One of the most sought-after cities in India and also amongst the most popular in the world, Mumbai is also known as the city of dreams. Lakhs of people shift to this city year on year with a desire of chasing their dreams. However, did you know that the temples in Mumbai too are famous for really turning dreams and aspirations into reality? Yes, this land of Bollywood and fame also has a significant religious contribution. A multitude of Hindu temple in Mumbai are amongst the most prominent in the country. Let’s explore Mumbai in a new light this time, touring around its most famous temples. Let’s take a glimpse at the top 9 temples in Mumbai to visit.
Must-visit list of temples in Mumbai – best temples in Mumbai plus famous temples near Mumbai
1. Walkeshwar Temple:
Walkeshwar temple or Baan Ganga temple located near Malabar Hill neighbourhood in South Mumbai is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the most famous temples in Mumbai. The Bangaganga tank lies close to the temple. The temple was built in 1127 AD by Lakshman Prabhu, a Gaud Saraswat Brahmin minister. It is one of the most ancient temples of Mumbai. It has noteworthy architecture and enjoys a great popularity country-wide. The temple is generally very busy on full moon day of every month apart from being the official site for an annual Hindustani Classical Music festival.
- Address: Banganga Cross Lane, Teen Batti, Malabar Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400006
- Timings: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m
- Dress Code: Respectful clothing suitable for a temple
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: Nearest railway station is Grant Road. 15 minutes taxi from the station to the temple.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: 4 Pm – 6 PM. Classical music festival held here is a must visit.
- Other Attractions: Bandra Fort is nearby
2. Hari Mandir:
Hari Mandir is located in Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar and is dedicated to Lord Rama and Krishna. The temple was originally built in 1950 and the present structure was rebuilt in 2000. The temple consists of three spires on top of three shrines which include idols of Shiva-Parvati on the left shrine, idols of Rama Darba on the centre shrine with Radhe-Krishna and Durga and Santoshi Mata on the right shrine. The temple also has idols of Ganesha and Hanumanji along with a separate shrine dedicated to Shiva in the form of Shivalinga. The main festivals celebrated here are Ram Navami, Krishna Janmashtami, Navaratri and Hanuman Jayanti.
- Address: Koliwada Plot No. 353, Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar, Sion, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400037
- Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 10 PM
- Dress Code: Respectful clothing suitable for a temple
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: Nearest railway station is Guru Tegh Bahadur Nagar. Buses are available from Dadar. Public transport is easily available all around Mumbai.
- Temple Website: https://harimandir.business.site/
- Best Time To Visit: Ram Navami, day and on Krishna Janmashtami
- Other Attractions: Siddhivinayak temple is 5 km away.
3. Mahalakshmi Temple:
Mahalakshmi temple is situated on Bhulabai Desai road and is one of the most famous temples in the city. The temple is dedicated to Mahalakshmi, the central deity of Devi Mahatyam. A Hindu merchant named Dhakji Dadaji constructed the temple in 1831. The temple has three images of the Goddesses Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati adorned with nose rings, gold bangles and pearl necklaces. Devotees from far off places visit the temple and offer flower garlands and paraphernalia to the deities on the auspicious occasion of Navaratri. It is truly a heritage site with its enchanting vernacular architecture
- Address: Mahalaxmi West, Breach Candy, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400026
- Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
- Dress Code: Respectful clothing suitable for a temple
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: nearest railway station is Mahalaxmi Station from which bus/taxis can be taken to the temple. Public transport is easily available all around Mumbai.
- Temple Website: http://mahalakshmi-temple.com/
- Best Time To Visit: Navaratra, Diwali and Margashirsha month
- Other Attractions: Special havans can be organized in the name of the devotee at the rate of 2500 INR. Haji Ali Dargah and the Heera Panna Shopping Centre
See More: Famous Mehndi Artists in Mumbai
4. Jogeshwari Caves:
The Jogeshwari Caves date back to 520 to 550 AD and are one of the earliest Hindu and Buddhist cave temples in India. The caves are located off the western express highway in Jogeshwari, a suburban region of Mumbai. The cave has a lingam at the end along with many pillars. The deities include idols and footprints of Jogeshwari, idols of Dattatreya, Hanumana and Ganesha. These caves have been said to excavated along with the Ajanta and Elephanta caves. These also have a rock cute structure and are immensely fascinating for tourists and devotees alike. These caves have been in news for their bad condition and are predicted to soon perish. It’s better to plan a trip before this happens and despite its sad state, it still attracts a large number of tourists
- Address: Gupha Tekdi, Jogeshwari West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400060
- Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Dress Code: Comfortable decent attire.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 2-3 Hour
- How To Reach: 4 km from Goregaon station and easily accessible by public transport.
