Mahalakshmi Temple, Mumbai - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Mahalakshmi Temple

At a distance of 9 Km from Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Mahalakshmi Temple is an ancient Hindu temple situated on Bhulabhai Desai Road in Mahalakshmi area of Mumbai. Situated on a hillock alongside the Arabian Sea, the Mahalakshmi Temple is dedicated to the Devi Mahalakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. The temple houses the idols of the Hindu Tridevis - Shri Mahalakshmi, Shri Mahasaraswati and Shri Mahakali. This is one of the most famous temples of Mumbai and among the must-include places in the Mumbai family packages. Managed by the 'Shri Mahalaxmi Temple Trust', the iconic mandir receives thousands of devotees in the month of Margashirsha as they believe Mahalakshmi Mata gets alive or 'Jagrut' during this time.

History & Mythology of Mahalakshmi Temple

According to legend, the three idols predate the construction of the temple, which took place between 1761 and 1771 AD. The idols representing the three goddesses - Mahalaxmi, Mahasaraswati, and Mahakali - were initially submerged in the Arabian Sea near Worli to protect them from invaders. They remained underwater until Shri Ramji Shivji Prabhu retrieved them. Mr. Prabhu served as the chief engineer for Mr. William Hornby's renowned Hornby Vellard project, aimed at connecting the islands of Worli and Malabar Hill. However, the project encountered numerous obstacles and faced repeated failures. One night, Mr. Prabhu dreamt that Goddess Mahalaxmi instructed him to recover the three idols from the sea, build a temple, and place the idols within it. Following her guidance, Mr. Prabhu successfully completed the construction of Breach Candy, the link between Worli and Malabar Hill. In recognition of the project's success, Lord Hornby granted Mr. Prabhu the land on the hillock. Subsequently, Mr. Prabhu erected the current Mahalaxmi Temple in Mumbai, fulfilling the divine directive at a cost of Rs. 80,000.

Architecture of Mahalakshmi Temple

The Mahalakshmi Temple in Mumbai is renowned for its harmonious fusion of traditional Hindu architectural elements and modern design. It boasts elaborate carvings, decorative domes, and soaring spires, which together create a majestic and solemn ambiance. The temple complex features a Sabha mandap and a sanctum sanctorum. Atop the temple stands a 15-meter-high Kalash, complemented by silver-plated elephants and peacocks adorning the pillars, along with the prominent 'Laxmi Yantra' positioned at the main entrance of the sanctum.

Within the sanctum, one can find the representations of the Tridevi goddesses: Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. Each of these images is embellished with nose rings, gold bangles, and pearl necklaces. The principal idol of Goddess Mahalakshmi is situated behind the intricately designed gate, depicted seated on a tiger. Additionally, the temple complex contains stalls offering garlands and flowers intended for worshiping the deities.

Festivals of Mahalakshmi Temple

The Sri Mahalakshmi Temple in Mumbai commemorates Navratri and Diwali as significant festivals. Navratri, referred to as the 'nine nights' festival, occurs biannually: Chaitra Navaratra in March-April and Ashvin Navaratra in September-October. During these two Navratris, the sun's rays illuminate the three deities for a brief period. Diwali, known as the festival of lights, along with the Annakut Festival on Kartik Pournima and Gudi Padwa, is celebrated with immense grandeur and enthusiasm at this temple.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Mahalakshmi Temple

Although Mahalakshmi Temple does not enforce a strict dress code, it is advisable to wear modest attire that covers the upper arms and legs as a mark of respect. Men are encouraged to don a dhoti or pajama along with an upper garment, or alternatively, formal trousers and shirts. Women may choose to wear a saree, half saree, or chudidhars. It is recommended to avoid modern clothing such as mini-skirts, shorts, and sleeveless tops while visiting the temple.

While the temple is open to all, the inner sanctum where the deity is enshrined is restricted to Hindus only. This is a common practice in many Hindu temples to maintain the sanctity of the deity and the rituals associated with it.

Mahalakshmi Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 10 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 10 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 10 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 10 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 10 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 10 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 10 PM

Mahalakshmi Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Mahalakshmi Temple

The best period to visit Mahalakshmi Temple is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for temple visits. To fully immerse yourself in the temple's spiritual atmosphere, consider scheduling your visit during the Navratri Festival, which features grand celebrations including special rituals, chanting, and prayers. The summer months from March to June can be excessively hot and humid, while the monsoon season from June to September is characterized by heavy rainfall that may disrupt travel plans.

How to Reach Mahalakshmi Temple

Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, located approximately 20 kilometers from Mahalakshmi Temple, serves as the closest airport. It offers extensive flight connections to prominent international destinations such as Dubai, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the USA, and Europe, as well as various domestic locations including Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Jaipur, Kochi, Trivandrum, Kolkata, and Goa. Additionally, the Victoria Terminus and Bombay Central Stations in Mumbai provide robust train services linking the city to major towns and cities across India, including Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bangalore. Mumbai is also efficiently connected by bus to cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mangalore, Goa, Ahmedabad, and Pune. Travelers can reach the temple from these locations by utilizing city buses, auto-rickshaws, or taxis.