Temples In Mumbai: A Detailed Guide For Visitors

Temples in Mumbai are a way to explore the sacred side of the city, which people often miss.

Temples in Mumbai are probably not the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about the city. But if you are planning to explore the famous religious sites in Mumbai, you won’t be disappointed. There are hundreds of temples and shrines scattered all across the city. From Mumbadevi Temple in the Mumbadevi area to Walkeshwar Temple, Malabar Hill, you need a few days to cover all the famous ones. This is why it is essential to have an itinerary ready, so you don’t miss out on the important sites.

Top 10 Temples In Mumbai

Unexpectedly, temple in Mumbai are one of the best in the country and exploring them is worth the experience. You can either travel solo or with family to make your journey a memorable one.

1. Mumbadevi Temple

The beautiful architecture of one of the temples in Mumbai that is a must-visit.

Photo: PRAKASAM R / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

You can start your exploration with Mumbadevi Temple, which is one of the most popular temples in Mumbai. Dedicated to Goddess Mumbadevi, this temple is believed to have been built in the 14th century and holds great significance for the local Koli fishermen and other communities. Mumbadevi is considered a form of Goddess Parvati, who is the patron goddess of the kolis, agricultural communities, and Somvanshi Kshatriyas. Although the original temple structure of the temple has been altered over time, its spiritual importance remains intact. The idol of Mumbadevi is without a mouth, which symbolizes the earth’s silent power.

Location: 45/47, Dhanji St, Mumbadevi Area, Kalbadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400003
Timings: 6 AM to 12 PM from Tuesday to Sunday and 4 PM to 9 PM on Mondays

2. Walkeshwar Temple

Walkeshwar temple is one of the most popular temples in Mumbai.

Photo: Sourabh Sinha / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

There’s no denying that Mumbai temples are unique and exude a different charm. When you are out there exploring these shrines, make sure to include Walkeshwar Temple in your list. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple is located in the Malabar Hill area of the city and was built in the 18th century. The temple’s name is derived from “Valuka Ishwar,” which translates to “Lord of Sand.” This refers to the legend that Lord Rama built a sand lingam to worship Shiva. There’s a sacred water body inside the temple complex known as Banganga, which is believed to have been created by Lord Rama.

Location: 40, Banganga Cross Ln, Teen Batti, Malabar Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400006
Timings: 6 AM to 8 PM

3. Babulnath Temple

An intricately designed facade of one of the templese in Mumbai.

Photo: Roman Saienko / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

As the oldest temple in Mumbai, Babulnath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located near Malabar Hill. Since the shrine is only 15 minutes away from the Marine Lines Railway Station, it is easy to access from any corner of the city. Based on records, the temple was built in the 18th century and is quite popular among Gujarati and Marwari communities. There are intricate carvings on the exterior wall of the temple, which showcases the architectural style of the time. Devotees from all across the country come here to pay homage, especially during Mahashivaratri.

Location: 16, Babulnath Rd, Babulnath, Khareghat Colony, Gamdevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400004
Timings: 5 AM to 7 PM

4. Swaminarayan Temple

Swaminarayan temple is one of the most popular templese in Mumbai.

Photo: Sahitya.assist / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Swaminarayan Temple in Mumbai is owned and managed by Swaminarayan Sampraday, a sect of Hinduism. This beautiful shrine is located in Bhuleshwar and was built in 1863. It was remodelled in 1903 and has remained the same since then. This shrine belongs to Lord Swaminarayan, a revered deity in the Swaminarayan sect. Besides the main idol, you should check out the intricate carvings and artwork on the walls. For your information, this is one of the oldest Swaminarayan temples in the country and serves as an important religious site for followers. The temple becomes particularly crowded during festivals like Janmashtami and Diwali.

Location: Bhuleshwar
Timings: 5 AM to 8 PM

5. Siddhivinayak Temple

Siddhivinayak temples is one of the most loved temples in Mumbai.

Photo: Sailko / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

When it comes to the biggest temple in Mumbai, Siddhivinayak is on top. Located in Prabhadevi, this temple was built by a woman named Deubai Patil in 1801. The main idol of Lord Ganesha is placed at the centre and can be seen from the entrance. Since the establishment of the temple, it has grown into a significant landmark. What’s unique about the Ganesha idol is the direction of his boot is turned to the right. This symbolises prosperity and success. It is believed that praying to Lord Ganesha will remove obstacles from your life.

Location: SK Bole Rd, Prabhadevi, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400028
Timings: 5:30 AM to 10 PM from Wednesday to Monday and 3:15 AM to 10 PM on Tuesdays

6. Mini Sabarimala

The temple of Sabarimala with devotees lined up outside waiting for their turn to pray.

