Ready to explore a spiritual haven? The Lalsahi Dham Mandir awaits us. It is a place where devotion meets architectural beauty.
The Lalsahi Dham Mandir welcomes people of all faiths. Its serene atmosphere offers solace from the hustle and bustle of Mumbai. Let’s discover its story together.
Imagine this sacred space centuries ago. The goddess Mumba was patron of the Marathi speaking Koli people. These were the original inhabitants of the Seven Islands of Bombay. Mumba Devi is depicted as a black stone sculpture. The name Mumbai is derived from Mumba Devi.
Mumba is also known as Maha Amba or Great Mother. It is one of India’s well known names for the Hindu Mother Goddess. The Mumba Devi Temple is located in Bhuleshwar. This is in the heart of the steel and clothing markets.
The Mumba Devi Temple is a six centuries old. The original temple was at Bori Bunder. It was destroyed between 1739 and 1770. A new temple was erected at the same place in Bhuleshwar. The Goddess personifies Mother Earth. She is worshipped by Hindus in the northern Indo Gangetic plain and southern India.
The modern shrine contains an image of Mumba Devi. She is dressed in a robe with a silver crown. She has a nose stud and a golden necklace. To the left is a stone figure of Annapurna seated on a peacock. In front of the shrine is a tiger. It is the carrier of the Goddess.
Legend says Parvati took the form of a fisherwoman. She did this to gain perseverance and concentration. Lord Shiva insisted on this reincarnation. He believed it would help her gain those abilities. Goddess Parvati incarnated as a fisherwoman. She took hermitage at the place of fishermen which is the current location in 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. They were keen in their profession.
When Mumba mastered the techniques, she returned to her abode. Lord Shiva came as a fisherman and married Mumba. The fishermen requested her to stay forever. She became the village goddess. They signified her as Aai meaning mother in Marathi. She came to be known as Mumba Aai. Mumbai got its name from her.
The Mumba devi road is to the right of Zaveri Bazaar. It is a narrow street lined with stalls. They sell items associated with Hindu religion. You can find copper bracelets rings and rudraksha malas. Brass lingams photographs of deities and incense are also sold. Ochre clad sadhus flit along the street. Their foreheads are smeared with ash paste and vermilion.
Remember the goddess Mumba Aai. Her story is woven into the very fabric of Mumbai. As we leave the Lalsahi Dham Mandir may you carry a sense of peace. Also carry an appreciation for the city’s rich spiritual heritage.