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Maharashtra is home to numerous Shiva temples and Babulnath Temple near Girgaum Chowpatty happens to be one of the oldest temples in the region. Beyond the religious and spiritual significance, the temple is equally riveting for its cultural significance. If you are on a spiritual tour across the state and have been planning to explore some of the most significant shrines in the state, including Babulnath Temple is an absolute must. The temple is located on top of a small hillock, offering breathtaking views of the surroundings. As you are proceeding with vacation planning across Maharashtra, being aware of the specifics and significance of the Babulnath Temple is a must.
Quick Details
Babulnath Temple Address: 16, Babulnath Rd, Babulnath, Khareghat Colony, Gamdevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
Babulnath Temple Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Best Time To Visit: Early morning or late evening, between October to March
Deity: Lord Shiva
About Babulnath Temple
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Babulnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is an ancient Hindu temple located in Babulnath near Girgaum Chowpatty. Although the temple was excavated in the 18th century, it is believed that the idols and the other significant elements in the temple were consecrated in the 12th century by Bhimdev, a Hindu King. Inside the temple, Lord Shiva is worshipped as “Babulnath” and the temple is steeped in a lot of history and local folklore. It is believed that a group of cowherds discovered the sacred Shiva Linga in the area, leading to the establishment of this grand temple.
How To Reach Babulnath Temple
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Though Babulnath Temple is located in a prime area of Mumbai, it can still be a bit tricky for first-time visitors. So, having a clear idea about the commute is quintessential.
By Air: Given that the temple is in Mumbai, you have to take a flight to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport and then opt for a pre-paid taxi from outside the airport to get to the temple, which is roughly 20 km away and takes about an hour to reach.
By Rail: If you are taking the train in Mumbai, get down at Charni Road Station on the Western Line of Mumbai’s local train network. The temple is a short 10-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw if you’re carrying luggage or if you prefer not to walk.
By Road: Babulnath Temple is easily accessible by road, as it is situated near Marine Drive and the Girgaon area. If you are travelling by car, you can use apps like Google Maps for precise directions. If you’re coming from within the city, you can take buses that stop near Charni Road or Marine Lines. Parking can be a challenge, so hiring a cab might be more convenient.
Things To Do At Babulnath Temple
Visiting Babulnath Temple brings forth numerous unique experiences that go beyond the staple religious practices.
1. Participate In The Daily Aarti
Photo: Bhargav Panchal / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The main highlight of any Hindu temple in Mumbai is the daily morning and evening aarti that’s conducted by the priests. It creates a holistic and religious experience, one that you can’t swap for another. Getting to offer your prayers and hear the chants of the mantras with the ringing of the bells inside the temple is truly a magical experience. Since the temple is often crowded, it is better if you visit during the early morning and secure a spot in the front of the sanctum to witness the aarti from up close without any interruptions.
2. Explore The Temple Architecture
Photo: Deepanjan Ghosh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Beyond being a place of worship, Babulnath Temple also stands out with its stunning and intricate architecture. It is a fine example of Hindu architecture and since it is perched on top of a hill, the views are immaculate. There are very detailed carvings, and beautifully sculpted pillars and the stone structure of the temple truly adds to the beauty of the place. Also, there are sculptures of deities and mythological figures on the stone structure, adding to the uniqueness of the design. Although taking Babulnath Temple photos inside the shrine isn’t allowed, you can take pictures outside the temple and of the architecture too.
3. Offer Abhishekam To Lord Shiva
Photo: Arun Varadarajan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the most important rituals at Babulnath Temple is the Abhishekam, where devotees pour milk, water, and flowers on the Shiva Lingam to honour and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. This ancient Hindu practice symbolises purification and the offering of oneself to the divine. It is believed that performing this particular ritual with a pure and clean mind and with devotion helps in absolving past sins and brings peace and prosperity.
Places To Visit Near Babulnath Temple
After you finish offering your prayers at the temple, it is time to head to some of the nearby sightseeing spots.
1. Girgaum Chowpatty Beach
Photo: Harrison Jaffe / Wikimedia Commons
The nearest sightseeing spot to the temple happens to be Girgaum Chowpatty Beach. This iconic spot is a favourite hangout for both locals and tourists, offering a relaxing environment by the Arabian Sea. The beach is bustling with activity, especially in the evenings, where people gather to enjoy the cool breeze, street food, and the vibrant energy of Mumbai’s coastline. Don’t miss out on the beautiful sunset views from the beach.
Distance From Babulnath Temples: 4.2 Km
Timings: 24 hours
2. Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum
Photo: KenWalker / Wikimedia Commons
If you are a history buff and want to get a closer look into the life of Mahatma Gandhi, head to Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum. This was once a historical home, which has now been transformed into a museum to preserve the life and personal belongings of Mahatma Gandhi. The museum’s primary objective is to showcase Gandhi’s life and work, making it a significant spot for tourists interested in Indian history and freedom struggle.
Distance From Babulnath Temples: 700 Metres
Timings: 11 AM – 5 PM
3. Kamala Nehru Park
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For some relaxation and even for enjoying a picnic experience, head to Kamala Nehru Park. It is another popular green space on Malabar Hill. The park is particularly famous for its “Old Woman’s Shoe” structure, which is a giant shoe-shaped playhouse that is quite popular among children. You can also catch stunning and unobstructed views of the Marine Drive from this park, adding to the experience.
Distance From Babulnath Temples: 3.4 Km
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
Where To Stay
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If you are planning to spend a few days exploring the Babulnath Temple and some of the nearby sightseeing spots, there are quite a few different accommodation options available in close vicinity. A few of the highly rated properties include Hotel Kemps Corner, Hotel Sapna, Hotel Regal Palace, Itsy By Treebo and Hotel Golden Palace.
Where To Eat
Photo: Arundhati1312 / Wikimedia Commons
Given how busy and crowded the temple is, you have to spend a lot of your energy exploring the temple. Rejuvenating yourself with good food after the darshan is thus a necessity. Some of the popular restaurants nearby include Soam, Govindas International Vegetarian Restaurant and Café New York.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Nayan Bhalotia / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
For a good darshan and pooja experience at the Babulnath Temple and for a great trip overall, keep the following in mind:
- Visit during weekdays if you prefer less crowds.
- Wear modest clothing, as it is a religious site.
- Carry a bottle of water and comfortable walking shoes.
- If visiting during the monsoon season (June to September), carry an umbrella as sudden downpours are common.
- Photography inside the sanctum sanctorum is usually restricted, so ask for permission before taking pictures.
Babulnath Temple in Mumbai is one of the most iconic and ancient Hindu pilgrimage sites that you must visit during your trip. Be it for offering your prayers or soaking in the cultural significance of the place, the serenity of the temple never disappoints. You can plan and book your trip to Mumbai with TripXL and immerse yourself in the spiritual essence of Mumbai’s historic treasure.
Cover Photo: Jason Peter / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
