मबई परिकरमाMUMBAI PARIKRAMA7 DAYS . 11 TEMPLES . MUMBAI

Market on the way to Mahalakshmi Temple

Sunday: Lord Suryanarayan

Monday: Lord Shiva

Tuesday: Lord Ganesha

Wednesday: Lord Vitthal Wednesday: Lord Krishna

Thursday: Lord Vishnu

Mumbai Parikrama, is a book born out of my love for Mumbai. A city where I was born and a city I am still discovering. I love Mumbai for its chaos, its ability to take in people and cultures from all corners of India and assimilate them into something even better. Much like Arabian sea and “Bambai Bhel-Puri”. Wandering around in Bhuleshwar, a place where I was lost at the age of 5, I realised markets often evolved around major temples. As if it was destined for spirituality and materialism to go hand in hand in the commercial capital of India. A city of 12.4 million dreams, does need blessings. Questions like, who are the people praying to, how and for what prompted me to create this book. People ask for all kinds of boons, what happens next? Once wishes of devotees are fulfilled, how do they show gratitude? If you were in Mumbai for a week- which temples would you visit? Is it true, that a particular diety is in its strongest element on particular days? Read on, for all this and more.

Friday: Goddess Lakshmi

Saturday: Lord Hanuman Saturday: Lord Shani

Savitr (procreator), Aharpati (Lord of the day), Jagat Chakshu (eye of the world), Karma Sakshin (witness of deeds),Saptashva (Lord of Seven horses)

Suryanarayan Mandir at Suraj Wadi Bhuleshwar is a beautiful temple of Sun God, built in 1899. The temple is constructed of white stone. On its stone- pillars, are carved sculptures of Sapta Rishi (7 sages). The sun God, wearing a Crown, is seated on a chariot and his two wives Prabha and Chhaya are on his either side. The chariot is drawn by a horse with seven heads. The best time to visit is 6 in the morning and evening, when Havan (holy fires) takes place as an offering to Lord Surya with ringing of bells and chanting.

रवििारी | सरयनारारण

Lord Surya is the God of light, excellence and wisdom. He is the only God, who is seen. In Hindu mythology, he is depicted as riding a chariot drawn by seven horses. Aruni (referred to as the red one) is Lord Surya’s charioteer placed before Surya in order to protect the world from Surya’s fury. The seven horses that pull the chariot are believed to represent seven days of the week. Some people also say, that they represent seven colours in a rainbow. Surya is the source of life and he is therefore described as the life-giver - PRANADHATA. He helps one gain his eyesight and SURYANAMASKAR (worship by prostration) will strengthen one’s bones,

Gayatri Mantra is chanted, 108 times.

ॐ भभभवः सवः ।ततसववतवभरणय ।भरगो दवस धीमहि। ।धधो ो नः परचोदात॥

Aditya Hridayam is a hymn associated with Aditya or the Sun God and was recited by the sage Agastya to Rama on the battlefield before fighting with Ravana.

Shri Surya Narayan

Wadi, Panjarapole

Road, Gulal Wadi,

Bhuleshwar Mumbai,

MH 400003, India

cure illness, however severe it may be, cleanses the devotee from his sins and bestows on him progeny, wealth, good health and long life. He is the cause for rainfall benefiting the world.

शी स भनाराण मयहदर, भलशवर

Makar Sankranti / Ugaadi / Uttarayan / Pongal are celebrated across India as harvesting festivals.

Konark Temple, Bhuvaneshwar, Orissa Mothera Temple, Bhuvaneshwar, Orissa

Birth of Lord Surya to sage Kashyapa and his wife Aditi, is celebrated as Rathasaptami.

