Is Mahalaxmi a Shakti Peeth?

The Mahalaxmi (also known as Ambabai) Temple situated in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India, is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peethas listed in Skanda Puran, and one of 52 Shaktipeeths according to various Puranas of Hinduism.

What is the story behind Mahalaxmi?

The three idols of Mahalaxmi, Mahasaraswati, and Mahakali were excavated from Worli Creek when Malabar Hill and Worli Islands had to be connected.

Why is Mahalakshmi Temple famous?

Mahalakshmi Temple is famous for its history and is one of the oldest temples in Mumbai.

Mahalakshmi Temple: The Sacred Heaven In The Mumbai City

Shree Mahalakshmi Temple, Mumbai is one of the most prominent, sacred, and most visited temples by devotees. Located on Bhulabhai Road in Mahalakshmi it is 3 centuries old. The temple is an abode of Mahalakshmi and her two sisters Mahakali and Mahasaraswati. All three images are adorned with nosering, bangles, and perl neckless.

The premises of the temple have many vendors selling pooja materials including lotus, flower garlands, sweets, and other paraphernalia which are devoted to the goddesses of the Shree Mahalakshmi Temple Mumbai.

History Of Mahalakshmi Temple

The history of Mahalakshmi Temple dates back to 1831 when it was constructed by Dhakji Dadaji who was a Hindu merchant.

The legend has it that three deities were submerged where today Mahalakshmi temple is, to protect from the invaders. Lord Horneby who was the governor and an engineer Shri Ramji Shivji Prabhu had to link the seven islands to build Bombay by connecting Malabar Hill and Worli, but the raging sea was giving it a tough grind.

One night Goddess Mahalakshmi appeared in the dream of Ramji Shivji Prabhu and manifested that the breach would only stand strong once the submerged idols were excavated out of the sea and placed on the hilltop. Only after the excavation of the idols, was the construction connecting the two islands Malabar and Worli completed.

After the completion of the project, the Engineer got the hilltop as a gift from the English ruler. He then constructed the Mahalakshmi Temple on the hilltop and spent around Rs. 80,000, as per the records Shree Mahalakshmi Temple in Mumbai was built between 1761 and 1771.

Suggest Read: A Retreat To Sanjay Gandhi National Park Mumbai

Architecture of Mahalakshmi Temple

Although the architecture of Mahalakshmi temple dates back to 1771 the temple has been redeveloped. A portion of the temple’s backdrop is a sea making it a beautiful landscape. You will find an idol of lord Ganesha on one side of the Gabhar (Sanctum) and Vitthal Rukhamani on the other side of the Sanctum. The sanctum is around 11 by 11 meters and upon entering the Sanctum you would see three idols of Mahalakshmi in the middle and Mahakali and Mahasaraswati on the other two sides. You will also see Annapurna Devi on a Simhasana. The temple’s kalash is 15 meters high.

Best Time To Visit Mahalakshmi Temple

The best time to visit Mahalakshmi Temple is during Navratri and Diwali. During Navaratri, the temple is decorated with flowers and garland and devotees come to the temple to get the blessing. The temple makes special arrangements for keeping the footwear of devotees, free of cost and Pendals are erected on the footpath During three to four days of Diwali including ‘Laxmipoojan’ there is a heavy rush of devotees.

Apart from Diwali and Navaratri, the best time to visit Mahalakshmi Temple is during Annakut which is held on the day of ‘Tripurari Pournima’ i.e. Kartik Pournima, Margashirsh month i.e.During December and January, and during Palkhi of Mataji which happens on Gudi Padwa (Marathi New Year).

Mahalakshmi Temple Timings

The Mahalakshmi Temple Timings are from 06:00 am to 10:00 pm and it is open on all days. On a day four arti happens – 07:00 am – Main Aarti, 06:30 pm – Dhoop Aarti, 07:00 pm – Main Aarti, 10:00 pm – Shejarati.

How To Reach Mahalakshmi Temple

How To Reach Mahalakshmi Temple Via Rail

The nearest railway station to reach Mahalakshmi Temple is Mahalakshmi Railway Station (Western Line) which is around 2.8 km. You can take a cab or a bus which are available just outside the station.

If you are traveling from Central Line then Bycually Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Shree Mahalakshmi Temple Mumbai which is around 4.7 km.

How To Reach Mahalakshmi Temple Via Road

Shree Mahalakshmi Temple is well-connected with the other part of the city. You can hire a Taxi (Kali-Pili) or a bus to travel to the temple.

Places To Visit Near Mahalakshmi Temple

Being in the heart of Mumbai there are many nearby places to visit near Mahalakshmi Temple. These places are a maximum of 10 km away from Mahalakshmi Temple. Following are some curated places for your reference

Nehru Science Center
Nehru Planetarium
Haji Ali Darga
Worli Sea Face
Girgaon Chowpatty
Marine Drive
Mahalakshmi Race Course
Siddhivinak Temple
Hanging Garden
Priyadarshani Park

Hotels Near Mahalakshmi Temple

There are many options of hotels near Mahalakshmi Temple. However, if you are going to visit Mahalakshmi Temple and have to stay in that area then it is advisable to pre-book your hotel to avoid last-minute hassle and get a better deal on booking the hotels. Following are some of the handpicked hotels near Mahalakshmi Temple for your reference

Mitra Kunj CHS
The Shalimar Hotel
Hotel Kemps Corner
Hotel Kumkum
Bloom Hotel
Four Season Hotel
The St. Regas Hotel
Krishna Palace Hotel
Royal Castle

Shree Mahalakshmi Temple Mumbai: The Sacred Haven