 Mahalakshmi Temple is one of the most sacred temples of Mumbai. It is located at the seashore on the northern side of Malabar Hill in one of the most posh localities of Mumbai–Breach Candy. Apart from drawing a very loyal base of devotees from Mumbai and adjoining places, the temple is also a major tourist attraction due to its scenic background and central location. It is therefore not surprising to find serpentine queues of devotees thronging the temple, to catch a glimpse of their deities and proffer prayers and offerings.
The temple has Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati as its presiding deities.They symbolise the three forms of the ‘Mother’, as believed by Hindus.
Mahakali in this form of ‘mother’ is said to be beyond fear and finite existence, and is therefore able to protect her devotees from fear. Mahalakshmi is the mother of sweetness, beauty, fragrance and harmony, and blesses her devotees with wealth and prosperity. Mahasaraswati is the mother of perfection,knowledge and wisdom, and enables her devotees to distinguish between good and bad. The three deities coexist at the temple, but since the principal deity is goddess Lakshmi,the temple is called Mahalakshmi Temple.
It is believed that there were originally three temples dedicated to the deities,situated to the north of Malabar Hill, which were destroyed by invaders. The idols were found at the bottom of the sea after the chief contractor of a British construction project, Ramji Shivji, was instructed in a dream by the goddess Lakshmi to retrieve the idols and construct a temple for them. At that time, efforts were on to link the current Mahalakshmi area to the Koli island of Worli. However, the project kept getting stalled due to the foundation being swept off by high tides.No sooner were the retrieved idols of the goddesses installed than the project saw smooth completion. A temple was then built without haste, and thus the Mahalakshmi Temple came into being in 1784. The temple is known to be the oldest temple dedicated to Mahakali in Mumbai.
Lord Vishnu’s consort, and more importantly, the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi resides in the shrine beyond the ornate gate of the temple. Idols of the other deities, Mahasaraswati and Mahakali, are also placed at prominent places in the temple made of gold. The goddesses are adorned with nose rings, gold bangles and pearl necklaces. Goddess Mahalakshmi is shown riding a tiger and a demon (Mahishasur) in tandem. Inside the compound, one can see vendors selling flowers, garlands and pious paraphernalia.
The primary festival celebrated at the temple is Navratri, which lasts nine days. During this period, the temple sees the maximum number of devotees coming in with garlands, coconuts, sweets and other offerings. The long queue of dedicated devotees comprises people from all walks of life, inching diligently in long queues, eagerly awaiting their turn to see the idol of their favourite deities in all their glory. An atmosphere of gaiety reigns throughout the duration of the festival.
Ruchika Batra
Address:
Mahalaxmi Temple, Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mumbai – 400 026
Tel: 2482 4732 |
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