Mumbai, the commercial capital of India, is one of the most sought out destination for travellers from India and abroad. The commercial hub, ancient buildings of art, the native Marathi culture, International and Konkani cuisine and its Religious significance all contribute to interest areas for travellers.
Navratri, the 9-day holy, fasting period is observed twice, once in April and second in October, by Hindus all over. Mumbai is not left behind in its celebrations. Bengali, Punjabi, North Indians mainly celebrate this pious 9-day festival. Goddess Durga in her nine forms is worshipped all nine days and nights. The three main Goddesses worshipped are MahaKali (Goddess who kills evil), MahaLakshmi (Goddess of wealth) and MahaSaraswati (Goddess of Knowledge).
Personally, I visit 3 old Religious temples of the Goddesses during Navratri in Mumbai. It is a long distance to travel to finally reach ‘Mahalakshmi Temple’ in Mahalaksmi area of South Mumbai. It houses the 3 main deities mentioned above next to one another. The heads of the Goddesses are visible. They are made of Gold and adorned with all kinds of ornaments and flowers. Deities travel from far off places to seek their one look during Navratri. People are offered her blessings and given ‘Parshad’ with sacred ‘Ganga Jal’ after they offer her money, flowers, fruits, sweets, Red Chunri, and other items worn by a wedded Indian woman (called ‘Suhaag ka Saaman’) as per their capacity. The ocean is visible from the temple. Melas selling Holy items, artificial jewellery, food items, Sarees attract the visitors. It is a good time for vendors to earn also.
Next halt is at the oldest ‘Mumba Devi Temple’ is Grant Road. Mumbai got its name from this Devi temple. Here Annapurna Devi, Mumba Devi, Jagdamba Devi are seated. They are also beautifully decorated in Jewellery, Flowers, Garlands and Chunri. Women and families visit this temple to get blessed. A small ‘Amba Devi temple’ here adds to the power of the blessed site.
A small ‘Kalbadevi Temple’ lies in the next lane of Mumba Devi temple. It is also a very scared residence of 3 Goddesses. People come and pray to them for happiness and prosperity. Parshad and Ganga Jal (Water from the sacred Ganges River) is offered to deities.
It’s a tradition I have followed since I started living in Mumbai. I try and visit these 3 temples atleast once or twice every year, by the call and grace of the Goddesses. It is a very satisfying day spent every year. Though it is hectic but I always look forward to it.
