The economic capital of India, Mumbai, is well known for its secular character. It has made space within the territory for extravagant religious structures of multiple faiths. The fast-paced life in this metropolitan city is moderated by the several serene holy places offering people much-needed tranquility with their unique architecture, religious values, and culture.
Let us go around the known and unknown holy places of Mumbai!!
1. Siddhivinayak Temple
This is magnificent Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh. It is located in Prabhadevi, Mumbai. It is well known as “Navasacha Ganapati” (‘Ganapati bestows whenever humbly genuinely prayed a wish’ in Marathi) among devotees. It is one of the richest temples in the country with the inner roof of its sanctum being plated with gold.
2. Haji Ali Dargah
Floating in the middle of sea, lays an iconic landmark of Mumbai, a Mogul-style island mausoleum built in 19th century, holding the tomb of Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a Muslim saint. Haji Ali Dargah has separate praying rooms for males and females. Though the dargah remains open for around sixteen hours a day, it can only be accessed during the low tide.
3. Basilica of Our Lady of The Mount
Commonly known as Mount Mary Church, it is a Roman Catholic Church located in Bandra, Mumbai. The origin of this basilica dates back to 16th century when a Jesuit priest wanted to construct a chapel. The original statue is from Portugal. It is one of the finest works of semi-Gothic architecture.
4. Gurudwara Punjabi Sabha
This is Gurudwara is in Powai and is spread out across 7000 sq. ft. This is the main place for worship for the people residing in this area and other neighbouring ones. Renovated in 2008, this place is located centrally in the area and you can see hundreds of people lining up here for langar(food served to all regardless of caste or religion) post the weekly gatherings.
5. Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Temple
Jain Temples are famous for their beauty and the one of them in Mumbai is considered to be one of the most wonderful Jain Temples in India. The temple is adorned with colorful paintings, which have been painted very diligently. It is an absolute pleasure to observe and enjoy these paintings. As one enters the temple, one finds numerous images of different deities and great saints.
6. Maneckji Seth Parsi Agiary
Approximately 280 years old,this fire temple is a holy and religious place for the Parsis and Iranis who live in South Mumbai. It's located in Fort area of upscale South Mumbai. It's the second oldest existing Agiary in Mumbai today. You would definitely like to see an Agiary from inside. However, note that it is not permitted to view the temple from inside to a non - Parsi.
7. Global Vipassana Pagoda
This pagoda was built to express gratitude to Gautama Buddha for dispensing a universal teaching and to provide a place for the practice of Vipassana meditation. Bone relics of Gautama Buddha were enshrined in the central locking stone of the dome, making it the world's largest hollow stone masonry structure containing relics of the Buddha. Only old Vipassana meditators are allowed to enter the dome and meditate. All other visitors can view the inside dome from visitors' gallery.
8. Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist temple
Mumbai is a city full of hidden gems that constantly surprise you. Serene and quite in the middle of Worli, one of the busiest parts of town, lies a Japanese Buddhist temple. Dating back in 1931, it was founded by a travelling Japanese monk, Nichidatsu Fujii, in order to spread peace in the city and country. The temple follows the order of Nichiren Buddhism and the main prayer of this school is ‘Nam Myo Ho Ren Ge Kyo’, a chant for peace.
9. Kuan Kung Temple
This 90-year-old Chinese Taoist temple tucked away in a hidden corner of Mumbai is complete awe to one’s eyes. It is situated in Mazgaon which used to be a home for several Chinese people before independence. In 1962, after the Sino Indian war, many Chinese people left back to China except for the few who introduced a Chinese temple in Mumbai. Sounds Interesting right?
10. Knesset eliyahoo synagogue
Knesset Eliyahoo is the second oldest orthodox Jewish synagogue in Mumbai. Established in 1884, the building is located in Colaba.
The lively city is very modern in its approach towards life, yet has its roots deeply grounded in traditions and ethnicity. This way we truly experience the unity in diversity! These are some of my recommended diverse holy places around Mumbai.
Take a trip to Mumbai to get a chance to visit some of these unique sacred places. Delay your tour no further and add these holy places in your travel itinerary to evoke your inner spirituality.
See you next time. Bye bye!
लाॅकडाऊन नंतर एकदा तरी भेट द्यायलाच हवी