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Walkeshwar Temple in Mumbai Maharashtra India

Here is Some Information about Walkeshwar Temple in Mumbai Maharashtra India.

Location:Banganga Road, Malabar Hill, South Mumbai
Built In :1927
Dedicated To:Valuka Ishwar (Lord of Sand)
Temple Timing : 6 AM to 7 PM Daily
Entry :Free 
Best time to visit:October to March.
Facilities:Drinks, Mobile Phones Allowed, Washroom
Photography : AllowedCoordinates: 18°56'44"N 72°47'35"E
Visiting time : 15 Minute
Nearest Railway Station : Mumbai Central
Nearest Airport : Mumbai

More Information about  Walkeshwar Temple Mumbai

Walkeshwar temple is among the most ancient temples of Mumbai having earned a heritage status for its architecture and popularity among the pilgrims. Originally built by the Silharas around 1050 years ago on Malabar Hill, Walkeshwar temple derives its name from Valuka Ishwar meaning Lord of Sand.

One of the oldest structures on the site is the Venkateshwar Balaji Mandir, a Peshwa era temple with a wooden canopy, dating from 1789. Another elegant structure is the Rameshwar Mandir, probably built in 1825. All the temples are in dire need of structural repairs and cleaning. 

Legend has it that the Walkeshwar temple was built by Ram, who sent his brother Lakshman to Benaras to get a shivalinga to be established here. Before it could be brought, he had an alternative constructed from sand. Folk etymology derives the name Walkeshwar from the Sanskrit name for an idol made of sand-- Valuka Iswar.

History of Walkeshwar Temple Mumbai

According to legend, the Hindu god Ram paused at this spot on his way from Ayodhya to Lanka in pursuit of the demon Ravana who had kidnapped his wife, Sita. He constructed a lingam (phallus representing Shiva) made of sand, after having tired of waiting for his brother, Lakshman to bring a lingam for puja (worship). The name is derived from the Sanskrit name for an idol made of sand - Valuka Iswar.

When Ram was thirsty, as there was no fresh water readily available, he shot an arrow and brought Ganga over here. Hence Bana (arrow in Sanskrit) Ganga. The water that feeds the tank stems from an underground spring at that spot, despite the proximity to the sea.

The temple and the attached Banganga Tank were built in 1127 AD by Lakshman Prabhu, a minister in the court of Silhara dynasty Kings who ruled Thane, and the islands of Mumbai during 810 to 1240 AD. The temple was destroyed by the Portuguese during their rule of Mumbai in the 16th century.

The temple was rebuilt by Mumbai businessman and philanthropist, Rama Kamath, a Saraswat Brahmin (known in British records as 'Kamati') in 1715. The temple has been substantially reconstructed since that time.

Festival Celebration Walkeshwar Temple Mumbai

The Banganga Tank, situated in the Walkeshwar temple, serves as the venue of a Hindustani classical music festival. It is organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) every year, in the month of January. In this festival, one can be a witness to performances by virtuosos as well as amateurs in the field of music. Live musical performances and concerts held here attract locals as well as tourists to this sacred place.

How to Reach Walkeshwar Temple in Mumbai

By Air :The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport where both international and domestic flights are scheduled from different states and countries to reach Mumbai city. Almost every airlines schedule regular flights for local and tourist to hail and return back from Mumbai. This airport is the busiest one in this country which has two international and domestic terminals that connects well to various major cities and countries by shuttle services.

By Rail :Mumbai possess a widespread network of rail tracks, which associates the cities and other parts of the nation. The closest railway station to reach at Walkeshwar Temple is Grant Road. From here you can travel by taxi or bus which will take you at this sacred place of Mumbai within 15 minutes. The main stop visitors have to get down is at Teen Butti Junction from there it is located at a two minutes walk distance. To hail in Mumbai (Bombay) city, there are various passenger trains, local trains, and expresses that pass through various states and cities of India.Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal is the most popular and headquarters of Mumbai for railway, apart from this some major cities are Kurla, Dadar, Churchgate, and Bombay Central. You can board any trains that run across different directions of the country.

By Road :Road is the best mode of transport to travel while exploring Mumbai city. Regular bus services are available both private and local government which passes through various cities and states. There are various bus facilities offered from different cities like Pune, Nashik, Satara, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and many more. Taxis, auto rickshaws, and hired cars are available for tourist to travel to Walkeshwar Temple.

Picture Gallery of  Walkeshwar Temple in Mumbai

Google Map of Walkeshwar Temple in Mumbai


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