“Aaichya chehra utharle nahe na, mala asey vatthe?” A middle-aged Maharashtrian lady once asked a priest at the Amba Mata Temple. That translates to “Mother’s face looks pale, isn’t it?” This question reflects the deep devotion felt here.
Welcome to the Amba Mata Temple in Goregaon West Mumbai a sacred space with over a century of history. My father has been visiting this temple from the late 60’s. As far as I can remember, I am a regular visitor to the temple right from the 70’s. This temple isn’t just a structure it is a living testament to faith and tradition.
Just a stone’s throw from Goregaon West railway station, the Amba Mata Temple stands as a beacon of spiritual solace. Flower sellers line the compound wall. They also watch over your footwear. This is Mumbai after all a place known for its “chappal chors” or footwear thieves. It is wise to wear old footwear when visiting temples.
Inside the Amba Mata Temple, you will find a mini-Hanuman temple. Devotees throng to seek his blessings on Saturdays offering oil and black sesame seeds. Diagonally opposite stands the sanctum of Amba Mata. She is adorned in vibrant sarees each color significant. Yellow, red and green are more popular colors. Devotees seeking boons often present her with a saree believing their wishes will be granted.
Abhishekams are performed for Amba Mata early each morning. When fully adorned she resembles a married Maharashtrian lady blessing all who come before her. Visiting this shrine evokes a sense of nostalgia. Adjacent to Amba Mata is a shrine housing Lord Shiva, Matangi Devi and Gayatri Maa. Lord Krishna is on the left of the entrance. Shitala Devi is on the right. A Nandi sits before Lord Shiva’s idol ready to receive whispered wishes.
During Navratri, huge crowds come to the Amba Mata Temple. They come from as far as Charni Road and Dombivili. The temple’s chief priest Mr. Vishnu is very close to many devotees. The Amba Mata Temple makes you addictive. You will feel like visiting again and again.
The Amba Mata Temple is more than just a religious site. It is one of the most ancient temples in Mumbai. It is a place where you can soak in spiritual fervour in totality. It is a place where your prayers never go unanswered. Remember that Mother will invariably test our patience. You should never give up. Never. In the end, what matters is faith. “Sarva Mangalya Mangalye; Sive sarvartha sadike Sharanye Trymbike Devi, Narayani Namosthuthe.”