Rajasthan's Sirohi district has long been recognized across India for its cultural heritage and spiritual landmarks. Tucked away amidst the elevated peaks of the Aravali range in Radbar village, situated within Sheoganj tehsil, stands an ancient and revered temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha that follows an extraordinary spiritual tradition. Unlike typical Hindu shrines where Lord Ganesha is enshrined alone, this sacred complex houses two distinct idols representing his consorts and divine energies, Riddhi and Siddhi, installed side by side within the very same inner sanctum. Reaching this hilltop sanctuary requires visiting devotees to climb a flight of more than 100 stone steps.
A 3,900-Year-Old Legacy Traced Back to the Pandava Era
According to local community accounts and temple lore, the foundational history of this holy site spans approximately 3,900 years. Regional tradition attributes the original establishment of the shrine to the legendary Pandava era. In bygone times, the village of Radbar was known as Rajgarh. Across succeeding generations, local residents and devotees undertook periodic preservation, restoration, and reconstruction efforts to maintain the sanctuary against the elements. Today, the shrine holds an esteemed position among the oldest Ganesha temples recorded across the entire state of Rajasthan.
Twin Idols of Siddhi and Riddhi Ganesha Side by Side
The layout of the primary sanctum sanctorum remains its most remarkable architectural and spiritual attribute. According to local devotee Naresh Rajpurohit, an exquisitely sculpted idol carved from fine black stone rests on the left side of the sanctum, revered by pilgrims as Siddhi Ganesha. Beside it on the right side sits the sacred murti worshipped as Riddhi Ganesha. This complex is widely regarded as perhaps the only Ganesha shrine in all of India where two separate Ganesha figures are consecrated and venerated together in a single altar space. Of the two, the idol representing Riddhi Ganesha is recognized as the older installation, followed years later by the consecration of Siddhi Ganesha.
Lush Mountain Surroundings, Serene Ambiance, and an Active Stepwell
Occupying an elevated spot on the Aravali hills, the temple remains embraced by pristine natural scenery. The entire complex is surrounded by dense green foliage and an undisturbed, calm atmosphere that offers genuine peace of mind to incoming travellers and worshippers. Situated within the temple premises is an ancient stepwell of considerable historical significance. Despite having survived for hundreds of years, this traditional stepwell continues to function as an active water reservoir, and its natural water is reserved exclusively for conducting daily temple ceremonies and sacred rituals.
Wednesday Observances and Grand Gatherings During Ganesha Chaturthi
Devotional activity at the Radbar temple reaches a peak every Wednesday, when special prayer ceremonies and rites are held. During the festival of Ganesha Chaturthi, celebrated annually during the Hindu calendar month of Bhadrapada, the hill shrine transforms into a bustling, fair-like pilgrimage venue. Devotees travel from across Sirohi district as well as various corners of Rajasthan and neighbouring Gujarat to offer prayers and fulfill vows. A deeply held local conviction maintains that any worshipper who ascends the 100-plus steps with sincere devotion to behold Riddhi and Siddhi Ganesha will see their prayers answered.
