In addition to being a center of finance, Mumbai, often known as the “City of Dreams,” is a mingling pot of many cultures and faiths. In the metropolis, skyscrapers of today co-exist side by side with historic synagogues, churches, mosques, and temples.
Being on the western coast of the country, this city possesses a very deep and complex natural harbor. It is the wealthiest city in the country and a recipient of the Alpha World City designation. There are three UNESCO World Heritage sites: Elephanta Caves, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and the city’s unique blend of Victorian and Art Deco monuments. The most renowned religious sites in and around Mumbai will be discussed in this blog, along with an approximation of their opening and closing hours.
1. Siddhivinayak Temple
Mumbai’s central region is home to the Siddhivinayak Temple. There is a little alleyway with several vendors selling garlands, candies, and coconuts for religious ceremonies behind the temple.
This temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesha. It is said that you may be sure that any request you make to the temple’s idols will be fulfilled. This temple extends a warm welcome to individuals of all religions, in contrast to many other Hindu temples that are only available to Hindus. However, the large number of people in this location makes for an unpleasant experience for the visitors.
Approximately 25,000 people visit this temple every day on average. Tuesdays are said to be the most fortunate day of the week. Therefore, this number rises to about 100,000. Tuesdays are when the temple holds its early morning “Holy Aarti,” and the queue for that service starts on Monday night. Constructed in 1801, this temple is among the state’s oldest structures. Numerous celebrities have generously supported it, making it one of Mumbai’s most magnificent settings and a well-known religious destination. The temple is open throughout the day, but it’s advisable to visit early in the morning to avoid long queues.
Timings: 5:30 am to 9:50 pm (Every day except Tuesday), 3:15 am to 11:30 pm (Tuesday)
2. Haji Ali Dargah
It is situated in Central South Mumbai, not far from the Worli coast and the Mahalaxmi Railway Terminal. This location is regarded as one of Mumbai’s top 10 tourist destinations. This mosque and mausoleum were constructed in 1431 by Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a wealthy Muslim merchant and Sufi saint.
The man’s trip to Mecca gave him the inspiration to turn around in his life. His remains are also in the Haji Ali mausoleum. Due to its location in the midst of the ocean, the Haji Ali dargah may only be accessed at high tide and then only by a tiny, 500-yard corridor. The busiest times to come here are on Thursdays and Fridays.
Thousands of pilgrims visit this location on these days in order to get the saint’s blessing. One of the most well-liked pilgrimage sites in India is Haji Ali. In addition, there’s a mall nearby where folks may hang out. It should be noted that women are only permitted to view the shrine’s broad open area and are not permitted to enter the inner sanctuary. The dargah is open for most of the day and into the evening.
Timings: 5:30 am to 10:00 pm (Every day)
3. Afghan Church
The Afghan Church is situated in South Mumbai’s Navy Nagar neighborhood near Colaba. The official name of the Presbyterian Afghan Church is The Church of St. John the Evangelist. The First Afghan War, which continued from 1835 to 1843, claimed thousands of lives. The British built it as a memorial to those men. The Afghan Church is the name given to this church for this reason. The church’s design usually includes elements of English architecture. The structure is a Grade-I historic site. This church’s stained-glass windows have undergone extensive restoration throughout the years at a considerable financial cost.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Every day except Sunday), 7:30 am to 7:30 pm (Sunday)
4. ISKCON Temple, Juhu
The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is known by its acronym, ISKCON. In the month of July 1966, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada founded it in the city of New York. The Hare Krishna Movement was another appropriate name for this. The temple complex in Mumbai originally opened its doors in 1978 and was located next to Chandan Cinemas on Juhu Beach. This ISKCON marble temple is among India’s most beautifully constructed temples.
The walls are marble, embellished with stunning paintings and sculptures. Following the most recent renovations, the complex now has an auditorium, a guesthouse, and an enormously gorgeous restaurant. The temple is available to visitors every day, with the exception of a short window in the afternoon from 1 pm to 4:30 pm.
