Apple CEO Tim Cook Visits Famous Hindu Siddhivinayak Temple in India

By C Barnett --
23 May 2016 --

During a trip to India, Apple CEO Tim Cook made a stop at Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai, India.

Because of the saturated Western markets and slowing Chinese demand, all major business’ eyes are now focused towards India. This is the reason why after Tim Cook‘s visit in China, he made a five day stop in India starting last May 17. The next day, Apple Inc.’s CEO visited the most famous Hindu temple in Mumbai, the Siddhivinayak Temple, a 200-year-old shrine dedicated to the deity Shree Ganesh.

Apple CEO Tim Cook Visits Famous Hindu Siddhivinayak Temple in India[/tweetthis]

Similar with all other Hindus, Cook worn a stole featuring Sanskrit scriptures and had observed the prescribed rituals and ceremonies inside the temple. What made his visit to the temple even more special was the unexpected meeting with Anant Ambani, the son of Reliance Industries’ (RIL) chairman Mukesh Ambani. RIL owns Reliance Communications, one of the leading telecom companies in India. For Apple, advancement in the country’s telecom facilities meant better opportunities.

Even if global sales for iPhone have dropped during the first quarter of this year, India remained a strong market with revenues up by 56% or to the tune of $1 billion. Apple also has its sights on India as an app and iOS development hub. In fact, Cook’s visit in India is a week ahead the official opening of Apple’s newest app design facility in Bangalore. Aside from Cooks’ unexpected chit chat with Ambani, he was also scheduled to meet top Indian business figures like Cyrus Mistry of Tata Group, N. Chandrasekaran of TCS and Sunil Sood of Vodafone India. Actor Shah Rukh Khan, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are also on the list.

#TimCook starts India trip with visit to Siddhivinayak Temple.
Next stop – Sabarimala. If he hears that the God there is called iAppa. ?
— Rickshawali (@Rickshawali) May 19, 2016

The CEO’s visit to the Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Temple can be considered as a sign of good luck for Hindus. It’s because Hindus pray to Lord Shree Ganesh first for every venture they undertake. Shree Ganesh is Hindu’s elephant-headed god featuring four hands and a trunk tilting to the right. The figure holds a lotus, a small axe, holy beads, and a bowl of Modaks in each hand. Hindus pray or invoke Ganesh’ name first before any other deity. He is believed to bring success or good luck to any project or venture. The deity is also believed to eliminate any obstacle or challenge to the venture. The temple which was built on 1801 started small but was eventually expanded because of its popularity and significance.