- Temple Website: http://mahalakshmi-temple.com/
- Best Time To Visit: Maha Shivaratri festival
- Other Attractions: Prithvi Theatre is 4.4 Kms away.
5. Siddhi Vinayak Temple:
The Shree Siddhivinayak Ganapati Mandir located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. Built in 1801, the temple consists of a small mandap with the shrine of Siddhi Vinayak. Images of Ashta vinayak are carved on the sanctum while the inner roof of the sanctum is plated with gold. The complex also has a Hanuman temple. ‘Navasacha Ganapati’ or ‘Navasala Pavanara Ganapati’ is well known as Siddhivinayak among Marathi devotees. It is a highly revered temple all across India. It’s famous for its patronage by Bollywood actors and politicians who come to pay their respects here. It is also one of the richest Mumbai temples.
- Address: SK Bole Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400028
- Timings: 5:30 AM – 9:50 PM
- Dress Code: Respectful and clean, clothes. Short skirts and beachwear should be avoided.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1-2 Hour
- How To Reach: By road, use public transport. Dadar is the nearest railway station if using the local train. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is 15 km away.
- Temple Website: http://www.siddhivinayak.org/
- Best Time To Visit: Grandest celebrations take place for a festival of 10 days during the Ganesha Chaturthi time each year. Hanuman Jayanti is also very auspicious for the temple.
- Other Attractions: Mahalaxmi temple, Chowpatty beach and the gateway of India are in nearby areas.
6. Lalbaugcha Raja Temple:
Lalbaugcha Raja temple located at Lalbaug is the most famous Sarvajanik Ganapati temple in Mumbai during the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi. Over 1.5 million people visit this Ganesh pandal daily during the 10 days of Ganesh Chaturthi festival every year. This number is, in fact, increasing year on year. After the eleventh day, the idol is immersed on the auspicious occasion of Anant Chaturdashi. The Lalbaugcha Raja Ganapati idol in the current year is 81 years old. The two types of darshan here include the Navsachi (for staunch devotees that want to indulge in Charan Sparsh) and the Mukha Darshan (for those who just want to see the idol from afar).
- Address: 1, Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Rd, Lal Baug, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400012
- Timings: Open 24 hrs during the festival
- Dress Code: Respectful and traditional attire would work best.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 2-3 Hour
- How To Reach: The temple is located centrally in the city so easily accessible by public transport. You can take the local train to Chinchpokali or Byculla Station also.
- Temple Website: http://www.lalbaugcharaja.com/
- Best Time To Visit: During their annual LALBAUGCHA RAJA GANESH UTSAV.
- Other Attractions: it is a world class festival and VIP entries can be tried to arrange in advance for hassle-free darshan.
7. Shri Swaminarayan Mandir:
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is the oldest Swaminarayan temple in Mumbai located in Bhuleshwar. It’s a part of the famous Swaminarayan Sampraday (having branches in many other places) and over 100 years old. The temple is made of three spires and the deities presiding there are idols of Laxminarayan Dev, Ghanshyam Maharaj, Hari Krishna Maharaj, Gaulokvihari and Radha. Ram Navami, Swaminarayan Jayanti, Janmashtami, Vaman Jayanti, Nrisinha Jayanti, Shivaratri, Ganesh Chaturthi and Hindola are the festivals celebrated in the temple.
- Address: Swaminarayan Chowk Opp. Dadar(CR) station Mumbai 400014
- Timings: 6 – 7:45 AM, 7:45 – 10:30 AM, 11 AM – 12 noon and 4 – 7:45 PM
- Dress Code: Respectful and traditional attire would work best. Avoid shorts and skin showing clothes.
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: The temple is just opposite the Dadar station for those using the local train.
- Temple Website: http://www.swaminarayanmumbai.org/
- Best Time To Visit: Diwali and Annakut annual festival is celebrated with tons of enthusiasm. Ram Navami/Swaminarayan Jayanti is one of the most auspicious days here.
- Other Attractions: Satsang Sabha is held every Sundays. It is one of the temples that gave birth to the phool gate in this area, an experience that one can explore.
8. Mumba Devi Temple:
Mumba Devi temple, a Hindu temple is dedicated to the Goddess Mumba, the local incarnation of Devi or Mother Goddess. The temple was first built around 1675 in Bori Bunder. It was later destroyed and rebuilt at Zaveri Bazaar in 1737. Its popular amongst the Koli fishermen and Dravidians since ancient ages. It aces the list of old temples in Mumbai. The temple is located in Bhuleshwar area of South Mumbai. In fact, the city of Mumbai derives its name from Goddess Mumbadevi. The idol of the deity stands as an orange-faced Goddess on altar decorated with marigolds. The idol dressed in silver is one of the most beautiful and iconic in the city. Despite being ancient, this temple still continues strong and attracts devotees year on year.
