Mumba Devi Temple is an old temple in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India dedicated to the goddess Mumbā, the local incarnation of Devi (Mother Goddess). Mumba Devi is the goddess of Mumbai. The name Mumbai comes from Mumba Devi. While Hindu sects dedicated to the goddess Mumbadevi can be traced back to the 15th century.

The temple is said to have been built in 1675 near the main landing site of the former Bori Bunder Creek against the north wall of the English Fort Saint George by a Hindu woman named Mumba. The creek and fort have deteriorated to the point where they are merely derelict reminders of the city’s past.

The goddess Mumba was the patron of the Koli people, who spoke Marathi and were the original inhabitants of Bombay’s Seven Islands. She is depicted as a black stone sculpture inside the temple. Mumba’s popular etymology is “Maha Amba,” or “Great Mother,” which is one of India’s many well-known names for the Hindu Mother Goddess.

The temple is located in the Bhuleshwar area of South Mumbai, near the steel and clothing markets.  It is a sacred pilgrimage site and place of worship for Hindus, and as such, hundreds of people visit it every day. Visitors to Mumbai frequently pay their respects at the temple, which is one of the city’s tourist attractions.

The Story Behind Mumba Devi Temple

The temple honours goddess Parvati (also known as Gauri) in her fisherwoman form. Goddess Parvati needed perseverance and concentration to take on the form of Mahakali. At the time, Lord Shiva (goddess Parvati’s husband) insisted that she reincarnate as a fisherwoman so that she could learn perseverance and concentration, just as a fisherman does while learning to fish. Goddess Parvati then took on the form of a fisherwoman and established a hermitage in the fishing village (currently Mumbai). Goddess Parvati was known as Matsya when she was younger, and Mumba in her fisherwoman form later on.

Mumba dedicated herself to learning perseverance and concentration under the supervision of fishermen, who were passionate about their profession of catching fish through concentration and persistence. When Mumba had mastered the techniques of perseverance and concentration, it was time for her to return to her previous residence.

Lord Shiva appeared in the form of a fisherman and married Mumba before realising who she was. Later, the fishermen asked her to stay there forever, and she became the village goddess (grama devata). She became known as Mumba Aai after the residents of the area referred to her as “Aai” (meaning mother in Marathi). Mumbai got its name from her.

History of Mumba Devi Temple

This temple was built in honour of the goddess Amba. The Mumbadevi temple is six centuries old. The first Mumbadevi temple was located at Bori Bunder and is thought to have been destroyed between 1739 and 1770. Following the destruction, a new temple was built at the same location in Bhuleshwar. The Goddess personifies Mother Earth and is still worshipped by Hindus in both the northern Indo-Gangetic plain and southern India.

The original temple, built by Koli fishermen on the site of the Victoria Terminus station, was demolished around 1737 and replaced by a new temple at Phansi Talao. The modern shrine houses an image of the Goddess Mumbadevi wearing a robe with a silver crown, nose stud and golden necklace. To the left is a stone statue of Annapurna seated on a peacock. The Goddess’ carrier, a tiger, stands in front of the shrine.

The current name of the city comes from the Goddess Mumbadevi. The temple itself is not particularly impressive, but it is a significant landmark because it is dedicated to Mumba Devi, the city’s patron deity. The international name for the city is Bombay. ‘Bombay’ is an anglicised version of the Portuguese name used by the British when they conquered the city in the 17th century. The city’s name was Bom Bahia, which means ‘good bay’.

Architecture of Mumba Devi Temple

The goddess’ main idol is adorned with a silver crown, nose stud, and gold necklace. The idol, ironically, has no mouth. Inside the temple, you can find statues of other Hindu gods and goddesses. The temple is built in classic ancient Hindu architecture and features a towering spire with a red flag that is always flying. The temple’s exterior features many expertly crafted carvings.

Anyone who visits Mumba Devi Temple will be shocked by its structure. The Mumba Devi Temple’s main attraction is the idol of Goddess Mumbadevi, adorned with a silver crown, a gold necklace, and a nose stud. The idol is placed on an altar and adorned with marigold flowers. Mumbadevi’s idol has no mouth, symbolising Mother Earth. The temple complex also includes ‘Hanuman’ and ‘Ganesh’ idols. Other figures include a stone idol of ‘Annapurna’ sitting on a peacock and a sculpture of a fierce tiger.

Facts about Mumba Devi Temple

• Mumba Devi Temple is a well-known ancient temple dedicated to ‘Goddess Mumbadevi’. This stunning temple, constructed in the 18th century, is located in the heart of Mumbai.
• Mumba Devi Temple is also regarded as the patron goddess of Mumbai. Mumbadevi was the patron goddess of Agri (salt collectors) and Kolis (fishermen), the original inhabitants of Bombay’s seven islands.
• The word “Mumba” is derived from two words, “Maha” and “Amba,” which mean “great mother.” The fishermen regard her as their protector and as “Maha Shakti.”
• The temple in Boribunder was built in the 15th century and destroyed in the 18th century. The actual cause of the destruction is unknown, so it is assumed to be wear and tear.
• Goddess Mumba Devi grants her devotees good health and prosperity. Those who want to win battles or improve their oratory skills can benefit from praying to the Goddess.
• She is also known to bless couples who want children to carry on their lineage. Mumba Devi does not disappoint devotees who pray to her with a clean and pure heart, granting them their wishes.

Famous Festivals In Mumba Devi Temple

Millions of people visit this temple every year to celebrate all of the festivals that are held here. Some major festivals held here are

• Durga Puja. (Winter) – Devotees celebrate Navaratri at this temple in the month of Ashwin (Sep-Oct) and celebrate the triumph of the Goddess Durga over the buffalo demon (Mahishasura).
• Navaratri. (Summer) – They celebrate other Navaratri in the fortnight of the Chaitra (March-April). Every nine days, they worship Navadurga (nine Durgas).

Best Time to Visit Mumba Devi Temple

This place is very heavenly and spiritual, and you can visit it all year. However, the best time to visit this temple is during the monsoon and winter seasons. During the monsoon season, this location receives moderate to heavy rainfall, making it appear heavenly with its greenery and bringing freshness elsewhere.

How to Reach Mumba Devi Temple

Mumba Devi Temple is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

By Air: The CST Airport in Mumbai is approximately 20 kilometres away.

By Rail: The distance between CST Railway Station and the temple is approximately 2 km.

By Road: Mumbai is well-connected by bus to all surrounding towns and cities.

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