Mumbai Mahawar Vaish

Places of Worship


Temples

  • Babulnath Temple

  • The ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located at the South of Malabar Hills , at nearly 1000 feet above sea level. It was built in1780 and a tall spire was added to the structure in 1900. The Shiva Linga in this temple is unique and monolithic. The sacred shrine also has idols of various other Gods and Godessess.The Temple can be approached through a long flight of steps as well as an elevator.

    Even in a city like Mumbai you'll be surprised to feel peace and tranquility at Babulnath - a place where Almighty resides.While almost all other festivals are celebrated during the day, Mahashivaratri is celebrated at night, which stands for all that is evil: injustice, ignorance, darkness, sin, violence, treachery, falsehood, and misfortune. . Mythology says that Shiva appeared just in time, so that he could save the world from Tamogun (darkness and ignorance) and before the universe entered Kaliyuga, the period of complete darkness, symbolic of Amavasya (new moon). Shivaratri is thus celebrated one night before Amavasya

  • Bhuleshwar Temple

  • The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the famous old temples of shiva in Mumbai.It was built some 200 years ago in 1708 by a wealthy and generous devotee from Prabhu community named Dadaji Laxajirao.The temple has a spacious expanse and shows prominent signs of Gujarati style of architecture in its design and construction.The temple is covered with brass plate and has a red flag adomed with represtation of the sun and moon.It is Believed that the lingam in the temple has miraculously risen to its present position.

  • Iskon Temple

  • The beautifully constructed ISKCON or the International Society for Krishna Consciousness is a famous temple located in Juhu in Mumbai. This temple, also known as the 'Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple' and 'Radha Rasabihariji' is dedicated to 'Lord Krishna' and was built by the ISKCON Foundation. The temple complex is sited on the main 'Hare Krishna Land' that covers an area of over 4 acres. This temple was established by Swami Prabhupada in 1978 and is one of the forty ISKCON temples in India. Fabulously constructed, this temple is embellished with various paintings and statues within its interiors, making the temple look all the more mesmerizing. Important events from the life of Krishna also have been displayed on the interior walls of the assembly hall in the temple.

    This gorgeous temple was constructed to honour Srila Parabhupada's aim to spread 'Krishna' consciousness. The temple is an apt spot for meditation and prayers especially for people who seek to increase one's spiritual knowledge and add on to their intellectual development. This temple is so well-known that millions from across the globe throng this shrine every day.Peace and calm prevades at the holy shrine of worship,meditation and spritual knowledge.The morning and evening prayers at the temple are worth attending.

  • Mahalakshmi Temple

  • The Mahalaxmi Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to honor 'Goddess Mahalaxmi' who is also known as the 'Goddess of Wealth or Prosperity' and is one of the most popular shrine in Mumbai. This beautiful temple is situated in Mumbai and was constructed in 18th century in 1785. The original Mahalakshmi temple at the same spot was destroyed many centuries ago.Legend goes that while building the causeway the great Breach Candy,between Worli and Mahim,the ferocious sea waves thwarted any such attempts.Ramji Shivji a contractor dreamt of Goddess Mahalakshmi who ordered him to restore the original idols submerged in the sea,if the work of the building the causeway was to be completed.Thus the statues of Mahalakshmi,Mahakali and Mahasaraswati were restored from the sea bed and reverentially installed in the present temple as per the wishes of the goddess.Only then the building work of sea wall was sucessfully completed.

    Many devotees visit this temple to offer their prayers to Goddess Mahalaxmi and the other figures of the magnificent Hindu Goddesses like Mahakali and Mahasaraswati, adorned with stunning jewelries. This well-known temple is a hot destination for tourists and pilgrims all over the world. A large number of believers throng this temple on Fridays. During the days of 'Navaratri' festival, thousands of devotees flock this shrine to witness the celebrations. Within the temple vicinity, there are various shops selling flowers, flower garlands and other 'puja' accessories. The Mahalaxmi temple is not only constructed exquisitely but is also sited beside the ocean, which is visually appealing. One can retreat from the busy city and visit this heavenly temple to experience repose and serenity.

    The sunset view from the temple,coupled with the voicesof prayers and ringing bells is an out of world experience,which is to be seen to believe.

