Mumba Devi Mandir
One of the most significant landmarks of Mumbai is the Mumba Devi Mandir, which is dedicated to Goddess Mumba, the patron deity of the city.
The temple is located in Zaveri Bazaar and is easily accessible by road and rail. The temple was built in the 18th century and is one of the oldest temples in Mumbai. The temple is a beautiful example of the traditional Hindu temple architecture.
Visiting Detail
- Location: Bhuleshwar, Mumbai, Maharashtra-400002
- Timings: 6:00 am to 12:00 pm | 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
- Closed: Open all 7 days
- Type: Hindu Temple
- Deity: Mumbadevi Maha Amba Devi
- Religion: Hinduism
- Construction Completed: 1635
- Website: http://www.mumbadevi.org.in
Hindu mythology
The temple was built at the site where the goddess is believed to have appeared and blessed the Kolis with the abundance of fish in the Arabian Sea.
According to one of the popular legends, the goddess Mumba, who was an incarnation of Devi, appeared to a Koli fisherman named Koli Bunder and asked him to build a temple in her honor. She promised him that if he did so, she would bless him and his fellow fishermen with an abundance of fish. Koli Bunder and so Kolis built the temple at the site where the goddess appeared. The goddess blessed them with a bountiful catch of fish.
Renovation of Mumba Devi Mandir in Mumbai
The temple has been rebuilt and renovated several times over the years, with the latest renovation taking place in 2013. The temple’s idol of Mumba Devi is made of black stone and is adorned with gold jewelry.
Read also: Shri Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai – devoted to Lord Ganesha
The architecture of the temple
- The temple’s main entrance, known as the Mahadwar, is designed with icons depicting the temple’s history.
- The temple’s main shrine is situated in the core of the complex, and the temple’s walls and pillars are decorated with sculptures.
- The temple’s inner sanctum is a small room with a beautiful idol of Mumba Devi placed on a platform, which is made of silver and stands at a height of about a meter. The idol is decorated with garlands of flowers and vermilion.
The festivals and celebrations at Mumba Devi Mandir
The temple hosts several festivals and celebrations throughout the year, drawing visitors from all over the world. Some of these festivals are listed below:
- The most popular festival celebrated at Mumba Devi Mandir is Navratri. It’s a nine-day festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil. During Navratri, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights, and devotees come to offer their prayers and seek blessings from the goddess.
- Another popular festival celebrated at Mumba Devi Mandir is Diwali, the festival of lights. The temple is decorated with candles and lights during Diwali where devotees come to offer their prayer.
- The temple also celebrates Holi, Durga Puja, and many other festivals of Indian culture and tradition.
How to visit Mumba Devi Mandir
You can reach the temple by taking a taxi or local train to the CST (Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus) railway station. From the railway station, the temple is just a short walk away.
