Your guide to Mumbai’s Mahalakshmi Temple

The temple is devoted to the goddesses Mahakali, also known as Durga, Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, and Mahasaraswati, the Goddess of knowledge.)

History

Mahalakshmi Temple is one of the oldest temples in the city, Mumbai. This Temple was built between 1761 and 1771 CE, according to records. Legend says that, people immersed Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, and Mahasaraswati idols in the sea near Worli to protect them from Muslim invaders. Later, during British rule Lord Hornby wanted to connect Worli and Malabar Hill. Despite numerous trials, the team of engineers and technicians was unable to overcome the sea waves.

Then, one night, in the dream of the engineer, Shri Ramji Shivji Prabhu, Goddess Mahalakshmi appeared. She asked him to retrieve the idols from the sea and place them on the hillock so that the project could be completed without any hurdle.

This was done by the team. The engineer also vowed the goddess that he would construct a temple on the hill and house the idols. When the project was finished, Shri Ramji Shivji Prabhu purchased land from the British government and built the Mahalakshmi Temple.

Things to do at Mahalakshmi Temple

On any day, you can offer coconuts, sweets, and flowers to the deities at Mahalakshmi Temple. Many shops in the temple sell fresh flowers and other items for worship. During festivals, the Mahalakshmi Temple’s allure grows exponentially.

Navratri is observed twice a year, once in March-April and again in September-October. Diwali occurs between October and November. Lights and flowers adorn the entire temple. If you are in Mumbai during Navratri or Diwali, you must visit the Mahalakshmi temple.

Special arrangements are made to ensure that devotees receive proper darshan of their revered deities, even during peak times. And it is during these festivals that you can see the temple’s beauty and the devotees’ enthusiasm.

The trustees of Mahalakshmi Temple Mumbai also participate in various social activities such as providing scholarships to poor students, providing financial assistance to poor patients, and donating to educational, religious, and medical institutions in Maharashtra.

Mahalakshmi Temple’s charming appearance, mythological significance, and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-see tourist attraction in Mumbai.

Time to Visit Mahalakshmi Temple in Mumbai

On a regular day, you can visit the Mahalakshmi Temple in about 30 minutes. During festivals, you may need about an hour. If you would like to visit during festivals, the darshan may take more than an hour.

Things to Consider When Visiting Mahalakshmi Temple

• Dress appropriately for a religious place
• Enter the right queue for men/women for the darshan
• Keep an eye on your possessions while you’re in the temple
• Leave your shoes outside the temple; photography is not permitted within the main temple.

Facilities: The temple is accessible only by a staircase; there aren’t elevators or ramps for people in wheelchairs. There are facilities for drinking water and bathrooms for both men and women. There are also sari and gift shops at the temple. Moreover, the management is concerned about basic civil litigation, for smooth persuasion.

How to Get to Mahalakshmi Temple in Mumbai?

You can easily get to Mahalakshmi Temple from any part of Mumbai. You can take a taxi, an auto, or a local train in Mumbai. Mahalakshmi Station is the closest railway station to Mahalakshmi Temple. State-run BEST buses run from all areas of Mumbai to the temple. You can indeed hire a cab from one of Mumbai’s top car rental services to get to the temple.

Nearest Railway station: Mahalakshmi or Mumbai Central
The temple is only 15min drive from Mahalakshmi station.

BEST Bus no: 37, 63, 80, 81, 132, 133, 151, 157,

Darshan timing: 6 am to 10 pm

Aarti Schedule:
Morning – 7.00 am to 7.20 am (main aarti)
Evening – 6.30 pm to 6.40 pm (Dhoopaarti)
7.30 p.m to 7.50 pm (main aarti)
Night – 10.00 pm (Shejarti – at the time of closure)

Contact
Address: Shree Mahalakshmi Temple Charities
Bhulabhai Desai Road,
Mumbai-400 026.
Tel No. : 022-2351 4732
Fax No. : 022-2351 3831

For more details such as live darshan, donations etc website: http://mahalakshmi-temple.com

Image credit: Temple Purohit