 MAA MUMBADEVI temple is another Sakthi temple
situated in Bombay. The name of the city Bombay (now correctly
called Mumbai) is derived from MAA MUMBADEVI . This temple is
dedicated to city's patron Goddess Mumbadevi. The temple of
Mumbadevi, once stood on the site of the present Victoria Terminus
in the central island which was called Mumbai. The temple was
built in honour of Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the Koli
fishermen believed to be the original inhabitants of Mumbai.
The original temple was built in 1737 was demolished and a new
temple erected in its place at Bhuleshwar. The nearest station
is Marine Lines. Although the Mumbadevi Temple is not as striking
as others are in the city, its resident deity, Mumbadevi, is
the city's patron Goddess. The structure is about six centuries
old, believed to be the handiwork of Mumbaraka, a sadistic giant
who frequently plundered the city at the time. Terrorized by
these unwelcome visits, the locals pleaded with Lord Brahma,
Creator of all things to protect them. Brahma then "pulled
out of this own body", an eight armed goddess who vanquished
the brute. Predictably brought to his knees, Mumbaraka implored
Her Holiness to take his name and built a temple in her honour.
She still stands there, an orange faced goddess on an altar
strewn with marigolds: devotees believe that those who seek
her divine favour are never disappointed.
History
This temple was built in honour of the Goddess Mumbai, from
whose name it is said, that the English word 'Bombay' is derived.
The Mumbadevi temple is six centuries old. The first Mumbadevi
temple was situated at Bori Bunder, and is believed to have
been destroyed between 1739 and 1770. After the destruction
a new temple was erected at the same place at Bhuleshwar.
The Goddess personifies Mother Earth and is still worshipped
by the descendants of the Dravidian population of western
and southern India. The original temple built at the site
where the Victoria Terminus station earlier was by Koli fishermen
was demolished around 1737 and a new temple was erected in
its place at Phansi Talao. The modern shrine contains an image
of the Goddess Mumbadevi dressed in a robe with a silver crown,
a nose stud and a golden necklace. To the left is a stone
figure of Annapurna seated on a peacock. In front of the shrine
is a tiger, the carrier of the Goddess.
 Architeure
Mumbadevi Temple dedicated to city's patron Goddess Mumbadevi
is located in Bhuleshwar, Mumbai. She is considered as Mumbai's
resident deity. The temple of Mumbadevi once stood on the
site of the present Victoria Terminus in the central island.
The present name of the city is derived from the Goddess Mumbadevi.
The temple itself is not impressive but is an important landmark
as it is dedicated to MumbaDevi, the city's patron deity.
It is from her that Bombay gets its local name Mumbai.
Legend
According to a popular legend the structure of the temple
is about six centuries old and it is believed be the handiwork
of Mumbaraka, a sadistic giant who frequently plundered the
city at the time. Terrorized by these unwelcome visits, the
locals pleaded with Lord Brahma, Creator of all things to
protect them. Brahma then "pulled out of his own body",
an eight armed goddess who vanquished the Mumbaraka. Predictably
brought to his knees, Mumbaraka implored Her Holiness to take
his name and built a temple in her honour. She still stands
there, an orange faced goddess on an altar strewn with marigolds:
devotees believe that those who seek her divine favour are
never disappointed.
About the Deity
Dressed in silver robes and adorned with nose studs sits Mumba,
the presiding goddess of Mumbai, inside this temple at Phansi
Talao. Mumba is a goddess without a mouth and is a local representation
of Mother Earth, and is worshipped by the Koli fisherfolk.
Beside the statue of the orange faced goddess MumbaDevi also
reside idols of Indra, Ganesh and Hanuman. It is common belief
that the goddess does not disappoint any of her devotees if
they pray to her sincerely. The temple is closed on Mondays.
Just outside the temple, the stalls sell flowers: garlands
of sweet smelling jasmine, orange marigolds and pink lotuses
-an offering, which is considered auspicious by the worshippers.
Places to see
The MumbaDevi road is to your right from the northern end
of Zaveri Bazaar. It is a narrow street lined with stalls
selling a spectrum of objects associated with Hindu religion
- copper bracelets, rings, rudrakska malas, brass lingams,
photographs of deities, incense, saffron and so on. Ochre
clad sadhus flit along the street, their foreheads smeared
with ash paste and vermilion. |
