Temple of Goddess Mumba (Mumba Devi)

The Mumba Devi (Mumbai Goddess) Temple in Bhuleshwar is one of Mumbai's oldest temples. It is dedicated to Mumbadevi, whom the Koli fishing community considers the city's guardian goddess.

In fact, Mumbai is named after Goddess Mumba. This elegant old Mumba Devi temple is located among the busy alleys of Zaveri Bazar. Locals visit the temple daily for evening and morning aarti ceremonies. During festivals like Navratri, devotees flock to admire the temple and receive blessings from Mumba Devi.

Mumba Devi Temple is built in the classical Hindu temple style. The building has a high spire and a red flag flutters at the top. The outer walls are decorated with beautiful carvings prominent in Hindu temples. The shrine has a statue of Goddess Mumba, with a gold necklace, a nail in the nose and a silver crown. Mumbadevi represents Mother Earth and has no mouth. In addition, visitors will see statues of Goddess Annapurna, god Ganesh and Hanuman. In front of the shrine, there is a sculpture of a fierce tiger.

Legend has it that a demon Mumbaraka once terrorized the locals, who were so frightened that they prayed to God Brahma, who then sent an eight-armed Goddess to kill Mumbaraka. After being defeated, Mumbaraka begged for forgiveness and promised that he would build a beautiful temple dedicated to the Goddess.

However, the present temple is not the original temple. The first temple, located near present-day Victoria Terminus (or Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus), was destroyed around 1740. But the Koli community and other locals worship Goddess Mumba and believe in her. Therefore, they built another temple, which we see today.

People here believe that the Goddess will answer all prayers if sincere. Therefore, devotees come here to please Mumba Devi by offering flowers and sweets. Visitors will find many stalls on the way to Mumba Devi Temple, where heather, marigold and lotus flowers can be purchased among other offerings.

Visitors should also head to Mumba Devi Temple to watch the daily aarti rituals. They are held every morning and evening. The monks chanted mantras and waved their hands to light incense to worship the goddess. In addition, special arrangements are made during the Navratri festival, when the celebration lasts for 10 days.

Opening hours: 08:30 - 18:00