  • Mumbadevi Temple

  • Mumba Devi Temple is a renowned ancient temple dedicated to 'Goddess Mumbadevi'. This beautiful temple situated in Mumbai was built in the 18th century. The 'Koli' fishermen or the early inhabitants of Mumbai greatly respect and honor Goddess Mumbadevi and consider her as their guardian. Goddess Mumbadevi is recognized as 'Goddess Shakti' or the Goddess of Power. Today, this elegant temple is sited amidst the crowded steel and cloth markets of Mumbai. Within the jam-packed Zaveri Bazaar, one can see the Mumba Devi Temple surrounded by several flower shops. People attend the 'aartis' in this temple that are conducted in the mornings and evenings. The Mumba Devi Temple is open on all days except Mondays. Apart from the regular devotees who flock the temple, tourists from all over the world too, come to admire this gorgeous temple in Mumbai. Mumbai city derives its name from the Goddess Mumbadevi and therefore, this temple is truly an important structure for the dwellers of this beautiful city.

    The Mumba Devi Temple was first built in Bori Bunder in 1675. The temple was destroyed and reconstructed at Zaveri Bazaar, Bhuleshwar in 1737. Since ancient times, the Koli fishermen and Dravidians offered their prayers to Mumbadevi at this temple and still continue to do so.

    According to a legend, Mumbadevi, an eight-armed Goddess, was sent by 'Lord Brahma' to vanquish an evil demon known as 'Mumbaraka', who terrorized the locals. After his defeat, Mumbaraka fell on his knees and begged the Goddess to take his name. He was also given the permission to build a beautiful temple dedicated to her. Thus, the magnificent shrine of Mumba Devi Temple was built by Mumbaraka in the heart of the city.

    The structure of Mumba Devi Temple is a marvelous sight for anyone who visits this shrine. The highlight of the Mumba Devi Temple is the idol of Goddess Mumbadevi, adorned with a silver crown, a golden necklace and a nose stud. The idol is placed on an altar, bedecked with marigold flowers. To symbolize Mother Earth, the idol of Mumbadevi has no mouth. Idols of 'Hanuman' and 'Ganesh' are also placed within the temple complex. Other figures include a stone idol of 'Annapurna' seated on a peacock and a sculpture of a fierce tiger.

  • Siddhivinayak Temple

  • One of the most beautiful temples situated in Mumbai, the Siddhivinayak temple is a standing testament of beauty and architecture. This ancient temple was constructed in 1801 and is dedicated to the elephant-head deity of Hinduism, 'Lord Ganesh'. This venerated temple in Mumbai was constructed by Deubai Patil and Laxman Vithu. The shrine was reconstructed for accommodating more devotees after considering the opinions of many religious experts. Every day, over 25,000 devotees flock the temple to offer their prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Ganesh. Tuesday is considered to be the most important day for 'puja' and 'darshan' at this temple. Bollywood celebrities too, come to visit this divine place of worship to seek blessings before the launch of their new films or otherwise. When one visits this place, one cannot help but admire the temple's ancient style of architecture and its many features. An elegant masterpiece with a unique design, the Siddhivinayak Temple is a hot-spot for tourists who visit Mumbai.

  • Suryanarayan Temple

  • Nestled in the very heart of city’s hustle and bustle, Shri SuryaNarayan Mandir spiritually awakens Mumbai every morning with 'Prabhat Surya Havan' and Aarti every single morning. The labyrinth streets of Bhuleshwar rise and shine with divine ‘Shankh naad’ during ‘Arunoday’ thus welcoming the SUN in people’s heart and Souls. The temple carved out of stone is an exquisite example of Vedic architecture and provides a complete shift from the Snazzy, snappy and concrete Mumbai life. Having built in 1899, it is the only temple in Mumbai which is dedicated to the Sun. In the inner sanctuary, carved out of white marble is the idol of Lord SuryaNarayan on a one wheeled chariot. Flanked on either sides are Surya’s wives ‘Chaaya’ and ‘Prabha’ reminiscent of the divine play of light and obscurity in our lives. The chariot is drawn by seven horses representing the Seven colors of our lives. The charioteer or ‘Saarthi’ is Arun.

  • The Jain Temple

  • A Holy religious temple of Jain community who follows Jainism in Mumbai is located at B.C Kher Marg at Malabar Hills (Walkeshwar Road) is dedicated to Adinath ,the first Jain thirthankar.The shrine built in 1904,is constructed in marble,and its walls are richly decorated with colourful paintings Potraying the lives of 24 Jain tirthankars.The first floor of temple houses a beautifully carved black marble idol of Lord Parsvanath.

