Siddhivinayak Temple

Location:	At Prabhadevi in Mumbai
Built by:	Mr. Laxman Vithu and Mrs. Deubai Patil
Built in:	1801
Dedicated to:	Lord Ganesha
Attraction:	A major temple of Lord Ganesha
How to reach:	One can easily reach Siddhivinayak Temple by taking local Buses, auto-rickshaws or by hiring taxis from Mumbai

Siddhivinayak Temple is one amongst the most crowded and most revered temples of India. The establishment of this temple dates back to early nineteenth century. In 1801, Siddhivinayak Temple was built by Mr. Laxman Vithu in the company of Mrs. Deubai Patil. Located at Prabhadevi in Mumbai, Siddhi Vinayak Mandir is the most visited temples of Mumbai. Siddhi Vinayak Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha, who is considered as the lord of beginnings.

Inside the temple, there a small hall (Mandapa) along with the shrine and one can see the image of Siddhi Vinayaka here. Siddhi Vinakaya is said to be the provider of good wishes. The main doors of the shrine are made out of wood and various images of Ashtavinayak are carved on it. These images represent eight manifestations of Lord Ganesha in Maharashtra. In the sanctum, the ceiling is covered with gold sheet, making the exact crown of the Lord.

Here, Ganpati is shown with four arms holding a lotus flower, an axe, plate of modakas and a garland of beads, in each of his hands respectively. The two consorts of the Lord, Riddhi and Siddhi, adorn the site being placed on the either side of Ganesha. The temple complex also comprises image of Lord Hanuman near the main entrance.

On Tuesdays, people come to this temple in large number as it is regarded as the ruling day of Lord Ganesha. Devotees come here long before the opening timings (before dawn) of the Temple, just to ensure that they will get the glimpse of Lord Ganesha. It is believed that Lord Ganesha fulfills all the desires and wishes of his true devotees.

In 1994, the temple was renovated to hold the huge crowd. During the festive time of Ganesh Chaturthi, Siddhivinayak Temple is thronged by incalculable number of people. Many television sets are installed for the knowledge of those, who do not have much time to wait in the long queues that lead to the main shrine.

Siddhivinayak Temple also makes a major landmark of Prabhdevi in Mumbai. Outside the temple, there is a narrow lane that is known as 'Phool Gali'. Here, one can see numerous stalls selling coconut, tulsi flower garlands and an assortment of sweets. However, Ladoo or Modak (pear shaped yellow sweet) finds the special attraction as it is the favorite sweet of Ganesha.

The temple is prominent amongst the Hindu followers and receives many devotees every day. Keeping this fact in mind, the government of Maharashtra has arranged a tight security in and outside the temple. During the days of Angaraki and Sankashti Chaturthi, the temple is occupied from inch to inch. Devotees visit this temple to seek the blessings from the Lord.

Ajanta Cave Temple

Location:	Near Aurangabad, Maharashtra
Built in:	During 2nd century BC - 6th century AD
Dedicated to:	Lord Buddha
Significance:	Listed as World Heritage Site
Attraction:	Cave temples cut out of rocks
How to reach:	One can easily reach Ajanta Cave Temple by taking regular Buses or by hiring Taxis from anywhere in Maharashtra

Ajanta Cave Temple is the marvelous architectural wonder that depicts the rich legacy of India. Acknowledged as the world heritage site, Ajanta Caves are renowned throughout the Globe. Located near Aurangabad, Ajanta Cave Temple can be reached easily from anywhere in Maharashtra by means of regular tourist buses or by hiring taxis. The nearest airport is located at Aurangabad that lies at a distance of 99 kms from the temples. The charisma, of these caves, attracts millions of visitors each and every year.

In the early 19th century, the long buried Ajanta Caves were discovered unknowingly by a British Army Officer. At this juncture, the beautiful sculpted caves that were lying deep within the Sahyadri Hills, above the Waghora River, came into the sight. The cave temples are sited in a horse-shoe shaped cliff, where Wagura is flowing at the bottom. Wagura River falls from a height of 200 feet, consequently making a series of waterfalls. The thud of these waterfalls can be easily noticed in the Caves.

Depicting Buddhism
Cut out of rocks, Ajanta Caves trace their origin between 2nd century BC and 6th century AD. Ajanta Cave Temples are dedicated to Lord Buddha. Not less than 30 in number, these caves used to make the lodging of followers and students of Buddhism. During the time of their stay, they adorned the caves with their outstanding architectural skills and artistic paintings. Generally, the carvings and the paintings illustrate the life stories of Lord Buddha. In conjunction with this, numerous styles of human and animal figures are also engraved in the rocks.

The pictorial carvings and murals at Ajanta depict the modern society of those times. The artistic sculptures presented every kind of populace from kings to slaves, from men to women, from children to beasts along with flowers plants, fruits and birds. There are some figures that portray the inhabitants like 'Yakshas', 'Kinneras' (half human and half bird), 'Gandharvas' (divine musicians) and 'Apsaras' (heavenly dancers).

All the thirty caves are divided into 'Chaitya-Grihas' (stupa halls) and 'Viharas' (dwelling halls). In order to reach each cave, one has to flight of steps that are preserved in their original structure. The Cave 9, 10, 19, 26 and 29 are known as 'Chaitya-Grihas', which were used for the worship of the Lord. The remaining caves are 'Sangharamas' or 'Viharas' that were used for the housing purpose of the followers and students of Buddhism.

The caves are numbered as per their present access from the main entrance and were not erected in the same order. From artistic point of view, Cave 1, 2, 16 and 17 are really important and possess remarkable pieces of art that can certainly beat art of the modern world. The walls of these caves are adorned with murals that are maintained to provide the same charm and vibrancy of the bygone era.

Wall-Paintings
The wall paintings of the caves are made with the Tempera technique. This technique involves painting on a dry surface, after the wall is coated with 1 cm thick layer of a mixture made of clay, cow dung and rice husks. The painting is coated with a coat of lime on completion. In those times, the colors used to be natural.

Archeological Findings 
As per the facts revealed by Archeological department, the caves were carved out in two different segments, with a gap of more or less four centuries. The caves made in the first segment, date back to 2nd century BC whereas the caves of the second segment are said to have been made by the Vakatakas and the Guptas. Each cave comprises carvings and paintings representing the incidents of Buddha's life, Bodhisattvas and the Jatakas.