Ramayan in Mumbai! The legend of Walkeshwar Temple and Banganga!

It was cool winter morning in Mumbai. A rare scene for a Mumbaikar! We got on our bike to explore a legend and a place, which I came to know recently after living in Mumbai for at least 7 years!

Did you know, there is a place in Mumbai from Ramayana…? Yes, that’s right!

To reach the place you have to go through scenic Girgaon Chowpatty right into the heart of plush Malabar Hill area of SoBo (South Bombay)! It’s hardly 10 min drive from Girgoan Chowpatty. After navigating through the small lanes and gulleys, we were astonished to see such a place existing in Mumbai. Evidently, the aura of the place transcends time! 

The Legend:

The story goes back to the time in Ramayana when Ravana abducts Mata Sita from Panchavati in Nashik. After that, both Lord Ram and Laxman set out in search of Mata Sita southwards. During their journey, they happened to reach Mumba Dweep (Island). Here, near the sea, both sat discussing the next course of action. After some time, a rishi came, and seeing the two young men, inquired about them.

Ram told him their ordeal and how they reached here. The thoughtful rishi advised to conduct a Puja of Mahadev, for the ease of future sufferings. Assured, Ram immediately agreed and asked Laxman to find and bring an idol for Puja. Meanwhile Ram got busy with making other arrangements for the ritual.

Ram was ready and was waiting now for Laxman. But he didn’t come. He waited. He waited more! Frustrated and getting tired of waiting for Laxman, Ram constructed original Shivling out of Sand. (Walu in Marathi & Waluka in Sanskrit!). This Shivling & the Temple in now known as Walukeshwar or Walkeshwar. (Lord made of Sand). 

A narrow but clean pathway lead to the existing Walkeshwar Temple. There are other multiple temples and Math (For ex. Kashi Math) in the surrounding but one particular temple caught our eye. The temple is Shri Venkatesh Balaji Temple. Dedicated lord Vishnu, Shri Venkatesh Balaji is the kuldaivat of Koli community.

The ancient temple was built during Maratha reign in 1789 AD and has a typical Maratha Architecture. It’s definitely worth a visit.

The Legend continues:

The puja and other ritual were completed successfully and after that Shri Ram started to feel thirsty. As they were near the seashore, there was no source of fresh water nearby. Shri Ram asked Laxman to fetch some water for drinking.

Tensed Laxman, already had in mind how he took lot of time to get Shivling and that got his elder brother to wait for a long time. He was convinced now… He will not make him wait this time. He got his bow and arrow, took aim and shot an arrow straight in the ground surrounded by sea. A gush of fresh water started to flow out of the ground. Both quenched their thirst and left the place happy and satisfied. Today this location is known as Banganga (Ban – Arrow, Ganga – Holy River) which is located right in front of the Walkeshwar Temple.

It is said that the place where arrow was shot is right in the middle of current Banganga tank. It is demarcated by a saffron flag hosting in the middle. Area surrounding Banganga Tank is also known as Mini Banaras as the whole place especially the ghats light up during Dev Deepavali with similar vibes as in evening Ganga Aarti of Banaras. 

In fast moving life of Mumbai, this place grips you with a calmness and spirituality. It takes you back in time breaking shackles of centuries.

There is one more interesting fact about the Walkeshwar Temple. The medieval history of the temple has been written in the temple in 8 Sanskrit shlokas whose brief summary is as follows: 

Shloka 1 to 7 - 

A Shiva Temple was built at this place by Laxman Prabhu in 12th Century during the Shilahara rule. Portuguese destroyed this temple and reduced it to piles. After transfer of Mumbai to East India company, pious Rama Kamath, businessman, who became treasurer and commander of the army in East India Company, paid and performed, re-consecration of this temple in AD 1715 which has attained pious fame today as the Walukeshwara.

Shloka 8 - 

क्षुद्रो वालुककण इव विश्व कृत्सन यदग्रतो भाति |

तं वालुकेश्वरमहं वन्दे अनन्तं कृपनिधिं शान्तम

In front of whom the whole World appears as a grain of sand, my humble prostration to Walukeshwara, who is the ocean of kindness and peace....

Om Namah Shivay!

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