Having researched places of interest before my recent trip to Mumbai, friends and family had mentioned the importance of The Siddi Vinayak Mandhir devoted to Lord Ganesh, as a 'must visit'.

Coincidentally, Amitabh Bachan and his family had also visited it recently, as well as Shilpa Shetty on her recent return trip to India. The fascination of this Mandhir was now beginning to draw me into a longing to undertake Darshan there.

True to its description, the architectural design of The Siddi Vinayak Mandhir is breathtakingly amazing. Situated in the hustle and bustle of commercialised Mumbai, the beautiful golden dome dominates the skyline.

We had been warned the Mandhir attracts large crowds and has been highlighted as a target for terrorists. The elation I was experiencing instantly drained away into sadness when I saw The Mandhir was heavily surrounded by armed policemen clutching onto their weapons. Before entering we were searched and our bags scanned, the realisation that I was in a high-risk area was an uncomfortable sensation.

Mandhir officials guided us to the long queues; we recognised this would take a minimum of a 2 hour wait. Not wanting to lose our "custom", the official suggested he could "help us out". The cost 50 RS each, which of course he pocketed personally! This enabled us to jump the long queue and enter the Central Hall. Corruption prevails, even in the House of God! Did this have any bearing on my Shradda (faith)? Maybe somewhat, but to others is seemed a part and parcel of their daily life.

The Murti is situated in the sanctum sanctorum. Policemen and priests urging devotees to hurry their prayers meant Darshan was rushed. Astonishingly as I joined my hands and closed my eyes to pray I was overwhelmed with inner calm and peace, all noise around me disappeared. It has been said ones prayers are always answered at the Siddi Vinayak Mandhir.
Despite the chaos and lack of organisation, I had managed to fulfil one of my personal desires to visit this important Mandhir. We sat on the steps for a few minutes, looking around at the other devotees who had participated in Darshan; they too seemed to have this satisfaction and happiness oozing from them.

We then proceeded to whisper into ears of the "Mouse Murti," the vehicle of Lord Ganesh. The belief is he will pass on our prayers to Lord Ganesh.

Unfortunately due to security reasons, taking photos is not permitted inside the Mandhir. I therefore felt the need to absorb all the beauty and atmosphere so I could reminisce about it for my personal pleasure at a later time.

Given the chance, I would visit the Mandhir again; it was a truly spiritual experience, cementing my affections for The Remover of Obstacles and the Lord of Knowledge.

More information is available on their website http://www.siddhivinayak.org.