Devotion echoes within these ancient walls. We stand before the Amba Mata Mandir. This temple is a testament to faith and history in Mumbai.
The Amba Mata Mandir is dedicated to the goddess Mumba. Mumba is a local incarnation of Parvati. She is the Mother Goddess herself. The city of Mumbai actually derives its name from Mumba Devi.
Let’s step back in time. Hindu sects devoted to Mumbadevi existed as far back as the 15th century. The temple was built in 1675. It was near the main landing site of the former Bori Bunder creek. A Hindu woman named Mumba built it near the English Fort Saint George.
The creek and fort have deteriorated. They are reminders of the city’s past. But the Amba Mata Mandir is still active.
Mumba Devi was the patron of the Marathi-speaking Koli people. They were the original inhabitants of the Seven Islands of Bombay. The goddess is depicted as a black stone sculpture.
Mumba means Maha Amba or Great Mother. This is a well-known name for the Hindu Mother Goddess Devi. The Amba Mata Mandir is in the Bhuleshwar area in South Mumbai. It is in the heart of the steel and clothing markets. It is a sacred pilgrimage spot. Hundreds of people visit daily. Tourists also pay their respects at the Amba Mata Mandir.
The Mumba devi temple is six centuries old. The first Mumbadevi temple was at Bori Bunder. It was destroyed between 1739 and 1770. A new temple was erected at Bhuleshwar.
The Goddess personifies Mother Earth. She is worshipped by Hindus. This includes those from the northern Indo-Gangetic plain and southern India. The original temple was built by Koli fishermen. It was demolished around 1737. A new temple was built in its place at Phansi Talao.
The modern shrine has an image of Goddess Mumba devi. She wears a robe with a silver crown. She also has a nose stud and a golden necklace. To the left is a stone figure of Annapurna. She is seated on a peacock. In front of the shrine is a tiger. This is the carrier of the Goddess.
Legend says the temple is dedicated to goddess Parvati. This is in her fisherwoman form. To take the form of Mahakali, goddess Parvati needed perseverance and concentration. Lord Shiva insisted Parvati reincarnate as a fisherwoman. Fishermen gain perseverance and concentration while fishing. Goddess Parvati incarnated as a fisherwoman. She took hermitage at the place of fishermen which is the current location of Mumbai.
Goddess Parvati was known as Matsya early on. Later, she was known as Mumba. Mumba dedicated herself to learning perseverance and concentration. She learned from fishermen. When Mumba mastered these techniques, she returned to her abode. Lord Shiva came as a fisherman and married Mumba. He realized who she was. The fishermen requested her to stay forever. She became the village goddess or grama devata. People called her Mumba Aai. Aai means mother in Marathi. Mumbai got its name from her.
The Mumba devi road is to the right of Zaveri Bazaar. It is a narrow street. Stalls sell items associated with Hinduism. You will find copper bracelets and rings. Rudraksha malas and brass lingams are also sold here. You can find photographs of deities, incense and saffron. Ochre-clad sadhus walk along the street. Their foreheads are smeared with ash paste and vermilion.
Take a moment to absorb the spiritual energy. The Amba Mata Mandir is more than just a temple. It is a living testament to Mumbai’s rich history and unwavering faith.