Centuries-Old Temple in Rajasthan Aravali Hills Features Rare Twin Ganesha Idols in a Single Sanctum Perched in the Aravali hills of Radbar village in Sirohi, an ancient 3,900-year-old temple houses two distinct Ganesha idols representing Riddhi and Siddhi, drawing pilgrims from across Rajasthan and Gujarat. 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. What this means for you Understanding this historical site provides pilgrims and cultural tourists across India with an opportunity to explore a rare architectural and devotional heritage. • Across India: Heritage enthusiasts and spiritual travellers gain access to an extraordinary pilgrimage site featuring twin Ganesha murtis in a single altar space. Visiting a 3,900-year-old hilltop sanctuary broadens appreciation for ancient Indian stone carving and regional history. • In Sirohi: Increased pilgrimage flow to Sheoganj and Radbar creates meaningful livelihood avenues for local transport operators, guides, and small merchants. The surge in visitors from Gujarat and neighbouring districts during Bhadrapada strengthens the village economy. • For Pilgrims: Devotees planning a trip should prepare to climb more than 100 stone steps, requiring suitable physical stamina, particularly for elderly visitors. The lush Aravali hills and tranquil environment ensure a rejuvenating retreat from urban stress. • For Heritage Conservation: Public interest in the functional, centuries-old stepwell highlights the practical resilience of historic rainwater harvesting systems. It reinforces the community's responsibility toward preserving vulnerable ancient water bodies and hillside shrines. Why this happened The unique standing of this mountain shrine originates from an ancient consecration tradition and sustained local patronage spanning millennia. • Historical Foundation: According to local tradition, the sanctuary trace its roots back approximately 3,900 years to the era of the Pandavas. Over centuries, successive generations of villagers in Radbar, historically known as Rajgarh, continuously restored and preserved the shrine structures. • Consecration of Dual Idols: Departing from the customary single idol setup, the temple sanctum was consecrated with two separate murtis representing Lord Ganesha as Riddhi and Siddhi. The right-hand Riddhi Ganesha figure was enshrined first, while the left-hand black stone Siddhi Ganesha was installed some years later. • Sustained Natural Water Source: Despite being situated on an elevated Aravali hill, the temple complex was equipped with a historic stepwell that remains active to this day. This dependable water reservoir allowed priests and caretakers to carry out sacred ablutions and daily worship without interruption across generations. • Regional and Interstate Reverence: Given Sirohi's proximity to Gujarat and the shrine's long-standing Wednesday rituals and Bhadrapada festivities, devotional ties expanded across state borders. The enduring belief that climbing the 100-plus steps brings fulfillment of one's prayers helped keep the tradition vibrant over the centuries. Questions & Answers 1. Where is this ancient Ganesha temple situated? The temple is located amidst the Aravali hills in Radbar village, situated in the Sheoganj tehsil of Sirohi district, Rajasthan. 2. How old is this Ganesha temple believed to be? According to local tradition and residents, the temple's history spans around 3,900 years, tracing back to the Pandava era. 3. What makes the sanctum sanctorum of this temple unique? The inner sanctum houses two Ganesha idols side by side: a black stone Siddhi Ganesha on the left and Riddhi Ganesha on the right. 4. How many steps must devotees climb to reach the shrine? Devotees need to climb a flight of more than 100 stone steps to reach the hilltop sanctuary. 5. What was the historical name of Radbar village? In ancient times, the village of Radbar was known as Rajgarh. 6. Is the stepwell inside the temple complex still functional? Yes, the centuries-old stepwell remains an active water source whose water is used for temple rituals and sacred ceremonies. 7. When do major religious gatherings take place at this shrine? Special worship takes place every Wednesday, and a large fair-like gathering happens during Ganesha Chaturthi in the month of Bhadrapada, attracting visitors from Rajasthan and Gujarat. https://trendkia.com/en/rajasthan/rajasthan-ke-sirohi-men-aravali-parvata-ke-bicha-3900-varsha-purana-anokha-mndira-eka-hi-sthana-para-puji-jati-hain-do-ganesha-pra-41110 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.