Chhat Puja is celebrated across India to ensure good harvest

Surya Puja is always accompanied by performance of a Havan. These Havans take place at Suryoday that is sunrise and Suryasta that is sunset. These Havans comprise offerings offered into holy fires to which ghee and camphor is added, to keep the fires alive until the Puja is complete. This Havan is accompanied by chanting of the hymn Aditya Hridayam. The smell and heat of holy fires with constantly ringing bells and chanting creates a serene ambience. One filled with great energy and good vibrations. The Upanishads state that all living entities are sustained by the life-

giving force called Prana. According to Ayurveda, Prana emanates from the sun. It flows through the bodies of living beings through a system of subtle pathways (Nadis). from www.ometc.net Maybe that’s the reason, many devotes who come to the Suryanarayan temple, first wash their hands and feet. Perform Pranayam for couple of minutes, to cleanse themselves and then participate in the Puja. For participating in the Puja, they sit next to the priest near the holy fires and add Samidha (offerings) into the holy fires.

Offering Surya Namaskar (folding of hands)

Rathasaptami celebrations

Chhat Puja celebrations

Til-gul made out of jaggery and sessame seeds

Copper is the auspicious colour / metal for Sun God, thus copper vessels are used for Puja and Arghyam

A Havan taking place at 6:00 pm, during Aarti. Devotees take turns participating in the Havan.

Argyam- offering water to receive mercy

शी बाबलनाथ

Lord Shiva is a part of the Hindu holy trinity or Trimurti. He is known as the destroyer or transformer. He resides at mount Kailash. Parvati is his consort. Ganesh and Kartikeya are his sons. Shiva is worshipped as Lingam in his abstracted form. Shiva has a Trident in the right lower arm, with a crescent moon on his head. He is said to have a third eye, which when opened causes destruction.

13th night / 14th day of new moon in Magh or Phalguna month (February or March) is celebrated as Mahashivratri * Picture from the internet

Bholenath, Maheshwar, Rudra, Shambhu, Trilochan, Neelkanth, Umapati

Temple entrance, Babulnaath Chowk

सोमिारी | शकर Shri Babulnath Mandir,

16, Babulnath Marg,

Chowpatty, Mumbai 07

Tel: 2367 8367

Offerings made: Milk, water, Bel leaves, white flowers, food grains, Chandan paste

Babulnaath temple is located in South Mumbai, near the sea-shore adjacent to Malabar Hill. There are various myths surrounding how this temple was built. Some say, three centuries ago this land was owned by Shri Pandurang who had many cows. His shepherd, Babul discovered a self-existent 'Shivling' where the temple is currently located and thus the temple came to known after his name. Others say the self-existent Shivling was found under the shadow of a Babul tree from where it gets its name.

Babulnath Temple is known to be a wish granting temple of Mumbai. Devotees have many ways of showing their gratitude to Lord Shankar. Some offer money donations, others offer coconuts and there are those who light these camphor lamps on betel nut leaves. One leaf per temple step. There are about 108 steps in the temple.

Bel leaves are offered as they represent Lord Shiva’s three eyes. Opium is offered in some places, to numb Shiva’s destructive powers

ॐ सवभ मयरल मायरल शिवा सवाभथभ साधधक िरण ताामबाक रौरी नाााणी नमोसत त

Buy these betel nut leaf baskets at the entrance to light camphor lamps, along temple steps

मगळिारी | गणपतीशी शसवधिववनाक

Lord Ganesha is known as the Lord of auspicious beginnings and remover of obstacles. The story of his birth is interesting. Parvati decided to create Ganesha for her protection, while Shiva was away. She went for a bath and Ganesha stood guarding their home. When Shiva returned and demanded an entry to his home, Ganesha refused. Furious, he beheaded Ganesha only to find his wife in tears. Later he brought Ganesha back to life, this time with an elephant head.

Bhalachandra, Ekadanta, Gajanana, Lambodara, Omkar, Siddhivinayaka, Vakratunda, Vinayak

वकरतणड मिाका स भकोहि समपरभननववभघनय कर म दव सवभका यष सवभदा

Ganapati Visarjan, or farewell to Lord Ganesha after Ganesh Festival (image from the internet)

Mushak or the mouse is Lord Ganesha's ride.

