In parallel, an underground parking facility for 450 cars is being planned under the adjoining maidan, with tenders set to be issued shortly. The project, developed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), is expected to resolve longstanding parking problems in the area.
The BMC has also announced a three-phase upgradation and beautification programme around the temple, covering areas of Dadar, Mahim, Dharavi, Worli, and Lower Parel. The first phase, scheduled after clearance from the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, will include two underground parking lots and a redesigned “Siddhi Gate”. Later phases will improve visitor safety, accessibility, and introduce a new “Riddhi Gate”.
Built in 1801, the Siddhivinayak Temple is one of Mumbai’s most significant places of worship, known for its unique Ganpati idol with a right-facing trunk. With rising footfall, the trust’s expansion is seen as essential to improving facilities for devotees, while preserving the sanctity of the temple itself.