Mumbai, the city of dreams, draws its very name from an old, beloved deity: Mumbadevi, the local incarnation of the Mother Goddess (Parvati/Shakti). Nestled in the crowded lanes of Zaveri Bazaar in South Mumbai, the Mumba Devi Temple is more than just a religious site—it is a living link to the city’s past, a guardian for its people, and a quiet refuge amid the noise and bustle.
| Temple Name | Mumba Devi Temple |
| Location | Bhuleshwar, Zaveri Bazaar, South Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| Deity | Goddess Mumba Devi (incarnation of Shakti / Parvati) |
| Significance | The city of Mumbai derives its name from this goddess — “Mumba + Devi = Mumbai” |
| Founded / Original Construction | Around 1675 CE by Koli fisherfolk (original inhabitants of Mumbai) |
| Rebuilt | Circa 1737 CE in current Bhuleshwar location after original shrine was destroyed |
| Built / Managed By | Local Koli & merchant communities; maintained by Mumba Devi Charities Trust |
| Main Idol Features | Stone idol with silver crown, gold jewelry, nose ring; seated on a throne with tiger mount; sometimes depicted without mouth (symbolizing humility) |
| Other Shrines Inside | Hanuman, Ganesh, Annapurna, Radha-Krishna |
| Architectural Style | Traditional Hindu temple with Gujarati–Rajasthani influence; compact sanctum within market lanes |
| Main Festivals | Navratri, Chaitra Navratri, Hanuman Jayanti, and other local observances |
| Devotee Base | Koli, Agri, and merchant communities; open to all visitors |
| Cultural Importance | Considered the guardian deity of Mumbai and protector of its people |
| Morning Timings | Opens around 6:00 AM |
| Mangala Aarti | 6:30 AM |
| Main Morning Aarti | 9:30 AM |
| Naivaidya Aarti | 12:15 PM |
| Evening Aarti (Dhoop Aarti) | 6:30 PM |
| Main Evening Aarti | 8:00 PM |
| Shayan Aarti (Closing Ritual) | 8:45 PM |
| Temple Closing Time | Around 9:00 – 9:45 PM |
| Entry Fee | Free for all visitors |
| Dress Code | Modest or traditional attire; footwear not allowed inside sanctum |
| Best Time to Visit | Early morning for peaceful darshan; evenings during Aarti; Navratri season for festive experience |
| How to Reach | Nearest local stations: Marine Lines, Charni Road, Masjid Bunder; accessible by taxi or local transport |
| Nearby Attractions | Crawford Market, Marine Drive, Bhuleshwar Market, Zaveri Bazaar |
| Special Rituals | Daily Aartis, special offerings during Navratri and Amavasya days |
| Photography | Allowed in outer areas; restricted inside sanctum |
| Best Experience | Attend Evening Aarti to witness devotion amid bustling old Mumbai charm |
Origins & Legend
The roots of the temple stretch back centuries. The original shrine was first built in Bori Bunder around 1675, by the local Koli fisherfolk, who worshipped Mumbadevi as their clan goddess. (Wikipedia)
That original shrine was destroyed in the 1730s—around 1737—and rebuilt shortly thereafter in the Bhuleshwar area, which is where the temple stands today. (mumbai.org.uk)
As for the name “Mumbai”: “Mumba” or “Mumbā” is derived from Mumbadevi herself (“Maha Amba” meaning “Great Mother”). “Devi” is goddess. Over time, Mumba + Devi became “Mumbai,” meaning the city of or belonging to Mother Mumba. (Wikipedia)
Deity, Symbolism & Architecture
Inside the main sanctum is the idol of Goddess Mumbadevi, carved from stone, dressed in a robe, with a silver crown, gold necklace, and a nose stud. Other symbols accompany the deity—Annapurna seated on a peacock, and in front, a tiger (her vahana / mount). (prembhakti.in)
An interesting detail: the idol often is represented without a mouth, symbolizing Mother Earth’s voiced suffering and humility in mythology. (prembhakti.in)
The architecture of the temple reflects a blend of styles. While its origins are ancient, many features show influence of Gujarati and Rajasthani sects, reflecting the merchant communities in the Bhuleshwar & Zaveri Bazaar regions who have been its patrons. There are smaller shrines within the complex for deities such as Hanuman, Ganesh, Annapurna, Krishna & Radha, among others. (exhibits.jioinstitute.edu.in)
