Mumbadevi Temple, Mumbai

Mumbadevi Temple, Mumbai

Mumbai is named after the goddess Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the city.

Mumbai is named after the goddess Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the city. The shrine dedicated to Mumbadevi is believed to have been originally built by Koli fisherman in the 1st century BC on the site now occupied by the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. It was moved to its present location at Phansi Talao in Bhuleshwar in 1737.

The silver doors of the temple lead to the modern shrine which contains an orange-faced idol of the goddess Mumbadevi with eight arms holding different objects such as conch and mace, seated on Vrushabh bull or other vaahan (carrier) depending on the day of the week. The idol is adorned with a silver crown, nose stud and a golden necklace. To the left is a stone idol of goddess Maa Annapurna, seated on a peacock with a tiger in front. Idols of Hanuman, Sri Krishna, Siddheswar, Vinayak and Indrani Amba are also worshipped in different temples in the same complex. There is also a rare shrine dedicated to Bahuchari Devi, patron goddess of the hijras (eunuchs).

Tuesday is the main day of worship. Worshippers insert votive coins in the temple railings for fulfilling their wishes. Newly married Hindu couples visit the shrine soon after marriage, seeking blessings from the goddess for a happy married life.