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 honour Goddess Mumbadevi and consider her as their guardian.
Shrine’s History
This temple was built in honour of the Goddess Amba. The Mumbadevi temple is six centuries old. The first Mumbadevi temple was situated at Bori Bunder and is believed to have been destroyed between 1739 and 1770. After the destruction, a new temple was erected at the same place at Bhuleshwar. The Goddess personifies Mother Earth and is still worshipped by the Hindu population of the northern Indo-Gangetic plain and southern India alike. The original temple built at the site where the Victoria Terminus station earlier was by Koli fishermen was demolished around 1737 and a new temple was erected in its place at Phansi Talao. The modern shrine contains an image of the Goddess Mumbadevi dressed in a robe with a silver crown, a nose stud and a golden necklace. To the left is a stone figure of Annapurna seated on a peacock. In front of the shrine is a tiger, the carrier of the Goddess.
The present name of the city is derived from the Goddess Mumbadevi. The temple itself is not impressive but is an important landmark as it is dedicated to MumbaDevi, the city’s patron deity.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
According to a popular legend, the structure of the temple is about six centuries old and it is believed to be the handiwork of Mumbaraka, a sadistic giant who frequently plundered the city at the time. Terrorised by these unwelcome visits, the locals pleaded with Lord Brahma to protect them. Brahma then “pulled out of his own body”, an eight armed goddess who vanquished the Mumbaraka. Brought to his knees, Mumbaraka implored the goddess to take his name and built a temple in her honour. She still stands there, an orange-faced goddess on an altar strewn with marigolds: devotees believe that those who seek her divine favour are never disappointed
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Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The structure of Mumba Devi Temple is a marvellous 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 symbolise 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.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By RoadThe nearest bus stop is Chhatrapati Shivaji Bus stop.By RailOne can reach Mumba Devi Temple easily by boarding local trains from the city. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus which is 1 km away from Mumbadevi Temple.By AirChhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is just 20 KM from Mumbadevi temple.
Shrine Timings
5:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Navaratri
Extra Information About this Shrine
Mumba Devi Temple is one of the most ancient temples situated in Mumbai and was built in the 18th century. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Mumbadevi. Tourists from all over the world make sure to visit this sacred temple while in Mumbai. It is a fact that Mumbai city has been named after the Koli fishermen’s deity-Goddess Mumbadevi.
Any time of the year but special on Navratri