This temple is on the corner of Kakasaheb Gadgil Marg and S.K.Bole Marg in Prabhadevi, which is facing heavy vehicular traffic It was built by a professional contractor, Late Mr. Laxman Vithu Patil as per the financial support and instructions of Late Mrs. Deubai Patil, who was a rich lady of Agri Samaj from Matunga. Although she was rich enough, she had no child. The idea of the construction of the temple struck to Late Deubai during the prayer time, she humbly requested Lord Ganesh and said, “Although I cannot have a

child, let other ladies who are childless get the pleasure of child on visiting the temple and praying you”. Looking at successful subsequent history of the temple, it appears like the Lord Ganesh nodded to this humble request and pious thoughts and deeds of Late Deubai Patil. It is, therefore, this Siddhivinayak is famous for it and known as “Navasacha Ganapati” or “Navasala Pavanara Ganapati” in Marathi (Ganapati bestows whenever humbly, genuinely prayed a wish) among devotees.

Siddhivinayak Temple, lit at night Strict security check and no cameras allowed

Offerings

Hibiscus and Durva (fresh blades of grass) Coconut Modak

Shri Siddhivinayak

Ganapati Mandir,

Veer Savarkar Marg,

Prabhadevi, Mumbai 28,

Tel: +91 22 24224438

Fax: +91 22 24221558

www.siddhivinayak.org

परनत पयढरपर

Lord Vitthal is a manifestation of the Hindu god Vishnu or his incarnation Krishna. Vithoba is often depicted as a dark young boy, standing arms-akimbo on a brick, sometimes accompanied by his consort Rakhumai (Rukmini).Vithoba is the focus of the monotheistic, non-Brahmanical, Varkari sect of Maharashtra. Vithoba’s main temple stands at Pandharpur in Maharashtra. It is interesting to note that Varkari faith accepted women, Shudras and out castes something that classical Brahminical Hinduism refused to do. (From Wikipedia)

Green leaves like Tulsi leaves are offered along with yellow flowers to Lord Vitthal. 'Khan' is offered to Rukmini, the triangle represents sacred feminine

Important festivals of Vithoba are Shayani Ekadashi in Ashadha (June-July) and Prabodhini Ekadashi in Kartik (October-November).

Graphics on a taxi parked nearby say Wadala's Mother, referring to Lord Vithal interestingly in a feminine form as a 'mother'

Vitthala, Panduranga, Pandharinath, Hari and Narayan

ई िो ववठठल माझ माऊली ।ननढळावरी कर ठवनन वाि मी पाि... ॥ ध ॥आशला रशला िाती धाडी ननरोप ।पयढरपरी आि माझा माबाप... ॥ १ ॥वपवळा पीतायबर कसा ररनी झळकला ।ररडायवर बसोनन माझा कवारी आला... ॥ २ ॥ववठोबाच राज आमिाय ननत हदपवाळी ।ववषणदास नामा जीवभाव ओयवाळी... ॥ ३ ॥

Prati Pandharpur, literally meaning copy of Pandharpur at Wadala is a Vithoba temple founded by Saint Tukaram, in 16th century. It was built so that devotees who could not visit the actual temple in Pandharpur, Solapur would get a 'Darshan' here. Rituals that are followed in Vithal Temple at Pandharpur are also followed here, namely- Kakad Arati (Early Morning Prayers), Mahapuja (Mega-Worship), Mahanaivedya (Food offering), Poshakh (putting the robe) Dhoop Arati, Padya Pooja (From "Tradition of Faith" ExpressIndia article by Swapnil Rawat | July 14th, 2008)

The temple is inconspicuous when seen from the road.