Cultural Significance & Festivals
For centuries, the temple has been a focal point for the Kolis (fisherfolk) and Agri salt collectors – original inhabitants of the Seven Islands of Bombay. Mumbadevi was their protector and is still deeply revered by these communities. (Wikipedia)
The temple is alive especially during Navratri, the nine-night festival devoted to the goddess (in spring, Chaitra Navratri, and autumn, Ashvin Navratri). Devotees throng the temple; a special atmosphere of devotional song, ritual, offerings, and lighting fills the narrow lanes. (exhibits.jioinstitute.edu.in)
Other festivals like Hanuman Jayanti are also celebrated. The temple’s religious calendar blends local tradition with festivals common across Hindu culture. (exhibits.jioinstitute.edu.in)
Visiting Experience & Surroundings
Located in the old heart of Mumbai—Bhuleshwar / Zaveri Bazaar area—the temple is surrounded by a throng of shops: stalls selling flowers, pooja items (incense, lamps, copper or brass items), religious pictures, bell-metals etc. The narrow winding streets lend a flavour of old Mumbai. (Mumbai Mart)
The temple itself is modest: not grand in the sense of sprawling halls or monumental domes, but its charm lies in its devotion, symbolism, and age. Visitors often note the atmosphere—the smell of incense, the ringing of bells, the colour of marigolds, and the feeling of continuity with generations past. (Whats Hot)
Because of its location in a market district, visiting requires patience: crowds, noise, traffic. But early morning or late evening offer calmer moments. (Indian Holiday)
Practical Information & Timings
Here are the regular visiting hours, aarti times, and guidelines to help plan your visit:
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Temple Opening | ~ 6:00 AM |
| Mangala Aarti | 6:30 AM |
| Main Morning Aarti | 9:30 AM |
| Naivaidya Aarti | ~ 12:15 PM |
| Dhoop Aarti (Evening) | ~ 6:30 PM |
| Main Evening Aarti | ~ 8:00 PM |
| Shayan (Bedtime) Aarti | ~ 8:45 PM |
| Temple Closing | ~ 9:00–9:45 PM |
These timings are approximate and may vary slightly depending on festivals, special occasions, and local announcements. (mandir.mumbadevi.co.in)
Entry is generally free. Special rituals may have separate fees. (Indian Holiday)
Best Time to Visit & Tips
- When: The months from October to March are ideal. Weather is cooler, more pleasant. Festivals like Navratri during this period make the temple especially vibrant. (Indian Holiday)
- When to avoid: Midday summers (April-June) get very hot; monsoon rains can make movement in those narrow alleys difficult. (Indian Holiday)
- What to wear: Modest clothing is recommended. Traditional wear or at least full arms & legs covered is more respectful. Remove shoes before entering sanctum. (Trawell.in)
- Arrive early: Morning darshan gives more peace, fewer crowds. Evening aartis are beautiful but very busy.
- Nearby connections: Charni Road station is close by; also Marine Lines, Masjid Bunder etc. Auto-rickshaws or taxis are useful from the stations. (mumbai7.com)
Why Mumba Devi Temple Matters
The temple is more than a religious site. It is Mumbai’s origin story in spiritual form. The Koli and Agri communities who founded the city are often overlooked in modern Mumbai’s glitz, but through this temple, their voices persist. The naming of the city itself after Mumba Devi makes the temple a civic emblem—something many residents may pass daily, but few fully appreciate in context.
Moreover, the temple stands as a bridge between tradition and modernity: located in one of the most commercial, busy parts of the city, yet preserving age-old rituals. It offers respite: a place in the heart of commerce and traffic, where one can pause, reflect, pray.
