मुंबई परिक्रमा MUMBAI PARIKRAMA 7 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
Friday: Goddess Lakshmi Saturday: Lord Hanuman
Saturday: Lord Shani
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.
Savitr (procreator), Aharpati (Lord of the day), Jagat Chakshu (eye of the world), Karma Sakshin (witness of deeds),Saptashva (Lord of Seven horses)
श्री सुर्यनारायण मंदिर, भल ु ेश्वर
रविवारी | सर ्य ारायण ु न
rayan Shri Surya Na ole rap nja Pa i, ad W adi, Road, Gulal W mbai, Bhuleshwar Mu ia Ind , 03 00 40 MH
ॐ भर ू व ्भु ः स्वः । तत्सवितुर्वरे ण्यं ।
भर्गो दे वस्य धीमहि। ।
धियो यो नः प्रचोदयात ्॥
Gayatri Mantra is chanted, 108 times.
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.
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.
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,
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.
Argyam- offering water to receive mercy
Offering Surya Namaskar (folding of hands)
Birth of Lord Surya to sage Kashyapa and his wife Aditi, is celebrated as Rathasaptami. Rathasaptami celebrations
Chhat Puja is celebrated across India to ensure good harvest Chhat Puja celebrations
A Havan taking place at 6:00 pm, during Aarti. Devotees take turns participating in the Havan.
Copper is the auspicious colour / metal for Sun God, thus copper vessels are used for Puja and Arghyam
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.
Konark Temple, Bhuvaneshwar, Orissa
Mothera Temple, Bhuvaneshwar, Orissa
Makar Sankranti / Ugaadi / Uttarayan / Pongal are celebrated across India as harvesting festivals. Til-gul made out of jaggery and sessame seeds
श्री बाबल ु नाथ Bholenath, Maheshwar, Rudra, Shambhu, Trilochan, Neelkanth, Umapati
सोमवारी | शंकर 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.
Temple entrance, Babulnaath Chowk
13th night / 14th day of new moon in Magh or Phalguna month (February or March) is celebrated as Mahashivratri * Picture from the internet
ndir, th Ma bulna a g, r B a i r Sh th M ai 07 bulna 16, Ba tty, Mumb a p w Cho 67 67 83 Tel: 23
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 सर्व मंगल मांगल्ये शिवाय सर्वार्थ साधिके शरण्ये त्रायाम्बाके गौरी नार्यांणी नमोस्तु ते 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.
Buy these betel nut leaf baskets at the entrance to light camphor lamps, along temple steps
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.
श्री सिद्धिविनायक Bhalachandra, Ekadanta, Gajanana, Lambodara, Omkar, Siddhivinayaka, Vakratunda, Vinayak
मंगळवारी | गणपती
वक्रतण ु ्ड महाकाय सुर्यकोटि समप्रभ
निर्विघ्नं कुरु मे दे व सर्वकार्येषु सर्वदा
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. Mushak or the mouse is Lord Ganesha's ride.
Ganapati Visarjan, or farewell to Lord Ganesha after Ganesh Festival (image from the internet)
Offerings
nayak Shri Siddhivi dir, an M i at Ganap ar Marg, Veer Savark , , Mumbai 28 Prabhadevi 224438 24 22 1 +9 Tel: 24221558 Fax: +91 22 vinayak.org hi www.sidd
Hibiscus and Durva (fresh blades of grass)
Siddhivinayak Temple, lit at night Strict security check and no cameras allowed
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.
Coconut
Modak
प्रति पंढरपरू Vitthala, Panduranga, Pandharinath, Hari and Narayan
बध ु वारी | विठोबा 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, nonBrahmanical, 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)
The temple is inconspicuous when seen from the road.
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 (MegaWorship), Mahanaivedya (Food offering), Poshakh (putting the robe) Dhoop Arati, Padya Pooja (From "Tradition of Faith" ExpressIndia article by Swapnil Rawat | July 14th, 2008)
Important festivals of Vithoba are Shayani Ekadashi in Ashadha (June-July) and Prabodhini Ekadashi in Kartik (October-November).
