The Hindu temples of Mumbai are as old as the land they preside over, each one has seen the city transform through the ages, and they are still standing strong, in these turbulent times, purely due to the power of devotion they inspire. You can reach these places of worship via the local trains, hire a taxi, or get on the efficient BEST bus service the temples are on direct routes.
Siddhivinayak Temple, Prabhadevi
A two-hundred-year-old temple, Siddhivinayak is where devotees head to before beginning a new task, as the presiding deity, Ganesha, is said to be the destroyer of obstacles or vighnaharta. The temple was first consecrated in 1801 and was a small structure housing the two-and-half-foot-wide black stone idol of Shree Siddhivinayak, the uniqueness of this idol is that the trunk of the elephant god turns to the right. A new structure was started in 1990, and since then, due to the contributions of the devotees, renovations are still going, as well as additions to the temple. You can get a better idea of the temple's original structure by visiting the Kashi-Vishveshwar temple in Matunga.
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Mumbadevi Temple, Zaveri Bazar, Bhuleshwar
Built in the 18th century, the Mumbadevi temple is dedicated to the goddess Mumbadevi, said to be an embodiment of feminine power, mahashakti, created by the preserver of the universe, Vishnu. Mumbadevi is said to have destroyed an evil energy named Mumbaraka, who then begged the goddess to take his name from him and reside in the temple he built for her. The goddess is considered the patron of Mumbai city. The temple, currently in the midst of chaotic markets dealing in steel, cloth, and jewellery, was first built in Bori Bunder in 1675, but was moved to its present location in 1737. It holds special significance for the Koli fishermen's community and the Agri community (salt collectors), the original inhabitants of the coasts of Mumbai.
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Babulnath Temple, Babulnath Road, Charni Road
At nearly 1,000 feet above sea level, overlooking the Arabian Sea, in the heart of Mumbai City, the Babulnath temple is dedicated to the god Shiva. Standing in a posh area, the end of Marine Drive and south of Malabar Hill, Babulnath temple was built in 1780, and in 1900, a spire was added to its crown.
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Walkeshwar Temple/Baan Ganga Temple, Malabar Hill
The famed Walkeshwar temple and the freshwater Banganga Tank next to it were commissioned to be built in 1127 AD during the reign of the Silhara dynasty. Silharas ruled over Thane and the islands of Mumbai from 810 to 1240 AD. During Portuguese rule in the 16th century, the temple was destroyed but was later rebuilt in 1715 under the aegis of Mumbai businessman and philanthropist Rama Kamat. Regularly raided by pirates in the 16th and 17th centuries, it is now a site of the annual Hindustani classical music festival, which in the past has had performances by stalwarts such as Rajan and Sajan Mishra and santoor maestro Shivkumar Sharma.
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