Temples in Mumbai – where wishes come true...

The mélange of culture has gifted the Commercial Capital Mumbai with many popular religious places. There are many temples in Mumbai that have been beautifully and tastefully crafted and have ever since remained the talk of the town. While some owe their fame to their elegant structures, many have found glory by being wish-fulfillers. Lets showcase some of the magnificent temples to you – where wishes come true

  

1.  Mumbadevi Temple – The Oldest Temple of Mumbai

Mumbai got its name from this temple. This is considered as one of the oldest temple in the city of dreams. People of Mumbai believe that Mumbaidevi is protecting the city from all evils since centuries.

This temple is dedicated to Godess Mumba who is said to be patron goddess of Native Somvanshi Kshatriyas who were the agricultural communities of the Kolis-fishermen.

Most Crowded Day of the week : Tuesday

Temple Timings : Tuesday to Sunday – 6 AM to 12 Noon, and 4 PM to 9 PM

Special Tip : visit between 8am to 9.30am to avoid rush

Location: MumbaDevi Marg, Zaveri Bazar, Mumbai

2.  Siddhivinayak Temple – The Richest Temple of Mumbai

Siddhivinayak temple is one of the most famous temple in Mumbai today. All thanks to the hundreds of celebrities and Bollywood riders who visit this temple regularly. It is believed that if you whisper your wish into the ear of the idol, it comes true very soon.

Built in 1801, this Ganapati temple is the richest temple in Mumbai, when you visit there do notice the gold plated roof and silver all over.

Most Crowded Day of the week : Tuesday(very crowded)

Temple Timings : Wed to Mon – 5.30 AM to 10 PM; Tue – 3:15 AM to 10 PM Special Tip : Stand in the queue from Monday Midnight if you want at attend Tuesday Aarti,  Prasad Laddu is Amazing. 

Location: S K Bole Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai

3.  Mahalaxmi Temple – The Temple for Wealth

Mahalaxmi temple is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi- The goddess of wealth and prosperity. This temple was built in 1831 by a Hindu merchant to get is said that visit to this temple removes problem hampering life due to money crises.

There is a stone carved deep at the entrance of the temple, which connects the mandap to the main deity idol. The Lakshmi idol is decorated with a special nose ring and a golden mask. High flight stairs, a huge grand temple and a sea view pulls a huge number of tourist and locals to this place especially during Navratri festival. 

Most Crowded Day of the week : Friday is slightly more crowded

Temple Timings : All Days – 6.30 AM to 10 PM

Special Tip : Parking is a big problem at this temple. Park your vehicle on the lanes opposite the main entrance lane.

Location: Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mahalaxmi, Mumbai

4.  Babulnath Temple – The Mystical Shiva Temple

Babulnath Temple was constructed in the year in 1780 after the discovery of Lord Shiva Idol buried in the ground very near to Girgam Chaupati . This temple is constructed on a Hillock at 1000ft above sea level and looks like a small replica of Kailash parbat.

It is said that if you observe a fast on Monday and also visit this temple, your wishes comes true most quickly. This makes the temple busiest on Mondays.  

Most Crowded Day of the week : Monday (very Crowded)

Temple Timings : All Days – 5 AM to 7 PM

Special Tip : If you cant climb stairs, you can take a lift at a nominal charge.

Location: Charni Road, Opp Bombay International School, Near Chowpatty, Mumbai

5.  ISKCON Temple – A Temple for Krishna Consciousness

This temple opened its doors for devotees in 1978. It is indeed one of the most beautifully created masterpiece of Mumbai. It is made up of Milky white marbles, Its walls are adorned with delightful murals and sculptures. Its complex has a Huge auditorium that can host religious festivals and weddings for thousands of people, It also has a unique restaurant that serves Vegetarian thali which you must try, apart from all this their mahaprasad is a feast to devotees who visit this temple.

The temple also serves as a meditation centre where devotees can come and spend time in serenity. Popularly known as Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari Temple or Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple this is a temple you must not miss. and achieve peace.

Most Crowded Day of the week : Sunday (Moderately Crowded)

Temple Timings : All Days – 4.30 AM to 1 PM, and 4.30 PM to 9 PM

Special Tip : They have their own pay and park, Also relish some exciting snacks and sweets at the food stalls. Dhoklas are amazing.

Location: Hare Krishna Land, Juhu, Mumbai

  

6.  Balaji Temple – Exact Replica of Tirupati Balaji temple

Balaji Temple Nerul is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the Most powerful god of Hindus. The concept of this temple emphasizes the proximity of the deity and the devotee. It helps to the total surrender of jeevatma to the Paramatma.

This temple is the most visited south indian temple of Mumbai. It stands confidently tall at the height of around 60Feet and is also home to other Gods such as Lakshmi, Narasimha, Vidya Ganapati, Ramanuja, and Vishwaksena.

This temple is around an hour drive away from the main city, but much worth a visit.

Most Crowded Day of the week : Saturday Sunday (Mostly evenings)

Temple Timings : All Days – 5.30 AM to 9.30 PM

Special Tip : Travel in the afternoon to avoid massive office-going traffic on the way.