It is believed that the chanting and prayers performed here may instill calmness and serenity in the spirits of those who hear them. Every evening, these prayers are said. The festival of Krishna Janmashtami is one of the ideal occasions to visit this temple, even though it is constantly open.
Timings: 4:30 am to 9:00 PM (Every day). It stays closed from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm every day
5. Babulnath Temple
Situated in south Mumbai on the Malabar Hills, close to Marine Drive, lies the Babulnath Temple. Across the temple stands the Bombay International School, a well-known landmark. This temple honors the Hindu Lord Shiva, who is represented by an acacia tree known as a Babul Tree. The temple was built around 1780 after discovering idols buried under the ground.
One thousand feet above sea level is where you’ll find the Babulnath Temple. To access the temples, individuals who want to may go up the stairs; however, those who cannot do so are welcome to utilize the elevator. Mondays are the busiest day at the temple since it is seen as an excellent day for worshiping Lord Shiva. In addition, the shrine is quite busy during Shivaratri.
Timings: 5:00 am to 10:30 pm (Every day except Monday), 4:30 am to 11:30 pm (Monday)
6. Walkeshwar Temple
This temple is situated in the Malabar Hills in South Mumbai. The Gowd Saraswat Brahmin Community acknowledged the Shri Walkeshwar Temple in 1127. Legend has it that Lord Rama stopped there on his way to retrieve his bride from Ravana’s dominion, although he was really on his way somewhere else.
This was the background behind the establishment of this temple. The temple was entirely demolished by the Portuguese during their rule over Mumbai in the 16th century, which was a regrettable incident. Later on, in 1715, it was once again rebuilt by the Gows Saraswat Brahmin Community.
Timings: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Again, it opens at 5:00 pm and closes at 8:00 pm daily.
7. Elephanta Caves
The Elephanta Caves can only be accessed by boat, leaving from the coast of Mumbai through the Gateway of India. During the one-hour journey, tourists are offered a comprehensive orientation to Hinduism’s cultural heritage. The Elephanta Caves, although predominantly a popular tourist destination, have an unseen spiritual site in the form of a Lord Shiva temple. A historical Rock-cut temple believed to have been constructed around the 7th century. Supported by large, strong pillars, the temple is in the main hall, where tourists can find the majestic and intimidating statue of Lord Shiva. The sculpture portrays three aspects of the Hindu deity Shiva: Creator, Protector, and Destroyer. From the Elephanta Caves, a stunning view of the city can be seen. It is a beautiful picture of the sunset over the city and of the Mumbai skyline it provides. They are open to visitors during the day, except on Mondays.
Timings: 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (Every Day)
8. St. Thomas Cathedral
It is located in the Horniman Circle Gardens and the Flora Fountain on Veer Nariman Road. Relatively calm in the middle of a busy area, St. Thomas’s Cathedral is well-known for its exquisite stained-glass pieces. Constructed in 1718, Saint Thomas’s Cathedral is the earliest Anglican church in Mumbai.
The cathedral was constructed as a means of providing the expanding British colony with moral guidance. In 1837, it was elevated to the status of a cathedral, and the following year, the clock and tower were built. The gate in the Fort, built by the British East India Company, which served as the church’s entrance, gave rise to the name Churchgate, a neighborhood in Mumbai. Currently, the whole western portion of the church is known as Churchgate.
Timings: 7:00 am to 3:00 pm (During the week). Service on Sunday morning at 8:45 am.
Conclusion
Concluding with a focus on the city’s cultural diversity, Mumbai’s religious sites perfectly illustrate the blending of old traditions and new ambitions. Both centers of worship and windows into Mumbai’s diverse cultural fabric, these revered places highlight the symbiosis of spirituality and devotion. Exploring religious sites is an invitation for visitors to Mumbai to gain insight into the city’s deep heritage and shared beliefs. Plan a visit to any of the religious places in Mumbai with Paytm and unlock the rich cultural history of different religions and faiths.
