The Mudgal Purana tells us that once Lord Vishnu lay in deep slumber. From the wax of his ears arose two demons, Madhu and Kaitabha. They were terrifyingly powerful and began tormenting creation.
According to the Mudgal Purana, Brahma tried to wake Vishnu but could not. It became clear that divine help was needed. Vishnu came to the hill at Siddhatek and performed fierce devotion to Ganesha.
The Mudgal Purana further tells us that through Ganesha's grace, Vishnu attained siddhi (divine power and accomplishment). Armed with this siddhi, he was able to vanquish Madhu and Kaitabha and free creation from their grip. The place where Vishnu received this siddhi became the seat of Ganesha as Siddhivinayak — the Ganesha who grants siddhi.
Tradition holds that the practice of devotion at this site is immensely old, passed down through generations. It is also said that the idol's trunk here turns to the right, a feature considered distinct from the other Ashtavinayak idols.
According to the Mudgal Purana, Lord Vishnu performed devotion to Ganesha at this very spot and received siddhi.
Siddhatek sits on a small hill by the Bhima River in Ahmednagar District. What makes this shrine stand apart in tradition is the idol's trunk, which turns to the right. Among all eight Ashtavinayak temples, this is the one where the trunk faces right.
The Bhima River flows close by the temple. Devotees traditionally bathe in the river before taking darshan. Siddhatek is the second stop on the Ashtavinayak circuit. Pilgrimage numbers rise especially during Kartik and Magh months.
- The temple is open throughout the year.
- Morning and evening aarti are held daily.
- Devotee numbers rise especially during Kartik, Magh, and Bhadrapad months.
- Pilgrims traditionally bathe in the Bhima River before taking darshan — a long-standing custom.