shakti · Maharashtra
Mahalakshmi Temple Mumbai
महालक्ष्मी मन्दिर
Presiding deity: Goddess Mahalakshmi + Mahasaraswati + Mahakali (triple Devi form)
Established: 1831 CE; legend traces back to 18th century swayambhu emergence
Significance
Mumbai second most-visited temple (after Siddhivinayak). Unique triple-Devi form — three deities of Mahalakshmi (wealth), Mahasaraswati (wisdom), Mahakali (power) worshipped together. Story holds the swayambhu emergence happened in 1761 when a contractor saw three Devi statues in his dream at the sea-bed before constructing the Hornby Vellard. Sea-side location offers panoramic Arabian Sea darshan — devotees offer flowers to sea after temple visit.
Legend
In 1761 during construction of the Hornby Vellard (causeway linking Mahalakshmi and Worli), the British engineer faced repeated structural failures. Indian contractor Ramji Shivji had a dream where three Devi statues hidden in the sea-bed asked to be enshrined. After excavation and consecration, the construction succeeded. The temple was formalized in 1831.
How to reach
Bhulabhai Desai Road, Breach Candy area. From Mumbai CSMT (8km) take taxi/Uber. From Mumbai airport (18km) take prepaid taxi.
Where to stay
Premium hotels on Marine Drive; budget hotels in Tardeo area
Primary pujas performed here
- mahalakshmi-darshan
- shukravar-special-aarti
- navratri-kanya-pujan
- akshay-tritiya-puja
- lakshmi-archana
What to offer: Red flowers (preferred), saree for Mahalakshmi, lotus, sweets, gold coins (occasional vows), dakshina
Modern access
Friday and Akshay Tritiya draw 50K+ devotees. NRI Marwari, Gujarati, and Maharashtrian diaspora pilgrimage from US/UK/Singapore. The annual Navratri Kanya Pujan is one of Mumbai largest organised by temple trust. Daily Mahaprasad served free. Sea-side ghat used for visarjan during Ganesh Chaturthi.
Nearby tirthas
- siddhivinayak-mumbai
- walkeshwar-banganga
- mumbadevi-temple
- haji-ali-dargah