Located on the bustling Bhulabhai Desai Road, right next to the Arabian Sea, the Shri Mahalakshmi Temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity, Mahalakshmi. It is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Mumbai, drawing pilgrims, business people, and tourists seeking the Goddess’s blessings.
The Divine Trinity (Tridevi)
The most distinctive feature of this temple is the presence of three main deities (the Tridevi) enshrined together:
- Shri Mahalakshmi (Center): The central deity, Goddess of Wealth and Prosperity (Rajas Guna).
- Shri Mahasaraswati (Left): Goddess of Learning and Knowledge (Sattvic Guna).
- Shri Mahakali (Right): Goddess of Time and Destroyer of Evil (Tamasic Guna).
The three idols are beautifully adorned with gold bangles, pearl necklaces, and nose rings, presenting a magnificent sight to the devotees.
History and Divine Intervention
The temple’s history is famously tied to the development of early Bombay:
- The Legend: According to lore, during British rule, the engineer in charge of connecting the two islands of Worli and Malabar Hill (the Hornby Vellard project) faced repeated failures due to destructive sea waves. The lead engineer, Shri Ramji Shivji Prabhu, had a dream where Goddess Mahalakshmi instructed him to retrieve her idols (which were submerged in the sea near Worli to protect them from invaders centuries earlier) and install them atop the hillock.
- The Completion: Once the idols were recovered and placed in their current location, the construction of the causeway was completed without obstruction. In gratitude, Shri Prabhu built the temple between 1761 and 1771 CE.
Visiting the Temple (Tips & Festivals)
- Best Time to Visit: The temple sees its highest flow of devotees during Navratri (celebrated twice a year), Diwali (the festival of lights, dedicated to Lakshmi), and the month of Margashirsha (Dec-Jan). These periods feature elaborate decorations and special aartis.
- Location: The temple is located in the Mahalaxmi area of South Mumbai and is easily accessible via the Western Railway line (Mahalaxmi Station) and road transport.
- Darshan Timings: The temple generally opens around 6:00 AM and closes at 10:00 PM daily. Morning and evening Aarti timings are fixed and draw large crowds.
- Architecture: Built in the traditional Indian style, the temple’s position along the shores of the Arabian Sea creates a beautiful, serene backdrop, especially during sunset.