Shri Mahalakshmi Devi Temple in Mumbai, Maharashtra

Shri Mahalakshmi Devi Temple: A Divine Abode in Mumbai

Shri Mahalakshmi Devi Temple, located on Bhulabhai Desai Road, North of Malabar Hill, Mumbai, is a revered Hindu temple. Its stunning architecture, mythological significance, and seaside proximity make it a popular attraction.

Deities and Architecture

Dedicated Deities: Shri Mahakali (Durga), Shri Mahalakshmi, and Shri Mahasaraswati.
Special Phenomenon: During Chaitra and Ashwin Navaratri, the sun’s rays fall on the deities for a few minutes.
Temple Features:

• Dhwajstambh: A 10.60-meter high wooden block covered with silver sheets.
• Deepmala: A stone-carved lamp tower.
• Sabhamandap: The main hall with a silver-covered lion and 27 apex tops.
• Gabhara: The inner sanctum with idols of Ganpati, Vithal-Rukhamini, and the main deities on a silver throne.

Historical Significance

Construction and Rebuilding:

• Built between 1761 A.D. and 1771 A.D. by Shri Ramji Shivji Prabhu, a government engineer.
• The temple was constructed after recovering the idols from the Worli creek following a divine instruction received in a dream.

Mahalakshmi Temple Trust

• Management: The temple is managed by the Shri Mahalakshmi Temple Trust, a religious and charitable trust.
• Visitor Statistics: Thousands of devotees visit daily, with numbers increasing to hundreds of thousands during Navaratri, Diwali, and Margashirsha.

Worship and Festivals

Navaratri Celebrations:

• The nine-day worship is divided into three-day segments for each deity: Shri Mahakali, Shri Mahalakshmi, and Shri Mahasaraswati.
• Significance: Devotees believe that the deities are ‘Jagrut’ or alive, drawing large crowds for blessings and worship.

Devi Tattva and Shakti Cult

• Devi Tattva: The supreme power of Parabrahman, known as Adi Shakti or Para Shakti.
• Shakti Forms: Shri Saraswati (Sattvic Guna), Shri Mahalakshmi (Rajasic Guna), and Shri Mahakali (Tamasic Guna).
• Philosophical Basis: The temple’s worship practices are rooted in the Sankhya philosophy, which explains the creation of the universe through the union of Purusha (Parabrahman) and Prakruti (Nature).

Heritage and Cultural Significance

• Heritage Precinct: The Mahalakshmi Complex is designated as a heritage precinct due to its architectural and archaeological value.
• Unique Ambience: The temple precinct features traditional shrines, vernacular domestic architecture, and picturesque streets lined with flower and sweet dealers.

Shri Mahalakshmi Devi Temple is a divine sanctuary that blends history, spirituality, and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for devotees and tourists alike.

Navratri Festival
During Navaratri celebrations, devotees from distant places throng to the temple, which is decorated for this occasion, to pay obeisance. They have to stand for hours in long queues holding coconuts, flowers and sweets which they offer to the goddess.

How to reach
It is only 1 km from Mahalakshmi railway station in Mumbai. There are two more temples viz. Tryambakeshwar temple and Mahadev dhakleshwar temple near to the temple.

Contact Us

Location: Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mahalaxmi West, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400026.

• Timings: 6:00 am to 10:00 pm every day.
• Phone: 02223513831 / 022-2351 4732
• Email: mahalakshmitemple.mumbai@gmail.com
• Website: mahalakshmi-temple.com