बधिारी | विठोबा 

Prati Pandharpur

Vithal Mandir,

Katrak road,

Wadala,

Mumbai 400 031

Tel: +91 22 2414 3200

Offerings

Shri Krishna Pranami Mandir, 83, Bhuleshwar road, Charni road, Mumbai 400 031

शी शी राधारसबबिारी

बधिारी | शी कषण 

This temple is set on four acres of land and houses a guest house, a food court, a shop & shoe counters

Gopal, Dwarkapati, Govind

The great exponent of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna is one of the most powerful incarnations of Vishnu, the Godhead of the Hindu Trinity of deities. Of all the Vishnu Avataras he is the most popular, and perhaps of all Hindu gods the one closest to the heart of the masses. Krishna was dark and extremely handsome. The word Krishna literally means 'black', and black also connotes mysteriousness. Lord Krishna played the flute. Radha is Lord Krishna's consort.

Hare Krishna Land (ISKCON Juhu) is stone's throw away from Juhu beach. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON, inspired the construction of one of India’s most beautiful temple of Lord Krishna in Mumbai. The presiding Deities at the temple are Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai, Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari and Sri Sri Sita Rama Laxman Hanuman.The Deities were personally installed by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.Opened in 1978, the complex includes a spacious marble temple, a recently renovated auditorium, a huge restaurant and a twin towered seven-storey guest house where visitors can stay and participate in the daily spiritual programs of the temple.

Shri Shri Radharasbihari temple (ISKCON) Shri Harekrishna Land, Near Chandan CinemaJuhu, Mumbai, MHiskconmumbai.com

From ISKCON website

Serpentine Juhu alleys, lead to the temple

The temple is inconspicous when seen from the road.

from about.com

गरिारी | शी विषणणवकिि दवसथानम, फणस वाडी

Lord Vishnu is a part of the holy trinity or Trimurti in Hindu mythology. His role is that of a protector or preserver. In the Puranas, Vishnu is described as having the divine colour of water filled clouds, four-armed, holding a lotus, mace, Shankha (conch) and Chakra (wheel). Vishnu is also described in the Bhagavad Gita as having a ‘Universal Form’ (Vishvarupa) which is beyond the ordinary limits of human perception or imagination In almost all Hindu denominations, Vishnu is either worshipped directly or in the form of his ten avatara, most famous of whom are Rama and Krishna. Among the ten principal Avatara described, nine have occurred in the past and one will take place in the future, at the end of Kali Yuga. These incarnations take place in all Yugas in cosmic scales, the avatars and their stories show that god is indeed beyond imagination, thinking or belief. (Wikipedia)

Chakradev, Jagannath, Narayan, Trilokesh, Hiranya

Vishnu is offered Yellow clothes, Yellow flowers, Tulsi leaves, Dhoop, Ghee lamp, Sweets (Naivaidyam). Many devotees fast on 'Ekadashi' that is 11th day of every month according to Hindu (Lunar) calendar

शी ववषणसि�नामसतोतम

Sri Venkatesa Devastanam80-84 FanaswadiMumbai 400002 Maharashtra, India sribalajimandir@gmail.com

Venkatesh Temple, Fanaswadi, Charni Road

Vishnu Sahsranamam is one of the most popular prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It consists of the 1000 names of Lord Vishnu.

Laxmi Narayan Mandir:The 130-year-old temple is very popular among devotees. It is believed that it is here that all wishes are fulfilled. The Pujari affirms that if a person is going through a rough patch, visits the temple regularly, then within three months he will be freed of all his troubles. The Pujan of the idol is done in the same style as the Shreenathji Nath Dwara Temple inRajasthan. (Karmayog.org | Neha Rishi)

Venkatesa Devastanam: The temple at Fanaswadi, Mumbai dedicated to the Lord of the Seven Hills Sri Venkateshwara was consecrated on 10th June 1927. The temple is known for its elegance and beauty with regard to its images, art and architecture, to mention but a few.

Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Bhuleshwar Vasantostavam

Jagannath Festival of Puri Gurvayur Temple, Matunga

Brahmotsavam

Perumal TIrumala

Vaikuntha Ekadasi

Offerings: Sandal paste, Saffron paste, Perfume (Attar ), Haldi, Kumkum, Abeer, Gulal, garland of cotton beads, Marigold flowers, Bel leaves Incense stick and Dhoop. Sweets, coconut, fruits, and betel nut and leaves along with puffed rice and Batasha are offered.

मिालकमी

शकरिारी | महालकमी

Triangle facing downwards is the symbol of female energy.

Kamakshi, Amruta, Anagha, Indusheetla, Ramaa, Padmini

Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam is a popular prayer associated with Goddess Lakshmi

Built around 1785, the history of this temple is supposedly connected with the building of the Hornby Vellard. Apparently after portions of the sea wall of the Vellard collapsed twice, the chief engineer, a Pathare Prabhu, dreamt of a Devi statue in the sea near Worli. A search recovered it, and he built a temple for it. After this, the work on the Vellard could be completed without a hitch. Devotees, try to stick coins onto the wall of the temple, it’s a belief that if the coin sticks, the wish you asked for would come true.

As one comes near the temple steps, one sees people seated behind railings, the shoe keepers and shoe coupons.

Mahalakshmi is the goddess of wealth, prosperity (both material and spiritual), light, wisdom, fortune, fertility, generosity and courage; the embodiment of beauty, grace and charm. She is said to bring good luck, and is believed to protect her devotees from all kinds of misery and money-related sorrows. She is the consort of Vishnu. And Owl is her carrier.

Frid

ay

Navratri is a festival dedicated to the worship of a Hindu deity Shakti. The word Navaratri literally means nine nights in Sanskrit. During these nine nights and ten days, nine forms of Shakti/Devi are worshiped. (from Wikipedia)

It was interesting to see people stick coins on to the outer wall of Sanctum Sanctorum, behind where the idols of goddesses are located. It's a belief that if you wish for something while sticking the coin and the coin remains stuck for a while, your wish will come true. Every now and then, as the wall gets loaded with too many coins, the temple staff comes and sends all the coins hurling down into the donation box affixed to the walls.

Navratri celebrations with Devi Puja and Dandiya Rass, Garba performances (images from internet)

The path leading to the temple is flanked by shops selling 'holy' merchandise.

Lotus is Goddess Mahalakshmi's favourite flower

शी घयि�वर िनमान मयहदर

शननिारी | हनमान

Hanuman is offered are Sindoor (vermilion powder), til (Sesame), til oil, Urad Dal (husked black gram) and garlands of Arka flowers and leaves.

Maruti, Anjaniputra, Maharudra, Bhimarupi, Bajran Bali, Kesarinandan, Pavanputra

Shri Ghanteshwar Hanuman Mandir Khar Garden, Nr Rly Stn, Khar West, Mumbai - 52 9819959761

Hanuman is the Lord of virtue, selfless-devotion, strength, success, vigour and is especially worshipped by wrestlers and body builders. He is the son of Anjana and Kesari, while Vayu the wind God is said to be his Godfather. Hindu mythology is replete with several stories about Hanuman’s adventures, especially his shape shifting capabilities.

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िनमान चालीसा (Hanuman Chalisa)

(Hanuman Stotra)िनमान सतोत

are popular prayers associated with Lord Hanuman

Oil with

lentil seeds

Sindoor (Verm

illion)

Hanuman is known for his shape-shifting abilities

Brass bell

In Maharashtra on the full moon day (Pournima) of the Hindu lunar month of Chaitra Hanuman’s birthday (Jayanti) is celebrated. Here Saturday is considered as an auspicious day for His worship. On these days people offer Him Sindoor and oil, even coconuts. The reasons for offering oil, Sindoor, leaves of the coral (Rui) and worshipping Maruti are to reduce the suffering caused by influence of Shani. The ritual: Take some oil in a cup (Vati), put fourteen bengal gram grains (Udid) in it and then look at the reflection of one’s face in it. Only then offer it to Maruti.

