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Mumbai is known as the economic and commercial capital of India, also popularly referred to as the ‘City that never sleeps’. The fast-paced life in this metropolitan city is moderated by the several serene temples offering people much-needed tranquility with their unique architecture, religious values, and culture.
The city of Mumbai derives its very name from one of its oldest temples, the Mumbadevi Temple. This temple is considered to be one of the greatest holy places to visit dedicated to the worship of Goddess Mumba, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Mumba Devi is the patron goddess of the native communities of Mumbai like the agricultural and fishermen (Koli) community and the Somvanshi Kshatriya community. The temple was constructed in 1675. The goddesses’ idol is decked up with traditional jewelry and crown, placed atop a beautiful altar. The idol of Mumba Devi is made from black stone while her face is painted orange. Inside the temple complex, other deities are also placed. Hoards of devotees visit the temple on Tuesdays, which is considered to be auspicious.
The temple is open from Tuesday to Sunday from morning 6:00 am to noon 12:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
The Mahalakshmi Temple is one of the most visited religious sites in Mumbai dedicated to the three goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Kali. The temple was built in the year 1831 by a Hindu merchant called Dhakji Dadaji and still stands as one of the significant landmarks of Mumbai. It offers mesmerizing views of the sea and is very popular among tourists and locals alike. The temple has beautiful architecture, especially highlighting the entrance of the temple, which is carved entirely from stones. Another key highlight of the Mahalakshmi Temple is the wooden block wrapped in silk cloth. Facing the deity is a statue of a lion inside the Sabhamandap or audience hall. The idol is adorned with a nose ring, a golden mask, and bangles. All the three deities are seen sitting on their beautiful hand-carved thrones. The temple embraces a vibrant aura during the festival of Navaratri, driving flocks of people to visit the temple and participate in the celebrations.
The temple is open on all days from morning 6:30 am till night 10:00 pm.
One of the most sacred and historical places to visit in Mumbai is the Siddhivinayak Temple located in the Prabha Devi area of Mumbai. It is dedicated to the worship of Lord Ganesha and is held at high regard by people as it is believed to fulfill all the wishes of the devotees that pay a visit to this holy site. Siddhivinayak was constructed in the year 1801 and is among the Ashtavinayak Temples of Maharashtra. It is counted as one of the most famous temples in India. Tuesdays at this temple especially attract many visitors as it is considered to be the most auspicious day of worshipping the elephant god. The main deity is Ganesha, and the others are his consorts named Siddi and Riddhi housed in a small mandap. The key highlight of the temple is the unique trunk of the Ganesha idol, which is on the right side, instead of the usual left side. Siddhivinayak Temple is considered to be the richest temple in India receiving an annual donation of 25 crores. The temple also has a unique architecture with images of deities carved intricately on the wooden doors, while the roof of the sanctum is constructed of gold plates.
The temple remains open on all days. The visiting hours are the same from Wednesday to Monday from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm while on Tuesdays the hours are from 3:15 am to 10:00 pm.
Babulnath Temple is one of the most magnificent Shiva temples in Mumbai. It is located on a hillock, very close to Girgaon Chowpatty. The temple’s name comes from the fact that Shiva is depicted here as the Lord of the Babul Tree. The temple is built in the likeliness of Kailash Parvat, which is believed to be the abode of Shiva. The temple’s glorious architecture leaves every visitor mesmerized by its beauty. The temple was consecrated in the 12-century by King Bhimdev II, but it was lost over time. In the year 1780 four idols from the temple were rediscovered and reinstated. The four idols are of Lord Shiva, Parvati, Ganesha, and Hanuman.
The temple is most visited by people on Mondays as it is considered to be the day of worship of Shiva. On the occasion of Maha Shivratri, Babulnath Temple is beautifully decorated and people flock to pour milk and water on the Shiva lingam.
For Mondays, the timings are 4:30 am to 11:30 pm, while from Tuesday to Sunday the schedules are from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.
The Walkeshwar Temple is one of most religious sites in Mumbai that bears excellent historical and cultural significance. It is one of the oldest temples in Mumbai dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva nestled near the Banganga Tank. The temple was constructed 1050 years ago on Malabar Hill by the ruling dynasty of Silharas. Walkeshwar Temple is also very renowned for its architectural splendour. The word Walkeshwar comes from ‘Valuka-Ishwar’, meaning the Lord of Sand.
Legends state that Lord Rama visited this place on his way to Lanka because he wanted to worship Shiva, which he made from sand and installed it in this temple to do the prayers.
