The iconic city of Mumbai has much more to offer than just glitz and glamour. This bustling city is also brimming with exceptionally crafted shrines and world-famous temples that will take you on a spiritual journey. The temples of Mumbai will show you a brilliant realm that is radiating with aura and a sense of tranquillity.
These temples are like an escape into peace in a busy city like Mumbai. No matter how weary one feels, the shrines of Mumbai have the power to shut everything out and help you reconnect with your inner self.
Here are some of the best temples in Mumbai that you must visit on your Mumbai Temple Tour.
1. Siddhivinayak Temple
The world-famous Siddhivinayak Temple is perhaps the most popular shrine in Mumbai. This temple is so popular that you will often find celebrities here as well to worship Lord Ganesha. The Siddhivinayak Temple is also the most crowded temple in Mumbai. It was constructed in 1801.
A highly revered temple, Siddhivinayak Temple, it is also the richest temple in India, as it receives about 25 crores annual as donations.
Lord Ganesha is the main deity in this temple. The trunk of the idol is quite unique. It is bent to the right side instead of the left side. This fascinating element has surprised many visitors. Tourists also admire it’s wooden doors, gold plates and detailed carvings of various deities.
From the moment you enter this sacred temple, till the time you exist, you will be in awe of its beauty.
2. Mumbadevi Temple
The iconic Mumbadevi Temple is the shrine from which Mumbai derives its name. This holy shrine is extremely significant and revered among the masses, and is perhaps the first temple you will see in your Mumbai Temple Tour. This temple is worships an incarnation of all the all-powerful Goddess Durga. Mostly frequented by the local fishermen community, the Mumbadevi Temple has now become a tourist attraction. With brilliant architecture and exquisite interiors, this shrine is quite magnificent to look at.
The main idol of Goddess Mumba glitters with gold jewellery and a royal crown. Her idol is made up of black stone and her face is coloured in a tinge of orange.
3. ISKCON Temple
The iconic ISKON Temple is perhaps one of the best-known temples in the world around tourists. Located in different cities of India, the ISKON Temple in Mumbai is quite a wonder. Brimming with peace and tranquillity, this temple is an abode of spirituality. It is also home to different animals and birds making this shrine truly inclusive.
The temple is made of pure and pristine white marble. The marble is so clean that you might be able to see your face reflect on it. On the walls, you will find beautiful paintings of Radha and Krishna.
The ISKON Temple complex in Mumbai is resplendent with a huge and elegant restaurant, a library and even guesthouses. The meal at the restaurant is divine and you must experience the sheer joy of sitting at eating on the housed of God.
Come here during Janmashtami to experience a whole another level of devotion and warmth.
4. Mahalakshmi Temple
The next temple you will witness in Mumbai is the popular Mahalakshmi Temple. This shrine is worships not one but three goddesses- Lakshmi, Saraswati and Kali. A landmark in Mumbai, the Mahalakshmi temple has wowed my tourists and locals alike. It is located by the bay, thus, blessing it with stunning views of the sea.
The main entrance of the shrine is carved out of stone. It is quite mesmerising to look at. There are some intricate designs and carvings that you will also notice as you walk inside this heavenly abode.
As the sea breeze fills up your lungs, you will feel a sense of calm coming over you. It is at this point where you will notice a wooden block covered in silk cloth.
There are three deities sitting on an elegantly designed throne, as a lion faces towards them. If you wish to see the Mahalakshmi Temple in all its splendour then come here during Navratri and watch it come alive.
5. Walkeshwar Temple
A temple that merges both cultural and historical significance is truly a wonder to witness. The Walkeshwar Temple in Mumbai is one such brilliant wonder. This 1050 years ago worships Lord Shiva. Nestled in the Malabar Hills, the Walkeshwar Temple is a sight to witness.
According to legends, Lord Rama has come to this place while on this way to Lanka. He stayed here for a few days to worship Lord Shiva and also made a sand statue of the deity, making this shrine all the more relevant and important.
Some exceptional Hindustani Musical Festival also takes place here, and it is a blessing to attend any one of them.
6. Swaminarayan Temple
The palatial Swaminarayan Temple is a sight to marvel at in Mumbai. Built more than 100 years ago, this temple is devoted to Lord Krishna.
The temple houses mainly the idols of Radha and Krishna, as they look in perfect harmony with each other. Other idols that you will find here are that of Ghanshyam and Laxminarayan. The interiors of the temples are regal with sculptures and detailed carvings that tell a story.
You will also find a Sabhamandap in this temple. The mandap has 54 pillars. Each of the pillars are beautifully carved. The dome is elegant with paintings of Radha and Krishna, and you will find yourself mesmerised by the skill of the artist. This temple is an art, and you must visit it to witness the skill of the architects of this temple.
7. Mini Sabarimala
A little replica of the Sabarimala Temple located in Kerala, the Mini Sabarimala in Mumbai is also quite a beautiful and significant shrine.
This temple worships Lord Ayyappa. It is perched on top of a little hill, which makes it look all the more alluring. This is the only true Lord Ayyappa temple outside of Kerala.
The architecture is somewhat similar to the main Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. Many poojas and rituals take place inside this temple. You can witness some of them. You will also find the ruins of a small temple that supposedly existed before the mini Sabarimala Temple, which was subsequently destroyed by the colonisers.
Unlike the main Sabarimala Temple, you can visit this temple at any time of the year.
8. Mata Vaishno Devi Temple
A replica of the mesmerising Vaishnodevi Temple in Jammu, the Mata Vaishnodevi Temple is a revelation. Nestled in the hustle-bustle of the city, this temple is a welcome respite from all the cacophony of noise that makes Mumbai Mumbai.
The Mata Vaishnodevi Temple is unique and fascinating as well. You will have to crawl through tight caves to reach the main deity here. This makes the experience quite uncannily similar to the one in Jammu.
9. Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Temple
The brilliant Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Temple is a Jain Temple that looks stunning in every way. Jain Temples are famous for its exceptional architectures and designs that will put the most known architects to shame, and this shrine is no different.
From carved elephants to magnificent ceilings, this temple is a work of art. You will find idols of Lord Ganesha along with the idols of Jain Tirthankaras as well. All of these temples in Mumbai have their meaning and beauty. Yet, the one common thing that they have is, all of them will make you feel at peace. So, don’t wait too long, and head off for a spiritual trip in the crowded city of Mumbai.
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