Location: Nerul, Navi Mumbai

7.  Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Temple – A masterpiece of Art

This Temple known for its intricate marble carvings and architecture. The entrance is artistically sculptured giving the whole place an aesthetic richness. Two elephants brilliantly made out of stone are placed on both the sides of the main gate in the Jain Temple. The temple is adorned with colorful paintings, which have been painted very diligently, especially the ecstatically colorful zodiac dome ceiling. Constructed in the year 1970 this temple remains one of the most visited Jain temples of Mumbai.

Most Crowded Day of the week : Sunday (Moderately Crowded)

Temple Timings : All Days – 5 AM to 9 PM

Special Tip : Dress Modestly when you visit the temple

Location: Walkeshwar Road,Malabar Hill, Mumbai

8.  Swaminarayan Temple – The Glorious Temple

Among the famous religious places in Mumbai, the Swaminarayan Temple is the one that stands out. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is owned and operated by the Swaminarayan Sampraday and this gorgeous temple houses idols of Ghanshyam Maharaj, Hari Krishna Maharaj, Gaulok Bihari, and Radha. It Witnesses maximum footfall in during the festivals of Janmashtami and Ram Navami.

It is very close to Dadar railway station so the most convenient one

Most Crowded Day of the week : crowded only of festivals

Temple Timings : All Days – 7.30AM to 12.00Noon, 4PM to 7.30

Special Tip : club your visit to this temple with amazing south Indian food available at a restaurant nearby.

Location: Swaminarayan Chowk, Opposite Dadar Station, Mumbai

9.  Walkeshwar Temple : Lord of the Sand

The word Walkeshwar is derived from Valuka Ishwar, which translates to Lord of the Sand. Experts say that Lord Rama on his way to Lanka, paused at this place as he wanted to worship the Shiva Lingam, so a shivlingam using sand and placed it here to perform the puja. Recognized for its antique architectural style and design this remains one of the best temples in Mumbai.

The temple also plays hosts to several Hindustani Classical music festivals and is very crowded on full moon day (Purnima)

Most Crowded Day of the week : Monday,  very crowded on Full Moon Day

Temple Timings : All Days – 6 am to 8 pm

Special Tip : Club your trip with a walk at Marine drive

Location: Teen Batti, Malabar Hill, Mumbai

10.  Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Temple

The temple was constructed in 1988 and it opened its doors to devotees in 1990. This temple was originally built to serve as an orphanage. However, it was bought over by the ISKCON foundation and was converted into a beautiful temple.

Another unique feature of this temple is that it also home to many animals such as cows, peacocks and monkeys and provides a safe environment for them. The temple is also decorated with various paintings depicting the entire Krishna and Radha saga.

Most Crowded Day of the week : Sunday, (Moderately crowded)

Temple Timings : All Days – 5.45 am to 7.45 pm

Special Tip : Club your trip with a other temples nearly

Location: Girgaum Chowpatty , Mumbai

11.  Mini Sabarimala Temple – First Ayyappa temple outside Kerala

The temple is located on a small hillock in Kanjurmarg. The Mini Sabarimala Temple is the first temple dedicated to the deity Ayyappa outside the state of Kerala. The temple is quite similar to the one at Sabarimala in Kerala. There used to be a Devi and a small Ayyappa temple before the Mini Sabrimala Temple was constructed. However, it was demolished by foreign invaders who also killed the temple priests. The ruins of the temples can still be witnessed to this day at the Mini Sabarimala temple.

Most Crowded Day of the week : Never crowded

Temple Timings : All Days – 4.45 am to 11 am and 4.30 pm to 9 pm

Special Tip : Avoid traffic hours between 9am to 11am and 6 to 8

Location: Kanjurmarg, Mumbai

12.  The Global Vipassana Pagoda – Top Vipasana Center of India

The world's largest stone dome built without any supporting pillars. The dome is approximately 29 meters high, twice the size of the previously largest monument of its kind in Bijapur, India. Inside, the meditation area can seat over 8,000 people. There's also an art gallery showing the life and teachings of the Buddha.

You can totally be alone with your spiritual side and feel refreshed after a visit. The temple has many beautiful carvings and is very clean.

Most Crowded Day of the week : Never crowded

Temple Timings : 6.30 am to 6 .45 pm

Special Tip : you can club the pagoda visit with Essel world trip.

Location: Global Pagoda Road, Near Esselworld, Gorai, Mumbai

13.  Mata Vaishnodevi Temple – Replica of Mata Darbar, Katra

Located in Malad, Mata Vaishnodevi temple resembles the original Vaishnodevi temple located in Jammu and Kashmir. This temple offers you an opportunity to experience the divinity here in Mumbai. Malad’s Vaishnodevi temple is a beautifully made structure with intricately designed idol. There are artificial caves and streams inside the temple and you will have to walk through them to reach the inner sanctum.

Most Crowded Day of the week : Tuesdays

Temple Timings : 8 am to 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 10 pm.

Special Tip : Towing Zones around. Park your vehicle carefully

Location: Subhash Road, Malad East,Mumbai

We believe that these places are more than just centres for offering prayer; in fact visiting these holy places is a good way of learning about the culture and history of this city. Come and explore these magnificent temples of AAMCHI MUMBAI….