Mahalaxmi Temple In Mumbai

Located on the Bhulabhai Desai road, Shri Mahalaxmi Temple in Mumbai is the epitome of faith and worship. One of the most popular temples in Mumbai, the Mahalaxmi temple, is dedicated to three Hindu deities – Goddess Mahalaxmi (Goddess of Wealth), Goddess Durga/Mahakali (The Destroyer of Evil), and Goddess Mahasaraswati (Goddess of Learning).

The glorious beauty of the temple, gorgeous surroundings, mythological importance, and proximity of the temple to the Arabian Sea makes it a prime tourist attraction in Mumbai. Tourists from all over the world flock to see the temple, especially during the month of March-April and September-October, when the rays of the Sun fall on the deities of the temple.

During the festive months of October and November, the Mahalaxmi Mumbai is heavily decorated with lights, garlands and flowers, and hosts special arrangements, festive programs, and hundreds of devotees.

Apart from being the forbearer of religion, the Mahalaxmi Mumbai also believes in the uplifting of society. The temple grants scholarships to financially weak students, sponsors the medical treatment of economically weaker sections of the society, and much more.

History of the Mahalaxmi Temple in Mumbai

Built in 1831 by a Hindu merchant called Dhakji Dadaji, the Mahalaxmi Mumbai adorns beautiful images of the three Goddesses – Mahalaxmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati wearing pearl necklaces, gold nose rings, and gold bangles. The Goddess of wealth, Mahalaxmi, is placed in the centre holding a lotus flower.

As per historical text, during the rule of Islamic invaders in India during the 1761-1771 CE, Hindus immersed the idols of three deities in the sea close to Worli to save them from destruction. During the British rule, when Lord Hornby wanted to connect Worli with Malabar Hill, his multiple attempts failed. Even the best of the world’s engineers could not create a safe passage between Worli and Malabar Hill.

It is believed that during this time Goddess Mahalaxmi appeared in the dream of the project’s lead engineer – Ramji Shivji Prabhu. She asked him to take out the idols from the sea and securely establish them on the hillock. The engineer did so and the project was completed without any trouble.

Later, the engineer also acquired land on the hillock from the British Government to create a temple commemorating the three idols secured from the sea. The temple was called the Mahalaxmi temple. At that time, a huge sum of ₹80,000 was spent to construct the magnificent Mahalaxmi temple in Mumbai.

The Architecture of the Mahalaxmi Temple in Mumbai

The Mahalaxmi temple in Mumbai personifies Indian architectural skills. The temple is built in the traditional Indian style with a Kalash (the top), nearly 15 meters high. The gate of the temple is intricately carved and as you enter the temple compound, you see a 10.60-meter-tall single wooden block enclosed with silver. There is also a structure with diyas (clay lamps) carved in stone.

As you move forward towards the Sabha Mandapa, you see a silver lion facing the deities. Inside, the devotees receive the blissful sight of the three devotees. The throne where the devotees sit is carved beautifully. Some part of the throne of the deities is covered in silver and looks splendid. At the entrance of the Gabhara or Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) in Mahalaxmi Mumbai, there are also wooden idols of Jay-Vijay (the mythological gatekeepers or Dwarapalakas).

The top of the Mahalaxmi Mumbai is 15 meters tall and stands out from quite a distance. On the sides of the temple, you also see silver-plated elephants and peacocks on the pillars. The area around the Mahalaxmi temple is spread across 100 square meters, supported by 27 ornamented wires.

Things to Do in the Mahalaxmi Temple in Mumbai

The Mahalaxmi temple in Mumbai is a one-day tourist attraction. You can visit the temple and seek blessings from the three deities. You can offer coconut, sweets, and flowers to the deities along with your prayers.

However, you might have to stand in a long queue to get the coconut, flowers and sweets. After seeking blessings, you can go around and visit the different stalls within the Mahalaxmi temple compound.

If you can time your visit, it is best to visit the Mahalaxmi temple during March-April and September-October. The temple hosts Navratri celebrations in these months and the temple compound is impressively decorated with flowers, lights, and garlands.

During Diwali, the clay lamps make the temple glow bright. Even during the rush hours, the temple makes special arrangements so that all devotees can get the proper darshan of the deities.

If you do not want to visit the temple during the peak hours, you can go to the Mahalaxmi temple in Mumbai a few days after Diwali at the time of Annakut or during December-January in the Margashirsha month. Visiting the temple during Gudi Padwa in March-April is also a good option.

