Mahalaxmi Temple (Mumbai)
Mumbai, Maharashtra · Goddess Mahalakshmi · Devi Temple
A seaside Devi shrine on Bhulabhai Desai Road, distinct from Kolhapur Ambabai.
The Mahalaxmi Temple on Bhulabhai Desai Road in Mumbai is a seaside Devi shrine listed on Maharashtra Tourism’s Mumbai City district page, distinct from the Kolhapur Ambabai temple.
History
Maharashtra Tourism notes the temple was built in 1831 and is dedicated to Mahalakshmi of the Devi Mahatmya tradition.
The shrine sits above the Arabian Sea near Mahalaxmi railway station and draws large Navaratri crowds.
Stories
A merchant's temple on the sea edge
The Mahalaxmi temple in Mumbai was built in 1831 by Dhakji Dadaji, a Hindu merchant, and is dedicated to Mahalakshmi, the central goddess of the Devi Mahatmya. It stands on the shore of the Arabian Sea near Mahalaxmi station. Its sanctum holds images of the three goddesses Mahakali, Mahalakshmi and Mahasaraswati, and large crowds gather here during Navaratri.
The goddess found in the sea
A popular story links the goddess to the Hornby Vellard, the sea wall begun in 1782 to join Bombay's islands. Tradition says its walls collapsed twice, until the chief engineer, a Pathare Prabhu, dreamed of a Lakshmi image lying in the sea near Worli.
It is said that a search recovered the statue, and that after a temple was raised for it, work on the Vellard was completed without further trouble. Historians treat this as local tradition rather than recorded fact.
Good to know
Seaside Devi temple — Maharashtra Tourism Mumbai City listing
Near Mahalaxmi station and Haji Ali coast road
Navaratri lamp and fair traditions
Getting there
Nearest airport: Mumbai (BOM). Mahalaxmi and Lower Parel stations are closest; BEST buses serve Bhulabhai Desai Road.
Best time to visit: Oct – Mar