The temple sees maximum crowds on full moon nights and is also a significant hub for hosting Hindustani Classical Music Festivals. It remains open from Monday to Friday from morning 6:00 am till night at 8:00 pm.
The ISKCON Temple was constructed by Acharya Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the Hare Krishna Movement. The temple was built in the year 1978 and is one of the most beautiful places to seek solace and spirituality in the city. One of its main highlights is that it is home to several animals and birds like peacocks, monkeys, and cows providing them with a safe haven to thrive. The temple is carved from beautiful white marble while the interior of the temple is beautified with hand-drawn paintings depicting the Legends of Krishna and especially the divine love of Krishna and Radha. You may relax and meditate here for hours.
Inside the temple complex, you will also find an auditorium, a library, a restaurant, and guesthouses. ISKCON Mumbai attracts thousands of visitors and locals alike throughout the year. Janmashtami is a day of huge celebrations in the temple.
The temple remains open on all days of the week from the morning at 5:45 am to 7:45 pm at night.
The Balaji Temple is situated at Nerul on a hilltop, very close to the railway station, and bears great resemblance to the Balaji Temple at Tirupati. This temple is highly revered by the South Indian community of the region.
Inside the complex are many other temples dedicated to different deities like Ramanuja, Rukmini, Lakshmi, Rama, Lakshman, and Hanuman. Balaji Temple was inaugurated in 1990 by the Director of Nehru Planetarium S. Venkata Varadan. The temple also houses gardens and a 60-feet high gopuram, a vast and ornate entrance tower.
The temple remains open on all days of the week from morning 5:30 am till night at 9:30 pm.
Among the oldest and most religious sites in Mumbai is the Swaminarayan Temple. It is more than 100 years old dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna. It is owned and managed by the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. The temple was initially built in the year 1863, but it underwent renovation in 1903. The temple houses beautiful idols of other deities such as Krishna, Ghanshyam, Radha, and Laxminarayan. The interiors and exterior of the temple are beautifully carved with intricate designs. The top of the temple has three spires, and a Sabhamandap is located above a flight of stairs. The dome of the Sabhamandap is supported by 54 pillars carved exquisitely while the dome itself is adorned with paintings from the legend of Krishna and Radha. The festival of Janmashtami and Ram Navami attracts devotees and visitors in hoards from all over the country.
The temple remains open on all days of the week from morning 7:30 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
The Mini Sabarimala Temple is one of the most sacred places to visit in Mumbai. It is dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and is nestled on the top of a hill rock in Kanjurmang. This temple bears great resemblance to the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala, and it is the only temple of Ayyappa outside Kerala.
However, unlike the temple in Kerala, the mini Sabarimala Temple of Mumbai can be visited at all times of the year. The temple hosts special poojas on Tuesdays and Fridays adding to the charm of the place. It is believed that there was a small temple and an idol of the Devi long before the construction of this temple, which was plundered and destroyed by the foreign invaders and the ruins of them can be still seen near the temple.
It remains open on all days of the week from morning at 4:45 am to 11:00 am and 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm.
This Jain Temple is one of the most famous temples in Mumbai constructed in the year 1970. Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Temple is dedicated to the Adishwar who was the first Tirthankara in the Jain religion. The temple is renowned for its splendid architecture and marble carvings, which is a significant point of attracting visitors. The major highlights of the temple are the carved elephant statues at the entrance and on the ceilings. The temple also has idols of Lord Ganesha and other Jain Tirthankaras. It is a highly religious place for the Jain Deravasi community.
The temple remains open on all days from morning 5:00 am till night at 9:00 pm.
Mata Vaishnodevi Temple of Mumbai is almost a perfect replica of the famous Vaishnodevi Temple in Jammu. Located in the middle of the city, making a visit to this temple ensures a unique experience. The original temple requires devotees to hike through a cave and cross streams of water to reach the inner sanctum. In this temple too, you will need to crawl through the caves to witness the idol of the Devi, which is also very similar to the one in Jammu.
The temple remains open on all days from morning 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm in the afternoon until 9:00 pm.
The many beautiful temples in this bustling metropolitan city evoke spirituality and peace. Besides heritage and religion, they are all pillars of beautiful ancient architecture. Take a trip to Mumbai to get a chance to visit some of these famous sacred places. Delay your tour no further and add these temples in your travel itinerary to evoke your inner spirituality.
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April 15, 2024 
