Mahalakshmi
Mahalakshmi temple - Mumbai
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The Mahalakshmi temple is situated in the heart of Mumbai in a place named Mahalakshmi, after the Goddess Mahalakshmi temple. This temple is one of Mumbaikars favorite temples. The wealth of Mumbai is attributed to the Mahalakshmi residing here at Mumbai. As per records this temple was constructed between 1761 A.D. and 1771 A.D.
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| Mahalakshmi Temple (Pic Courtesy Mahalakshmi Temple Charities.) |
The temple is situated on the shores of Arabian sea. You have to park your car and walk a few hundered yards and climb a few steps to reach the temple. The small lane leading to the temple is dotted with souvenir shops and shops that sell flowers, garlands and pooja articles. On entering we can see the Dhwajstambham and also a Deepmala carved in stone. Then on entering the Sabhamandap we can see an idol of a Lion, covered with silver, in the centre of the Sabhamandap facing the deities. There are small idols of Shree Ganpati and Vittal and Rukhamini on two sides outside the Garbagraha or the Sanctum Sanatorium. In side the Garbagriha we see the deities of Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Saraswathi seated on a beautifully carved throne covered with silver sheets.
Temple Festivals
1) Navaratri and Diwali are the special events that are celebrated at Shree Mahalakshmi Temple,‘Chaitra Navaratra’ in the month of Chaitra (March-April) and ‘Ashwin Navaratra’ in the month Ashwin(September –October) and Diwali during October - November. During Navaratri festival, the temple is decorated from the entrance to inner sanctum. Entire temple surrounding is decorated beautifully with serial lights, flowers and garlands.
During Navaratri nine days the first three days,Shree Mahakali or Durga is worshipped. The next three days Shree Mahalakshmi is worshipped and during the last three days,Saraswathi is worshipped culminating in Viajayadasami day.
2)Annakut is a festival held on the day of Kartik Pournima, celebrated in this temple after the Diwali festival when 56 types of various sweets and food items are offered to the three Godesses as naivedya, and then they are distributed to the devotees.
3)Margashirsha or Margazhi month (December and January) is considered very auspicious, and devotees offer their prayers sitting in front of Sabha Mandap.
4)Palkhi of Mataji Palkhi procession takes place on ‘Gudhi Padwa’, on the 1st day of the Marathi New year in the month Chaitra (March-April). Chaitra Navratra starts on 1st day of Chaitra. Palkhi procession takes place on 17th June every year being the anniversary day of the ‘Dhwjasthambha’ which was erected in front of the temple near deepsthambha. Dhwjasthambha was dedicated at the hands of Jayendra Saraswati Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamkoti. During palkhi procession lot of devotees take part and pray to the Goddesses for their welfare.
5) Diwali and Lakshmi Pooja are very famous here with devotees thronging the temple.
Temple Timings The temple is open from 7:00 AM till 9:30 pm
How to reach?The nearest airport is Mumbai. There are three major ralway stations that connects Mumbai to all part of the country. Plenty of taxis are available (no auto rickshaws are allowed at this part of the city),and BEST buses stop at this important place.
A few helpful information Special arrangements for keeping footwear of devotees, free of cost is arranged by the temple on the footpath near Bhulabhai Desai road during Navaratri festival.Special railings and arrangements are made in the temple sabhamandap to control the crowd and to facilitate proper darshan of the Godesses. During three to four days of Diwali and the Lakshmi pooja there is a heavy rush of devotees.
Where to Stay?There are plenty of hotels in Mumbai at various budgets.
Nearby places of Interest Prabhadevi Sidhivinayaka is a must visit temple.Mumbadevi temple is also just 5 kms away from here.
Contact Shree Mahalakshmi Temple CharitiesBhulabhai Desai Road,
Mumbai-400 026.
Tel No. : 022-2351 4732
Fax No. : 022-2351 3831
Email ID : mahalakshmitemple.mumbai@gmail.com
Useful data
State:Maharashtra
District: Mumbai
Famous for: Pilgrimage
Languages: Hindi,Marathi,English
Best Season: Throughout the year. Summer( from Apr to July) could be very sultry when the mercury shoots to 40 degree celsius.
Weather: Summer 33-42°C, Winter 18-24°C
Altitude: at sea level.
