Mumbai’s Mumbadevi Temple

Mumba Devi Temple is Mumbai's most famous temple. It is located in Bhuleshwar, the southernmost portion of India's commercial capital. The temple is devoted to Goddess Mumba, who is considered the patron deity of Bombay's early settlers, the Koli fisherman. The Goddess is considered as the form of 'Shakti' and is worshipped with great devotion.
This ancient temple, often known as the “Guardian of Mumbai”, has several ancient stories associated with it. Let's learn some amazing details about Mumbai's Mumba Devi temple.

Table of Contents

1. History of the Mumba Devi temple
2. Facts related to Mumba Devi temple
3. Architecture of the Mumba Devi temple
4. The different Idols of different Gods at temple complex
5. Speciality of Mumba Devi temple
6. Festivals celebrated at Mumba Devi temple
7. Renovation and restoration
8. A tourist attraction
9. How to reach the temple?

History of the Mumba Devi Temple

This temple, dedicated to Mumba Devi, is said to have been established in the sixteenth century. She is the patron goddess of Mumbai's original seven islands, and her roots are profoundly connected to the city's identity.The city Mumbai is called after Mumba Devi.

The first Mumbadevi temple was located near Bori Bunder and is thought to have been destroyed between 1739-1770. Following the devastation, a new temple was built at the same location in Bhuleshwar. The Goddess located at this temple represents Mother Earth and is still revered by the Dravidian ancestors of western and southern India. The ancient temple that presently stands at the Victoria Terminus station was destroyed around 1737, and a new temple was built in its place at Phansi Talao.

Facts related to Mumba Devi Temple

1 .Mumba Devi is believed to be the reincarnation of the Hindu goddess Parvati or Gauri as a fisherwoman. Goddess Parvati assumed the form of Mahakali to acquire the qualities of perseverance and concentration and then reincarnated as the fisherwoman Matsya or Mumba. When Lord Shiva came to marry her, the fishermen requested her to stay there and she became the goddess of the village.
2. Another legend states that Goddess Parvati appeared as an eight-armed goddess to kill the evil demon Mumbaraka. After being defeated, the demon asked for forgiveness and built a temple in her name.
3. Goddess Mumba Devi is said to have magically manifested her idol at the temple site without any human intervention. This self-manifested idol is considered a remarkable fact about the temple.
4. The name "Mumbai" is derived from Goddess Mumba Devi. The word "Mumba'' comes from Marathi, which indicates that this goddess has been a part of the local culture since the 15th century. According to legends, the city was named after the goddess because a Hindu woman named Mumba built the original temple. The Mumba Devi Mahatmya, a collection of 52 verses in Sanskrit composed between the 16th and 18th centuries, explains how the goddess got her name. It explains how the goddess was created from the combined essence of various deities.

Architecture of the Mumba Devi Temple

The temple's design combines conventional Hindu temple elements with beautiful carvings and sculptures. Its striking black stone statue of Mumba Devi is embellished with jewels and garlands.

Mumba Devi Temple Mumba, the presiding goddess of Mumbai, sits within this temple at Phansi Talao, clad in silver garments and wearing nose studs. Mumba, a deity without a mouth and a local symbol of Mother Earth, is venerated by Koli fishermen. In addition to the statue of the orange-faced goddess Mumba Devi, there are idols of Indra, Ganesh, and Hanuman. 

The different Idols of Different Gods at Temple Complex

The temple's modern temple houses an image of Goddess Mumbadevi wearing a robe, a silver crown, a nose stud, and a golden necklace. To the left is a stone statue of Annapurna seated on a peacock. The Goddess' carrier, a tiger, stands in front of the temple. On the left side, Goddess Annapurna is depicted riding a peacock. Goddess Mumba is represented without a mouth, symbolising Mother Earth. The temple complex also has temples devoted to Lord Ganesha, Maruti, Mahadev, Indrayani, Murlidhar, Jagannath, Narsoba, and Balaji. Mumba Devi is still lavishly adored by Koli fishermen and Dravidians nowadays. Other shrines within the Temple complex of Mumbadevi are devoted to Ganesh, Maruti, Mahadev, Indrayani, Murlidhar, Jagannath, Narsoba, and Balaji.

Speciality of Mumba Devi Temple

It is widely believed that the goddess never disappoints her worshipers who pray to her genuinely. The temple is closed on Mondays. The vendors near the temple sell floral garlands of sweet-smelling jasmine, orange marigolds and pink lotuses as an auspicious offering for devotees.

Festivals celebrated at Mumba Devi Temple

The temple comes alive with vivid festivals throughout the year, especially during Navratri, a nine-night festival devoted. The mood turns electric as devotees assemble to pay respect to Mumba with cultural dance, music and different rituals.

A Tourist Attraction

Aside from its religious significance, Mumba Devi Temple is a famous tourist destination, attracting people looking to see Mumbai's historical and cultural sites. Tourists are captivated by the temple's charm despite the hectic environment. 

How to reach the Temple?

By Airway- Mumbai is the most important international gateway to India, having international flights from key nations across the world. Air India, as well as several other worldwide airlines, operate daily flights to and from the city. Indian Airlines connects Mumbai to almost all of India's tourism sites. Private sector airlines also provide flights to many of the country's major cities. The Mumbai Airport has two wings: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and Santacruz Domestic Airport.
By Railways- Mumbai is the Central and Western Railways' control centre. Regular train services connect it to all major cities, including Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Calcutta, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Chennai, Nagpur, and Thiruvananthapuram. You can take a direct train to Mumbai from anywhere in the country.
By Roadways - There are decent motorable highways linking all main tourist destinations in Mumbai. National highways that run the length and breadth of the country are excellent options for driving to Mumbai on your own.