Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple, Titwala
Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati (Ganesha) temple · Titwala, Thane, Maharashtra, India
The Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple is a Ganesha temple at Titwala, a small town in Kalyan taluka of Thane district, Maharashtra. The Thane district government website describes it as lying on the banks of the Kalu river on the Kalyan-Kasara railway route, and notes that it is also called 'Vivah Vinayak'.
The Thane district page counts it among the eight famous Ganapati temples of Maharashtra. Wikipedia records that it draws its largest crowds on Tuesdays, on Angarika Chaturthi and during Ganesh Chaturthi.
Faith & Tradition
Religious Significance of Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple, Titwala
According to the local tradition recorded by Wikipedia, the area was once part of the Dandakaranya forest and the hermitage of the sage Kanva, who raised Shakuntala here. The tradition says Kanva told her to build a shrine to Siddhi Vinayaka after Dushyanta, under a curse, forgot her and she lost his ring. Devotees believe that her worship was followed by her reunion with Dushyanta and the birth of their son Bharata. The Thane district page likewise says Shakuntala is said to have worshipped this Mahaganapati, which is the reason for the name Vivah Vinayak.
These accounts are tradition and have not been verified as history; Wikipedia marks the claim about reuniting couples and fixing marriages as needing a citation, and this page does not repeat it as fact.
Heritage
History of Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple, Titwala
Wikipedia says the original shrine attributed to Shakuntala was submerged under a tank. During the time of Peshwa Madhavrao I the tank was desilted to relieve a local drought, and the buried temple and a Ganesha image were found; the article names Sardar Ramchandra Mehendale as the finder. A stone temple with a wooden hall was then built and, the article says, the image was consecrated after the conquest of Vasai fort.
The Thane district website gives a slightly different account, saying that Chimajiappa built the temple after winning against the Portuguese at Vasai. Sources therefore agree on a Peshwa-era temple linked to the Vasai victory, but differ on who is credited.
Wikipedia states that the Peshwa-era temple deteriorated and a new temple was built on the same site in 1965-66 at a cost of Rs 2 lakh. A renovation by the temple trust and the Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation, begun about five years earlier, was completed in May 2009 at a reported cost of Rs 1.5 crore; the adjacent Titwala Talav lake was also desilted and opened for boating.
Architecture and sacred features
Wikipedia describes the temple as north Indian in style. Its audience hall is stated to measure 90 by 45 feet, with marble flooring, a stone platform 3.5 feet high and galleries overlooking the hall. The shikhara is decorated with sculptures of the Ashtavinayaka, the eight Ganesha temples near Pune. A Shiva linga shrine stands to the right of the main entrance and a lamp tower stands in front. The land is said to have been donated by the Peshwas and supplemented by 12 acres from the Joshi family, the hereditary priests.
Plan Your Visit
Darshan and Visitor Information
Wikipedia notes that devotees are asked not to wear leather items such as wallets, belts or handbags inside. Tuesdays, Angarika Chaturthi and Ganesh Chaturthi are crowded; confirm darshan timings and any entry arrangements with the temple trust before visiting.
Timings and arrangements change with seasons and festivals. Confirm current details with the temple administration before travelling. Last reviewed 1 November 2026.
Sacred Calendar
Festivals at Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple, Titwala
Ganesh Chaturthi (Bhadrapada): Wikipedia reports very large crowds
Angarika Chaturthi: a Tuesday falling on chaturthi
Ganesh Jayanti / Maghi Ganeshotsav (Magha)
Location
How to Reach Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple, Titwala
The Thane district website says trains run to Titwala from Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus on Central Railway's Kasara line, and that the temple is about 3 km from Titwala station, with rickshaws and horse carriages available at the station and buses also running. Wikipedia likewise names Titwala station as the nearest transport point.
Location: Titwala, Thane, Maharashtra, India
Nearest railway station: Titwala (about 3 km, per Thane district website)
More in Hindu temples in Maharashtra · Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati (Ganesha) temples · Temples in Titwala · Temples in Kalyan Taluka · Temples in Thane District
Questions
Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple, Titwala: Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple of Titwala?
In Titwala, Kalyan taluka, Thane district, Maharashtra, on the Kalyan-Kasara railway route near the Kalu river.
Why is it called Vivah Vinayak?
According to the Thane district website, tradition says Shakuntala worshipped this Mahaganapati, which gave rise to the name Vivah Vinayak.
Who built the present temple?
Sources credit a Peshwa-era temple, linked to the Vasai victory (Peshwa Madhavrao I per Wikipedia, Chimajiappa per the Thane district website). Wikipedia says a new temple was built on the same site in 1965-66.
How far is the temple from Titwala station?
The Thane district website gives about 3 km, with rickshaws available at the station.
When is the temple most crowded?
Wikipedia names Tuesdays, Angarika Chaturthi and Ganesh Chaturthi as the busiest times.
Are leather items allowed?
Wikipedia says devotees are asked not to wear leather items such as wallets, belts or handbags.
Sources and attribution
- Wikipedia — Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple
- Thane District, Government of Maharashtra (NIC) — Siddhivinayak Maha Ganpati Temple - Titwala
Further reading: Siddhivinayak Mahaganapati Temple, Titwala on Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).
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