Walkeshwar Temple, Mumbai
Banganga and Walkeshwar Temple. Photo
Chingkhei Nganba Sapam
The Temple and Tank of Walkeshwar in Bombay, painted in 1884.
The Walkeshwar Temple is a temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva in Mumbai. It is situated on on Malabar Hill next to the Banganga Tank.
History
According to legend, the Hindu god Ram paused at this spot on his way from Ayodhya to Lanka in pursuit of the demon Ravana who had kidnapped his wife, Sita. He constructed a lingam (phallus representing Shiva) made of sand, after having tired of waiting for his brother, Lakshman to bring a lingam for puja (worship). The name is derived from the Sanskrit name for an idol made of sand - Valuka Iswar.
When Ram was thirsty, as there was no fresh water readily available, he shot an arrow and brought Ganga over here. Hence Bana (arrow in Sanskrit) Ganga. The water that feeds the tank stems from an underground spring at that spot, despite the proximity to the sea.
The temple and the attached Banganga Tank were built in 1127 AD by Lakshman Prabhu, a minister in the court of Silhara dynasty Kings who ruled Thane, and the islands of Mumbai during 810 to 1240 AD. The temple was destroyed by the Portuguese during their rule of Mumbai in the 16th century.
The temple was rebuilt by Mumbai businessman and philanthropist, Rama Kamath, a Saraswat Brahmin (known in British records as 'Kamati') in 1715. The temple has been substantially reconstructed since that time.
What to See
The temple is generally busy every month only during the full moon, and at amavasya (no moon). In the past it was a favorite of the Malabar pirates who used to frequent the islands during the 16th and 17th centuries.
It is currently the site of an annual Hindustani classical music festival, which in 2005 featured musicians like classical singers Rajan and Sajan Mishra, and Santoor maestro Shivkumar Sharma.
A branch of the Shri Kashi Math, a famous religious seat of Saraswat Brahmins, is located on the western bank of the tank.
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Walkeshwar Temple. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Mumbai Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Travel Planning Links
- Mumbai Hotel Reviews - TripAdvisor
- Mumbai Flight Search - TripAdvisor
- Mumbai Travel Forum - TripAdvisor
Sources
- Walkeshwar Temple - Wikipedia
More Information
- The Walkeshwar Temple - Mumbai/Bombay Pages
- Mallya, K.G., The Merchant Of Bombay.
