Name: Mumbai
Rating: 3.9

Mahalaxmi temple, Mumbai Overview

The Mahalaxmi Temple is one of the oldest temples situated in the city of Mumbai. Located on the Bhulabai Desai Road in Mahalaxmi West, it is dedicated to Goddess Mahalaxmi or the 'Goddess of Wealth'. The temple was built sometime around the 16th - 17th century and the main presiding deity here is Goddess Laxmi, while Goddess Kali and Saraswati are other two deities worshipped here. Together, the three idols are known as Mahalaxmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati. Thronged with devotees and tourists in large number throughout the year, the temple is a must visit if you are visiting Mumbai.

The edifice of the Mahalaxmi Temple is simple and charming in its appearance, which is an apt reflection of the very serene and calm atmosphere that prevails inside. The idols of the Goddesses here are adorned with gold bangles, pearl necklaces and nose rings, with Mahalaxmi occupying the central position. You will find several shops to buy the necessary items required for the puja and these stalls serve as a great help for those visiting the temple for the first time. Considered to be a sacred temple in Mumbai, it is always flocked with devotees from all over the country.

History of Mahalaxmi Temple

According to the records, the Mahalaxmi Temple is believed to be built between 1761 AD and 1771 AD. The legend says that centuries ago the British started connecting Malabar Hills with Worli but owing to marine disturbances, the task was proving to be quite perilous and difficult. It is believed that the chief engineer Shri Ramji Shivji Prabhu who was responsible for the project had a dream one night in which he saw Goddess Mahalaxmi. She asked him to find three idols at the bottom of the ocean and install them inside a temple dedicated to her. As per her saying, the engineer followed the instructions and the link that connects Malabar Hills and Worli namely Breach Candy was created. He then proceeded to take out the idols of the goddesses from the Worli creek after which he obtained the land atop a hillock as a gift from Lord Horneby who was overlooking Prabhu's work. Shri Ramji Shivji Prabhu constructed a Mahalakshmi Temple on the said on top of the hillock as per his divine dream. One can still locate the three idols installed in the temple.

Architecture of Mahalaxmi Temple

The architecture of Mahalaxmi Temple is of most traditional style and quite exquisite in its form. Adorned with beautiful intricate designs, the main entrance of the temple leads to the temple complex. The complex is very splendidly decorated and adorns a 15 - metre high Kalash which adds a charm to the beauty of shrine. As you enter the temple, a 10.60 metres high wooden block covered with silver sheets Dhwajstambh and also Deepmala carved in stone can be seen. The Sabhamandap of the Mahalaxmi Temple is adorned with the imagery of a silver - covered lion which faces the deities. The Sabhamandap itself covers an area of 110 square meters and is ornamented with 27 spires. Wooden idols of Jay - Vijay flank the main door of the Gabhara or the main sanctum.

On the main gate of Gabhara, there is "Shreeyantra" also known as "Laxmi Yantra". The Sancto sanatorium of the Mahalaxmi Temple is sprawled over an area of 121 square metres and has the idols of Shree Ganpati and Vithal - Rukhamini on two sides outside. As you enter the sanctum, you will notice the idol of Goddess Mahalaxmi elegantly ornamented with jewellery and flowers. Idols and Goddess Mahakali and Maha Saraswati installed there are also decorated with jewels. The thrones of the goddesses are intricately embellished and are covered with glittering silver sheets.

Daily Aarti Schedule of Mahalaxmi Temple

If you wish to attend the worship rituals at the Mahalaxmi Temple, you can refer to the ritual schedule as follows:-

Main Aarti: 7:00 AM to 7:20 AM, 7.30 PM to 7.50 PM
Dhoopaarti: 6:30 PM to 6:40 PM
Shejarti:10:00 PM (at the time of closure)

Tips For Visiting Mahalaxmi temple

1. Visit during the morning hours if you wish to avoid crowds and afternoon heat
2. Keep track of your belongings in the temple
3. Since this is a place of worship, dress conservatively
4. Leave your footwear outside the temple
5. Donations can be made to the temple

How To Reach Mahalaxmi temple, Mumbai

The best way to reach the Mahalaxmi Temple is through an auto-rickshaw. The temple is located quite close to Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat and Mahalaxmi Railway Station which leads to the entrance of the temple complex.