Mahalakshmi Temple Mumbai: The Miraculous History of the Goddess Who Built the Sea Wall
While Mumbai is often dismissed as a cold “City of Gold” driven by status, its relationship with wealth is actually deeply spiritual. To find the city’s soul, you must look away from the skyscrapers and toward the rocky shores where Mumbai first fought the tides. The true “solution” to the city’s relentless race is found at its coastline—where ancient power and survival meet the sea.
The Miracle of the Great Breach:
From Submerged Idols to a Sea Wall The answer to your search is found on the edge of the Arabian Sea at the Mahalakshmi Temple. Located on Bhulabhai Desai Road, this temple is a monument to divine intervention that physically allowed the city to grow.
THE HISTORY OF TEMPLE:
this temple is a story of a “problem” that seemed unsolvable. In the late 18th century, the British attempted to build the Hornby Vellard, a sea wall meant to connect the islands of Worli and Malabar Hill. However, the sea was too turbulent; the foundation collapsed twice, and the project was on the verge of being abandoned. The chief engineer, Ramji Shivji Prabhu, then had a miraculous dream. Goddess Mahalakshmi appeared to him and revealed that three idols—Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati—were submerged in the sea near the site.
Exploring the Divine Seafront:
Walking toward the temple is an experience for all the senses. You will pass through narrow lanes filled with the scent of pink lotuses and orange marigold flowers . The “hidden secret” of this sanctuary is the feeling of the sea air mixing with the sound of temple bells.
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
the best time to experience the true energy of the temple is during the early morning hours between 5:30 AM and 7:00 AM. During this time, the air is cooler, and you can stand on the steps behind the temple to watch the waves crash against the rocks while the “Aarti” is performed inside. Tuesdays and Fridays are the most auspicious days, and the Navratri festival draws millions of devotees who come to see the Goddess adorned in gold and gemstone ornaments
HOW TO GO THERE:
Train: Take a local train to Mahalakshmi Station (Western Line). The temple is about a 15-20 minute walk or a quick taxi/rickshaw ride from the station. You can also get down at Byculla Station (Central Line) and take a taxi.
Bus: Several buses stop at the Mahalakshmi Temple bus stop. From your current location, the transit trip is very short, taking approximately 10 minutes.
Taxi/Car: A drive from your location takes about 15 minutes via Tardeo Road. Note that traffic can be heavy near the temple, especially on Tuesdays and Fridays.
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