But only few people, and still fewer Mumbaikars, know that history was made just half a kilometre away. It is here that the temple of Mumba Devi is located and it is this goddess' name that has been conferred on Mumbai. Built in BC 1303 during the reign of King Bhimdev, the temple's main architects and engineers were the Goli tribals living around the area. Unfortunately, when Mumbai was reconstructed in 1737 during British rule, the temple was demolished completely right to the foundations. Pant Seth Saoji, a Hindu trader, revived initiatives to restore the temple to its original glory. And restore he did, with generous contributions form many Hindus.
The Mumba Devi temple is built in typical North Indian architectural style, with steep conical spires, called Gopuras. A saffron flag waves atop the towers, proclaiming its innate sanctity. The Goddess is another Avatar or manifestation of Durga, the fierce Mother Goddess and hence a lion stands before her. Goddess Annapoorani, the Giver of Food, is to her left.
Tuesdays and Sundays are specials days for this twin goddesses. Crowds throng the portals of this hallowed shrine, while on special festive days like Dusshera, you will have to stand in line for a minimum of 2 hours. On the first day of Dusshera, devotees plant lentil seeds, a big sacrificial pit is erected on the seventh day and on the eighth day, ghee (clarified butter), grains and coconuts are consecrated to the sacrificial fire. On the tenth day, the newly sprouted lentils are harvested and dedicated to Goddess Mumba.
A unique tradition of this temple is its offerings. People offer money and to make their point, they nail it to the iron railings. If you look carefully, you can see coins as old as 1540. The temple is also famous for its other shrines- that of Lord Hanuman, Mahadev, Jagannatha and a host of other lesser gods.
With her new revived glory and devoted following, Mumba Devi holds court in India's busiest city. Her temple is an important pilgrimage centre to the average Mumbaikar or any other tourist.
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