Timings and Fees of the Mahalaxmi Temple

If you want to visit the glorious Mahalaxmi temple in Mumbai, you can visit between 6 am to 10 pm. There is no fee for entering the temple. There are scheduled timings for the events, such as aarti, in the temple. You can check the schedule and witness the live aarti in the temple between 7 am to 7:20 am, and 7:30 pm to 7:50 pm.

The Mahalaxmi temple in Mumbai also hosts a grand Dhoop aarti at 6:30 pm. The timings can vary depending on the time of sunset. There is also another Shej aarti at 10 pm before the temple gates close for the night.

At 12 pm, the priests of the Mahalaxmi Mumbai perform the Naivedya ritual by offering food and fruits to the deities. You can also request the priest to perform a special pooja for you. However, there are special timings for such Mahapuja.

Generally, the Mahapuja costs around ₹251 and a havan session in the temple premises costs around ₹2500. The charges might differ based on the type of pooja you want to conduct, so it is better to get the final cost from the temple premises.

How to Reach the Mahalaxmi Temple in Mumbai ?

Mumbai is a well-connected city. You can visit the Mahalaxmi temple in Mumbai by air, train or road.

• By air: The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is located only 18 km from the temple. There are daily domestic and international flights that connect Mumbai with India and the rest of the world.
• By train: The Mahalaxmi railway station is only a few kilometers from the Mahalaxmi temple. Also, there are regular trains to Mumbai from small towns as well as metropolitan cities. You can take a train to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, located 7 km away or Mumbai Central, located 4 km away from the Mahalaxmi temple in Mumbai.
• By road: Mumbai has excellent road connectivity. You can drive your car or use a bus or taxi to reach the temple through well-connected highways and expressways. Most buses drop you at the Mumba Central Bus Depot, situated four kilometers from the Mahalaxmi temple in Mumbai.
• Wear proper clothes that conform to the sanctity of a religious place.
• Stand in the queue – men or women and be disciplined when going for darshan. Follow the instructions as specified for darshan in the temple compound.
• Be careful of your belongings.
• Place your footwear in the assigned racks.
• Do not photograph anything inside the temple as it is prohibited.

Piramal Mahalaxmi – Inspired Living

Built exclusively for the connoisseurs of life, Piramal Mahalaxmi is situated only four kilometers from the Mahalaxmi temple in Mumbai. A luxury township named after the Goddess Mahalaxmi, Piramal Mahalaxmi is extraordinary in every aspect.

Standing tall in the heart of South Mumbai, Piramal Mahalaxmi is surrounded by captivating natural beauty. The three towers of Piramal Mahalaxmi are prestigious addresses in Mumbai.

The exclusive township offers unparallel amenities and features, including rooftop observatory deck, library and reading lounge, spa for men and women, squash court, kids play area, infinity-edged pool, swimming pool, indoor games room, multipurpose hall, fitness centre, jogging track, clubhouse lounge, amphitheater, yoga room, jacuzzi, climbing wall, and more.

The apartments are spacious and thoughtfully designed to personify comfort and luxury living. Embodying the spirit of Mahalaxmi, Piramal Mahalaxmi is a perfect amalgamation of values, majestic construction, modern living, stunning views, and natural beauty.

Set against the glorious backdrop of the Arabian Sea, Piramal Mahalaxmi promises you a life of security, comfort, and extravagance. Apart from unmatchable amenities and features, the apartments in Piramal Mahalaxmi assure connectivity of the supreme level.

Rising beyond the Mumbai Skyline, Piramal Mahalaxmi gives captivating views of breathtaking skyscrapers, the bright sky, the glorious Arabian Sea, and the magnificent Mahalaxmi Racecourse.

Conclusion

Symbolizing the spirit of the Goddess Mahalaxmi, a home in Piramal Mahalaxmi is an investment of a lifetime. Piramal Mahalaxmi believes in living a life that is true to its values yet modern in essence. Piramal Mahalaxmi homes guarantee comfort and luxury living inspired by your customized taste.

Built on the concept of biophilia and guided by the values of the Goddess Mahalaxmi, the four-acre Piramal Mahalaxmi is an address for life.

This article is based on the information publicly available for general use. We do not claim any responsibility regarding the genuineness of the same. The information provided herein does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, it is for general informational purposes only. We expressly disclaim any liability, which may arise due to any decision taken by any person/s basis the article hereof. Readers should obtain separate advice with respect to any particular information provided herein.