Mahalaxmi Temple, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Mahalaxmi Temple is one of the most glorious and ornamented temple dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Mahalaxmi. The famous temple is located on Bhulabhai Desai Road in the heart of Mumbai City, Maharashtra  and  was constructed in 1831 by a Hindu merchant Dhakji Dadaji. Enormous tourists and devotees visit the temple every day to offer prayers in front of the sacred idol of Goddess Mahalaxmi and other two deities Shree Mhakali and Shree Mahasaraswati. Considered by many that the idols of Mahalaxmi Temple are ‘Jagrut’ or quite alive and wishes can be granted if one prays whole-heartedly. During the days of Navaratri , Diwali and Margashirsha thousands of devotees congregate the shrine to witness the celebrations.

As per the available records the Temple was constructed in between 1761 AD to 1771 AD, and is believed to be connected with one common myth. Once the three idols of Goddess kept at the bottom of Sea in an attempt to protect and avoid destruction of the idols by Muslim intruders. During the British era, Lord Horneby was about to built a sea-link and wanted to connect Worli and Malbar Hill creek. The whole project was supervised by chief engineer Shri Ramji Shivji Prabhu who tried couple of time to build the sea-link but failed to do so. One night he dreamt of     Goddess Mahalaxmi asking him to find out the three idols located in the sea and keep them inside the temple dedicated to the Goddess. According to her instruction he found the stoned idols Mahalaxmi ,Mahakali and Saraswati and placed them inside the Temple.

The Mahalaxmi temple is designated as a heritage due to its architectural significance and momentous importance to the Indian ethics.             The design of the whole temple is quite intricate and constructed delicately. The shrine reflects a unique blend in of domestic architecture and a picturesque view to the rest. Inside the temple the idols of Goddesses embellished with precious jewelries and stones especially. Each idol ornamented elegantly with nose rings, gold bangles and pearl necklaces and placed on main entrance of the shrine. The image of Mahalaxmi is situated in the centre and holding lotus on her hand. She is believed as the transcendental power or Para Shakti and worshiped as Maha Maya Shakti by devotees. According to Hindu Philosophy the universe is a result of coming together of Purusha and Prakruti and believed that all power is centralized her three omnipotent avatars namely Mahakali Mahalaxmi and MahaSaraswati. Inside the complex there are several stalls and small shops selling flower garlands and other Puja accessories used by devotees for worship.

During the Navaratra a nine days festival enormous tourists and devotees flock down the vicinity of the temple. The first three days the ‘Puja’ devoted to Shree Mahakali and the next six days is dedicated to Mahalaxmi and Saraswati respectively.

The temple is well connected and can be accessed by both rails and road. Mahalaxmi station is the nearest station to the location and from there visitors can pick available public transports including Buses, Taxis etc.