About Mumbadevi Temple :
Mumba Devi temple is revered as the Shakthi temple in Mumbai, holding much importance since its presiding Goddess Mumbadevi is also the patron goddess of the city. In fact the name ‘Mumbai’ has been derived from Maa Mumbadevi. Mumbadevi temple once stood on the site of the present Victoria Terminus in the central that was called Mumbai. It was built in honor of Mumbadevi, the patron deity of the Koli fishermen, the original inhabitants of Mumbai. The first Mumbadevi temple was built at Bori Bunder in 1737. It was later demolished and rebuilt at its present site at Bhuleshwar. At the outset Mumbadevi temple does not look as striking as the rest of the temples in the city. However there is an intrinsic beauty attached to the temple that owes greatly to the faith and reverence of Mumbaikars over the Goddess Mumbadevi. According to mythology, the temple was the handiwork of Mumbarka, a sadistic giant whose favorite pastime was plundering the city. The residents of the city pleaded their case before Lord Brahma, the creator of Universe. Lord Brahma is believed to have conjured an eight-armed goddess who vanquished the demon for good. Thus defeated Mumbarka implored the goddess to have his name and later built a temple in her honor. She still stands there, an orange-faced goddess on an altar strewn with marigolds. Devotees believe that those who seek her divine favor are never disappointed. The modern shrine has an idol of the Goddess Mumbadevi dressed in a robe with a silver crown, a nose stud and a golden necklace. To her left is a statue of Annapurna seated on a peacock. In front of the shrine is a tiger, the carrier of the Goddess. Mumba is a goddess without a mouth and is symbolic of Mother Earth. Other shrines within the Mumbadevi complex are dedicated to Ganesh, Maruti, Mahadev, Indrayani, Murlidhar, Jagannath, Narsoba and Balaji.
General Information about Mumbadevi Temple :
Location: Mumbai
State: Maharashtra
Capital: Mumbai
Language: Marathi, Hindi, English
Temperature: Max 42˚C, Min 27˚C (summer), Max 26˚C, Min 14˚C (winter)
Best Season: September to March
How to Reach Mumbadevi Temple :
By Air:
Mumbai can be reached through numerous flights. The international terminal Sahar, renamed as Chatrapatti Shivaji International Airport operates round the clock. Hotel bookings and pre-paid taxis are available at the terminal. The domestic terminal Santa Cruz is about 5km apart and can easily be reached through regular shuttle buses between the two terminals. The domestic airport is well connected and can be used to visit most parts of Western and Southern India.
By Rail:
Mumbai is a prominent railway hub of the country. It is the headquarters to two railway zones, central and western. While Central Railways handles services to the east and south, Western Railways has services to the north from Church gate and Central stations. The main railway station Chatrapatti Shivaji Terminus (CST) formerly known, as Victoria terminus (VT) is located in the heart of the city. Local and outstation trains ply from here. Other railway stations are Dadar, Church gate and Kurla. Bookings are to be made in advance to avoid the last minute rush, as trains are the most used mode of transport. The extensive system of suburban electric train network is the most sought after transport means in Mumbai for city travel.
By Road:
Mumbai is well connected by a network of roads to the rest of India by and state highways. Mumbai has one of the best public bus systems of any major Indian city called BEST buses. Mumbai has a huge fleet of metered black-and-yellow taxis as well.
How to travel in Mumbai:
The Metro Trains of Mumbai add a different dimension to your travel in Mumbai and are also easily available. Mumbai has one of the best public bus systems of any major Indian city. Called BEST buses, their red double-decker buses are an experience to cherish. One can also try suburban electric trains that connect most places in the city, or the large and efficient fleet of metered black-and-yellow taxis.