    Its located at Famous Walkeshwar (Malabar Hill), Ridge Road close to famous ‘Hanging Garden’. This jain temple of Mumbai is specialized for there old carving work and beautiful architectures, colors, Paintings etc. People who follow jainism are peace loving and very social, Main identity of major jain’s are the sandal wood tika on forehead which they put when go to this and other such jain temples (Derasars) throughout Mumbai. They wear special dhoti(a kind of wear) and go bare footed to jain temple. Jainism is also famous for there strict diet following rules scientifically good for health. This famous Jain temple was visited by Hindu Jain Deravasi Community, who believes in not offering flowers to God/Goddess in any of their there temples, reason being they strictly believe in not killing any small insect that might be present inside flowers/petals they offer.

  • Walkeshwar Temple

  • Walkeshwar temple is among the most ancient temples of Mumbai having earned a heritage status for its architecture and popularity among the pilgrims. Originally built by the Silharas around 1050 years ago on Malabar Hill, Walkeshwar temple derives its name from Valuka Ishwar meaning Lord of Sand.

    One of the oldest structures on the site is the Venkateshwar Balaji Mandir, a Peshwa era temple with a wooden canopy, dating from 1789. Another elegant structure is the Rameshwar Mandir, probably built in 1825. All the temples are in dire need of structural repairs and cleaning.

    Legend has it that the Walkeshwar temple was built by Ram, who sent his brother Lakshman to Benaras to get a shivalinga to be established here. Before it could be brought, he had an alternative constructed from sand. Folk etymology derives the name Walkeshwar from the Sanskrit name for an idol made of sand- Valuka Iswar.

    According to legend, the Hindu god Ram paused at this spot on his way from Ayodhya to Lanka in pursuit of the demon Ravana who had kidnapped his wife, Sita. He constructed a lingam (phallus representing Shiva) made of sand, after having tired of waiting for his brother, Lakshman to bring a lingam for puja (worship). The name is derived from the Sanskrit name for an idol made of sand - Valuka Iswar.

    When Ram was thirsty, as there was no fresh water readily available, he shot an arrow and brought Ganga over here. Hence Bana (arrow in Sanskrit) Ganga. The water that feeds the tank stems from an underground spring at that spot, despite the proximity to the sea.

    The temple and the attached Banganga Tank were built in 1127 AD by Lakshman Prabhu, a minister in the court of Silhara dynasty Kings who ruled Thane, and the islands of Mumbai during 810 to 1240 AD. The temple was destroyed by the Portuguese during their rule of Mumbai in the 16th century.

    The temple was rebuilt by Mumbai businessman and philanthropist, Rama Kamath, a Saraswat Brahmin (known in British records as 'Kamati') in 1715. The temple has been substantially reconstructed since that time.

Mosques

Churches

  • Afghan Church or St. Johns Church

  • The magnificent church at Colaba, with wide Gothic arches and beautiful stained glass window was built in 1847, in memory of the British soldiers who fell in the Sindh and Afghan campaign of 1838 and 1843.

  • St. Thomas Cathedral

  • This Church is fine blend of the classical and gothic styles of architecture. Located at Fort, it is the first English built church in Mumbai. The church underwent several transformations before it became today’s cathedral. It also has several interesting memorials and monuments.

  • The Glorial Church

  • The Glorial Church: The church located at Byculla, was originally built by Portuguese in 1632.It was demolished and built in more gothic style in 1911.

    Some other important churches of Mumbai are: Mount Mary church at Bandra, St Micheal’s church at Mahim which was designed by famous architect Charles Correa, with a large hole in the roof. St. Andrew and St. Columbia Church at Colaba and Holy Name Cathedral at Nathalal Parekh Road

Parsi Temples

Sikh Shrines(Guradwara)

Synagogues

There are several Synagogues of Bene-Isarelis and Sephardic Jews in the town housing lovely Torah scrolls,phylacterics and prayer shawls. Some important Synagogues include Kenesseth Ellyahoo synagogue in fort and Magen David synagogue at Veer Jijamata Udyan, Byvulla built by the Sassoons,a Sephardic Jewish family.The Tephereth Isarel synagogue and Magen Hasidim Synagogues are located Agripada.