Mumbadevi temple, Mumbai

Mumbadevi temple was originally built by koli fishermen. In the later years, the devotees raised a temple in her honor. In 1739, Mumba Devi temple was destroyed: temple was built again at Bhuleshwar, the present site in Mumbai. The temple doesn’t boast of intricate architecture, rather it is very simple. In the main shrine, the idol of Mumba Devi appears majestic clad in rich clothes with a silver crown, a nose stud and a golden necklace. The altar is always festooned with garlands of marigold flower. to the the left of Mumbadevi Goddess is a stone figure of Annapurna seated on a peacock. in front of the shrine is a tiger , the carrier of the Goddess.

The temple was built in honor of the Goddess Mumbadevi from whose name that the English word ‘Bombay’ is derived. The goddess personifies Mother Earth and is still worshiped by descendants of the Dravidian population of western and southern India.

As per the mythological legends, the temple was the outcome of attacks by Mumbarka. Mumbarka was a cruel giant who used to plunder the city for fun sake. Petrified by the attacks of Mumbarka, the city-dwellers kept their situation before Lord Brahma. It is said that Lord Brahma made a Goddess with eight arms, to slay the demon Mumbarka for the benefit of people. The Goddess slaughtered the demon and as a result, she came to be known as ‘Mumba’.

How to reach Mumbadevi temple?

You can get down at Charni Road station or Marine line station (western line). You can either walk towards the temple which is a 10 min walk or take a taxi.

What is famous next to Mumbadevi temple?

You can visit Crawford market or bhuleshwar market which are close to Mumbadevi temple.