The Shri Mumbadevi Temple is perhaps the most historically and culturally significant religious site in the entire city. It is dedicated to the Goddess Mumbadevi, the patron deity of the original Marathi Koli fisherfolk community who inhabited the seven islands of Bombay. The city’s name is derived directly from the goddess: Mumba (the deity) + Aai (mother).
The Goddess and the Legend
- The Deity: Mumbadevi is revered as a powerful, benevolent protector of the city’s inhabitants. The current image of Mumbadevi is an orange-faced idol adorned with a silver crown and nose ring, seated on a stone altar.
- The Legend: The original temple was built in the 17th century near the old Pydhonie area. The temple and the goddess are credited with protecting the region’s Koli community from a cruel demon, Mumbarka, who terrorized the area. After Mumbadevi defeated the demon, he begged for mercy and named the land after her.
History and Location
- Original Site: The first Mumbadevi Temple was built around 1675 on what is now the site of the present-day Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).
- Relocation: The temple was demolished and rebuilt in its present location in Zaveri Bazaar in 1737 to accommodate the construction of the British Fort (Bombay Castle).
- The Area: Its current location is highly significant—right in the heart of the bustling Zaveri Bazaar, Mumbai’s largest and most famous jewellery market. This underscores the goddess’s importance as a symbol of both protection and wealth/commerce in the financial district.
Visiting the Temple
- Atmosphere: Unlike the grander Siddhivinayak or Mahalakshmi temples, Mumbadevi Temple is situated within the dense commercial network of the city. The area is highly crowded, vibrant, and reflects the intense commercial energy of old Bombay.
- Best Time to Visit: The temple is busiest during Navratri. It is closed every Monday (unlike most other Hindu temples), so plan your visit on any other weekday.
- Darshan Timings: Generally opens around 7:00 AM and closes at 9:00 PM, with a break in the afternoon.