Mumbadevi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Mumba, from whose name the word 'Mumbai' is derived. The original temple built by Koli fishermen was demolished around 1737 and a new temple was erected in its place at Bhuleshwar.
The modern shrine contains an image of the Goddess Mumbadevi dressed in a robe with a silver crown, a nose ring and a golden necklace. To the left is a stone figure of Annapurna seated on a peacock. In front of the shrine is a tiger, the carrier of the Goddess.
The Goddess personifies Mother Earth and is still worshipped by descendants of the dravidian population of western and southern India. Tuesday is the chief day of worship.
The structure is about six centuries old, believed to be the handiwork of Mumbaraka, a sadistic giant who frequently plundered the city at the time. Terrorized by these unwelcome visits, the locals pleaded with Lord Brahma, Creator of all things to protect them. Brahma then "pulled out of this own body", an eight armed goddess who vanquished the brute.
Predictably brought to his knees, Mumbaraka implored Her Holiness to take his name and built a temple in her honour. She still stands there, an orange faced goddess on an altar strewn with marigolds: devotees believe that those who seek her divine favour are never disappointed.
History of Mumbadevi Temple - This temple was built in honour of the Goddess Mumba, from whose name it is said, that the English word 'Bombay' is derived. The Mumbadevi temple is six centuries old. The first Mumbadevi temple was situated at Bori Bunder, and is believed to have been destroyed between 1739 and 1770.
After the destruction a new temple was erected at the same place at Bhuleshwar. The Goddess personifies Mother Earth and is still worshipped by the descendants of the Dravidian population of western and southern India.
The original temple built at the site where the Victoria Terminus station earlier was by Koli fishermen was demolished around 1737 and a new temple was erected in its place at Phansi Talao. The modern shrine contains an image of the Goddess Mumbadevi dressed in a robe with a silver crown, a nose stud and a golden necklace. To the left is a stone figure of Annapurna seated on a peacock. In front of the shrine is a tiger, the carrier of the Goddess. Book A Tour Package to Mumbadevi Temple Mumbai.