Photo: Dhinakar01 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

If your mission is to explore the famous temples in Mumbai, then you must visit Mini Sabarimala. Located in the Ayyappa Temple complex at Kanjurmarg, this shrine is a replica of the original Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. The idol of Lord Ayyappa holds great significance for Ayyappa devotees, especially for those who cannot visit the original shrine. Besides worshipping Lord Ayyappa, this temple is a great place to take a break away from the city. The best time to visit the shrine is during the Mandala Pooja and Makaravilakku festivals.

Location: Nch Colony, Kanjurmarg West, Mumbai – 400078
Timings: 4:45 AM to 11 AM and 4:30 PM to 9 PM

7. Balaji Temple

Balaji temple is on the must-visit list of many tourists and devotees.

Photo: Oosoom / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

One of the best temples in Mumbai that shouldn’t be missed is the Balaji Temple. To visit this shrine, you will have to travel to Nerul in Navi Mumbai. You can either take public transport or a private car depending on your proximity to the temple. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It doesn’t take much time to notice that the temple is inspired by the famous Tirupati Balaji Temple in Andhra Pradesh. Built with traditional South Indian architecture, the temple boasts intricate carvings on the walls. The main festivals celebrated here include Brahmotsavam and Vaikuntha Ekadashi.

Location: Nerul, Navi Mumbai
Timings: 5:30 AM to 9:30 PM

8. ISKCON

The beautiful idols of Radha and Krishna in an ISKCON temple.

Photo: Geetha geeths!! / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Situated in Juhu, the ISKCON Temple belongs to Lord Krishna. This particular shrine is not only popular among Indians, but people from abroad also come here to pay their homage. The temple is also known as Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari Temple and was built in 1978. Besides the idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha, the shrine features a beautiful marble structure. The temple hosts aartis, kirtans, and lectures every day and also celebrates special festivals like Janmashtami and Holi. For those unversed, the ISKCON complex also houses a vegetarian restaurant, a guest house, and a shop.

Location: Hare Krishna Land, Juhu
Timings: 4:30 AM to 1 PM and 4:30 AM to 9 PM

9. Mahalakshmi Temple

Mahalakshmi temple in Maharashtra is a sight to behold for tourists.

Photo: Lovelitjadhav / Wikimedia Commons

The list of famous temples in Mumbai is incomplete without Mahalakshmi Temple. As the name suggests, this temple belongs to Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity. However, you will also find idols of Saraswati and Durga inside the shrine. As per records, the temple was constructed by Dhakji Dadaji in 1831. Since then, the temple has been an important religious site for Hindus. Due to the shrine’s coastal location, you can enjoy a pleasant atmosphere here. Each day, thousands of devotees visit the temple to seek blessings from the goddess. The most celebrated festival at the temple is Navratri.

Location: Bhulabhai Desai Marg, Mahalaxmi West, Cumballa Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400026
Timings: 6:30 AM to 10 PM

10. Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Mandir

A huge temple with white marble outer exterior and many tombs and towers.

Photo: Koushalya Karthikeyan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

If you are in Malabar Hill in Mumbai, you must pay a visit to the famous Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Mandir. It is a prominent Jain temple dedicated to Lord Adishwar, the first Tirthankara. The temple is a symbol of peace and spirituality, especially for the people of the Jain community. As per records, the temple was constructed in 1904 and boasts stunning marble architecture. The walls have intricate carvings and murals that depict Jain teachings. The serene environment of the temple provides a perfect place for meditation. Some of the special events hosted at the temple are Paryushan and Mahavir Jayanti.

Location: 97, Ridge Rd, Walkeshwar, Malabar Hill, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400006
Timings: 5 AM to 9 PM

Temples in Mumbai offer a rich blend of history and culture. When setting out to explore these religious places, it is essential to have an itinerary, so you can make the most of your trip. Furthermore, you should plan your journey with TripXL for an enhanced experience.

Cover Photo: Sailko / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the most famous temples in Mumbai include Siddhivinayak Temple, Mahalaxmi Temple, Babulnath Temple, and ISKCON Temple.
Many temples require visitors to dress modestly, so it is best to wear traditional attire or clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
Many temples offer prasad (blessed food) to visitors after rituals. Some temples, like the Siddhivinayak Temple, also have dedicated meals to visitors.
The Siddhivinayak Temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesha and is believed to fulfil the wishes of devotees.
Whether you can take photos in temples in Mumbai or not depends on the temple you are at.

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