The Significance of Siddhatek

The Significance of Siddhatek

Among the Astavinayakas, Siddhatek is an eminent shrine. This place is sanctified by the penance of Lord Vishnu. In the puranas, there is a story as to how this place was named as Siddhatek and how Ganesh is called as Siddhivinayak.

When Brahma was creating the earth, two demons Madhu and Kaitabha, interrupted in his work and annoyed him terribly. Perturbed by this nuisance Brahma came to Vishnu and requested to destroy these demons. There was a fierce battle between Lord Vishnu and Madhu, Kaitabha. But all the efforts of Lord Vishnu were in vain. He came to Lord Shiva for help and pleased him by singing. Lord Shiva asked for a wish. Vishnu narrated the story of Madhu and Kaitabha. Lord Shiva said that if you would have pleased Lord Ganesha, you would have won the battle easily. It was then Lord Shiva gave a six letter sacred mantra to Vishnu to please Shri Ganesha. Vishnu started searching for a suitable place for the penance and reached this hill. He pleased Shri Ganesha with rigorous penance and acquired the anticipated boon. He built a temple of Vinayaka and installed the idol of Vinayaka made up of Gandaki rock. It is this place where Lord Vishnu was enlightened; therefore it is named as Siddhatek. Here we find a temple of Lord Vishnu on the pradakshina marga (circumbalation track).