Shree Hanuman Mandir, Picket Road, 2 R. S. Sapre Marg, Opposite L. T. Marg Police Station,

Mumbai 400002.

Performance during Hanuman Jayanti (from the internet)

At Ghanteshwar Mandir, devotees begin by washing their hands and feet, then they buy Marigold garland, oil and coconut from the temple itself, which they hand over to the priest- who gives Lord Hanuman idol an oil 'Abhishek', half a coconut or some flowers are returned to the devotees as 'Prasadam'.

Hanuman Jayanti rally (from the internet)

Lords Hanuman & Shani: In the Ramayana, Hanuman is said to have rescued Shani, that is, the planet Saturn, from the clutches of Ravana. In gratitude, Shani promised Hanuman that those who prayed to him (Hanuman) would be rescued from the painful effects of Saturn, which in Hindu astrology, is said to produce malefic effects on one’s life when one is afflicted “negatively” with Saturn.

Hanuman Mandir, Pickett Road The main idol of Lord Hanuman is in its natural form (Swayambhu) and is south facing (Dakshin Mukhi The temple also has idols of Shree Shani Dev Maharaj, Shree Ram Sita, Shree Radhe Krishna, Shree Shankarji and Shree Datta Maharaj.

बसि शिव िनमान मयदीर

शननिारी | शन�Shani is a Deva and son of Surya and his wife Chhaya, hence also known as Chayyaputra. He is the elder brother of Yama, the Hindu god of death. Surya’s two sons Shani and Yama judge. Shani gives us the results of one’s deeds through one’s life through appropriate punishments and rewards; Yama grants the results of one’s deeds after death. He is known as the greatest teacher and well wisher for the righteous as well the greatest punisher for those who follow the path of evil, betrayal, back-stabbing and unjust revenge. He is depicted dark in colour, clothed in black; holding a sword, arrows and two daggers and mounted on a crow, which is Shani’s Vahana. As protector of property, Shani is able to repress the thieving tendencies of birds.

ॐ नीलायजन समाभासय रववपतय मागरजम | छाा मातभणड सभभतय तयम नमाशम िनशवरम ||

Varishthaya, Virupaakshaya, Mitabhashine, Nilacchatraya, Vidhistutyaya, Khageshaya, Virupaakshaya, Yamaagrajam, Neelanjana

The most important offerings made to Lord Shani are Coconut, jaggery, Black til (Sesame seeds), til oil, urad dal (husked black gram), iron, Black cloth and Arka flower garlands. People also give new Black umbrellas as it has both iron and Black cloth.

Coconut

Oil with

lentil seeds

Black Lentils

Lord Shani rides the crow

Shiv Hanuman Mandir, S. V. Road, Opposite LIC Office, Santacruz West, Mumbai, - 400054

This temple boasts of multiple dieties including an idol of Jhulelal, Lord Brahma and Akkalkot Swami

The bowl shown here was kept besides Lord Shaneshwara idol. Soaking in this oil bowl are Shani Mantras and religious paraphernalia that devotees collected from Shani Shingnapur, the main Shani temple in Nashik. People going through negative influence of Shani, visit that temple to put an end to their sufferings. The priest there gives them prayer cards, which they have to go deposit in a Shani temple closer to their homes, in the oil bowl.

Babulnaath Temple, Grant Road, Gurvayur Temple, Matunga Iscon Temple, Juhu Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Bhuleshwar Mahalakshmi Temple, Mahalakshmi Mumbadevi Temple, Bhuleshwar Prati Pandharpur, Vitthal Mandir, Wadala Shiv Hanuman Best Mandir, Santacruz Shri Ghanteshwar Hanuman Mandir, Khar Shri Surya Narayan Temple, Bhuleshwar Siddhivinayak Temple, Prabhadevi, Venkateswara Temple, Fanaswadi

book by Aditi K

(Fascinating view from terrace at Babulnath Temple) Sages and skyscrapers | Spirituality and money co-exist in Mumbai