- Address: Mumba Devi Marg, Mumbadevi Area, Zaveri Bazar, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400002
- Timings: 6.00 AM and 9.00 PM. Mondays are shut.
- Dress Code: Respectful modest attire
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: The temple is close to the Charni Road and the Churchgate Stations for those using the local train. You can also take an auto or a taxi from any part of the city to the temple.
- Temple Website: N/A
- Best Time To Visit: Navarathri is their main festival
- Other Attractions: Explore small shops around the temple for puja idols and Indian sweets. Go to the Zaveri Bazaar for gold jewellery and more. Crawford Market is also situated nearby.
9. Babulnath Temple:
Babulnath temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva on a small hillock near Girgaum Chowpatty. It is one of the oldest places of worship in Mumbai. The main deity in the temple is a Babul tree which is considered a form of Lord Shiva. The temple is actually in quite a serene setting. It is 1000 feet above sea level and with the background of the nearby gushing Arabian Sea. So if you want to find a tranquil break in Mumbai, the Babulnath temple is quite apt. The temple has a flight of stairs to reach the Shivlinga and obtain blessings from the Lord. One can also use the elevator to reach the top. Maha Shivaratri is the most popular annual festival here when lakhs of devotees come to the temple to offer their prayers.
- Address: 16, Babulnath Road, Charni Road Near, Chowpatty, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
- Timings: 5.00 AM – 10.00 PM.
- Dress Code: No dress code as such but decent, temple apt attire should do
- Approx. Visit Duration: 1 Hour
- How To Reach: The temple is close to the Charni Road Stations (20/30 minute walk) for those using the local train. You can also take an auto or a taxi from any part of the city to the temple.
- Temple Website: http://www.babulnath.com/
- Best Time To Visit: Shivaratri is a great time to visit this temple.
- Other Attractions: The pillars of the temple are adorned with stunning episodes from the Hindu Mythology giving us an insight into India’s rich culture and legacy. Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Temple is 0.1 km away and Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum is 0.4 km away.
Frequently Asked Question and Answers:
1. Do The Outskirts of Mumbai Have any Visit Worthy Temples Especially for Their Architecture?
Yes, short trips from Mumbai city can take you to some stunning temples. There are temples near Mumbai with great craftsmanship of the past. They have a beautiful distinct architecture that shall leave you mesmerized. Check the Ambernath Shivalaya in Thane for a great specimen of architectural excellence. Kailasha Temple is excellent for an insight into Dravidian styles of the past. Amruteshwar Temple at Igatpuri has exquisite Maratha style architecture and mostly untouched by any invasions of the past due to how alienated it is in its location.
2. Which Mandirs do Jains Visit in Mumbai?
Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Mandir is one of the most famous Jain Mandirs, especially for the Deravasi community. Its dedicated to the worship of Adishwar, beautifully constructed in Marble and with exquisite carvings. Shri Shantinath Maharaj Shwetambar Jain Temple is also quite a popular spot.
3. Which is The Most Revered God in Most of Mumbai and Which is The City’s Main Festival?
Although housing an amalgamation of different religions and faiths, Mumbai is known for its love for the Lord Ganesha. Especially so because of the grand celebrations that the festival of Ganesh Chaturthi brings along to the city year on year. During this Ganesh festival, the Mumbai truly comes alive like no other time in the year. There are pandals, hubs of celebrations, music bands on the road and processions. Its considered extremely auspicious to visit Ganesh temples at this time and Mumbai houses quite a few of these. Apart from Sidhhi Vinayak, devotees crowd the gates of Shree Ashtavinayak Vasmati Ganesh Mandir and Ichchhapurti Ganesh Temple during Ganesh Chaturthi, considered must visit at this auspicious time.
Whether it’s the city’s skyline or the work culture that wins you over…or the numerous restaurants at South Bombay and the road shopping at Linking Road, this city is one that impacts each and all coming here. The spirit is such that sort of sets you free. However, now you know that Mumbai is not only about fun things to do and yummy roadside food. It houses some of the most popular and rich temples of India. Significant for those that are looking to be up and close with their most revered deity and also for those that are looking to get an insight into India’s rich past heritage. Tour around the city of dreams this time in another light and discover these beautiful temples that are enriching, to say the least. Do share your feedback with us and we wish you a safe and super joyous journey ahead.