Prati Pandharpur Vithal Mandir, Katrak road, Wadala, Mumbai 400 031 0 Tel: +91 22 2414 320
येई हो विठ्ठले माझे माऊली ये । निढळावरी कर ठे वनु ि वाट मी पाहे ... ॥ ध ृ ॥ आलिया गेलिया हाती धाडी निरोप । पंढरपरू ी आहे माझा मायबाप... ॥ १ ॥ पिवळा पीतांबर कैसा गगनी झळकला । गरुडांवर बैसोनि माझा कैवारी आला... ॥ २ ॥ विठोबाचे राज्य आम्हां नित्य दिपवाळी । विष्णुदास नामा जीवेभावे ओंवाळी... ॥ ३ ॥
Offerings Green leaves like Tulsi leaves are offered along with yellow flowers to Lord Vitthal. 'Khan' is offered to Rukmini, the triangle represents sacred feminine
Graphics on a taxi parked nearby say Wadala's Mother, referring to Lord Vithal interestingly in a feminine form as a 'mother'
Shri Sh ri R temple adharasbiha ri (IS Shri Ha KCON) rekrish n a Near C Land, han Juhu, M dan Cinema umbai, MH iskcon mumb ai.com
Gopal, Dwarkapati, Govind श्री श्री राधारसबिहारी
बध ु वारी | श्री कृष्ण
Serpentine Juhu alleys, lead to the temple
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. From ISKCON website
This temple is set on four acres of land and houses a guest house, a food court, a shop & shoe counters
The temple is inconspicous when seen from the road.
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. from about.com
Shri Krish na Pranami Mandir, 83, Bhule shwar road , Charni ro ad, Mumbai 400 031
वेंकटे श दे वस्थानम ्, फणस वाडी Chakradev, Jagannath, Narayan, Trilokesh, Hiranya
गरु ु वारी | श्री विष्णू Sri Venka tesa Devas tanam 80-84 Fan aswadi Mumbai 400002 Maharash tra, India sribalajim andir@gm ail.com
श्री विष्णुसह�नामस्तोत्रम Vishnu Sahsranamam is one of the most popular prayers dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It consists of the 1000 names of Lord Vishnu.
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)
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 Venkatesh Temple, Fanaswadi, Charni Road
Vaikuntha Ekadasi
Lakshmi Narayan Temple, Bhuleshwar
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 in Rajasthan. (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.
Vasantostavam
Perumal TIrumala
Brahmotsavam
Jagannath Festival of Puri
Gurvayur Temple, Matunga
महालक्ष्मी Kamakshi, Amruta, Anagha, Indusheetla, Ramaa, Padmini
शक्र ु वारी | महालक्ष्मी
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.
Sri Mahalakshmi Ashtakam is a popular prayer associated with Goddess Lakshmi
Triangle facing downwards
Offerings: is the symbol of female energy. 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.
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.
Friday
The path leading to the temple is flanked by shops selling 'holy' merchandise.
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 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) Navratri celebrations with Devi Puja and Dandiya Rass, Garba performances (images from internet)
Lotus is Goddess Mahalakshmi's favourite flower
श्री घंटे �वर हनम ु ान मंदिर Maruti, Anjaniputra, Maharudra, Bhimarupi, Bajran Bali, Kesarinandan, Pavanputra
are popular prayers associated with Lord Hanuman
Arca or Rui lea ves
Lord Hanuman at Prati Pandharpur Vitthal Mandir, Wadala
शनिवारी | हनम ु ान
हनम ु ान स्तोत्र (Hanuman Stotra) हनम ु ान चालीसा (Hanuman Chalisa)
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.
Hanuman is known for his shape-shifting abilities
Br as sb ell
Ve rm illi on ) Sin do or (
se ed s Oi lw ith len til
Hanuman is offered are Sindoor (vermilion powder), til (Sesame), til oil, Urad Dal (husked black gram) and garlands of Arka flowers and leaves.
Shri Ghan teshwar Hanuman Mandir Khar Gard en, Nr Rly Stn, Khar Wes t, Mumbai - 52 98199597 61
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. Shree Han uman Man dir, Picket Road , 2 R. S. Sapr e Marg, Opposite L. T. Marg Police Stat ion, Mumbai 40 0002.
Hanuman Jayanti rally (from the internet)
Performance during Hanuman Jayanti (from the internet)
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.
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'.
बेस्ट शिव हनम ु ान मंदीर Varishthaya, Virupaakshaya, Mitabhashine, Nilacchatraya, Vidhistutyaya, Khageshaya, Virupaakshaya, Yamaagrajam, Neelanjana
शनिवारी | शन�
ॐ नीलांजन समाभासं रविपत् ु रं यमाग्रजम ् | छाया मार्तण्ड सभ्भूतं तंम ् नमामि शनेश्वरम ् ||
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.
Lord Shani rides the crow
Co co nu t
se ed s Oi lw ith len til
Bl ac kL en til s
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.
Shiv Hanuman Ma ndir, S. V. Road, Opposite LIC Office, Santacruz We st, Mumbai, - 400054
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.
This temple boasts of multiple dieties including an idol of Jhulelal, Lord Brahma and Akkalkot Swami
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