Mahalaxmi Temple, Mumbai

Visitor Information:

• Famous For Pilgrimage, Religious Site

• Fee Free

• Visiting Time 7AM - 10 PM

• Duration of Visit 2 to 3 hours

Mahalaxmi Temple is one of the most famous temples of the city of Mumbai. This temple is dedicated to Devi Mahatmyam. This temple is considered to be the temple that grants wealth. This is one of the oldest temples and is commonly visited by devotees from around the world.

Location of Mahalaxmi Temple

The temple is located on the Bhulabhai Desai Road in the Mahalaxmi area of Mumbai.

History of Mahalaxmi Temple

This temple was built by a Hindu merchant, Dhakji Dadaji in the end of 18th century. The Hornby Vellard near the sea was being constructed during that time. The sea wall repeatedly collapsed for different reasons.

Once day, the chief engineer of the building dreamt of a deity statue near the sea. A huge search was performed and the deity was recovered. A temple was built for that statue and the Hornby Vellard construction took place without any mishap.

The temple was said to have been built by spending just INR 80,000 on top of a hillock. The hillock was a gift to the builder by English ruler, who wanted to connect the two creeks together with Hornby Vellard.

Architecture of Mahalaxmi Temple

Inside the temple, you will find statues of three main goddess of Hinduism. All the statues are decorated with ornaments. The architecture of the temple is unique traditional style with ambience of serene environment filled with intricate carvings and designs.

Once you enter the temple complex, you will find a tall wooden block carved with designs and covered with silver sheet. The throne of the deities are also covered with silver sheets and carved.

Significance of Mahalaxmi Temple

Navratri is the most significant celebration of this temple. During this festival many rituals and celebrations will be conducted. During Chaitra month (March-April) and Ashwin month (September – October), the sun rays will fall directly on the main deities of the temple. It is an important time to visit the temple.

It is said that Lord Vishnu and his consort Lord Lakshmi live in the Karveer area will not leave until the Mahaprayakala. This is one of the six sacred sites of Shakti in the world. This site is famous among devotees for fulfilling their desires and for salvation.

Tourist Attractions in Mahalaxmi Temple

There are two more temples closer to Mahalaxmi temple. After visiting this temple, walk to Mahadev Dhakleshwar temple and Trimbakeshwar temple.

Other top attractions nearby are St. Thomas’ Cathedral, Mount Mary Church, Vajreshwari temple, Haji Ali shrine and others.

Visiting Timings of Mahalaxmi Temple

The temple is open from 7 am to 10 pm. The timings would vary during religious celebrations and festivals.

Entry Fee of Mahalaxmi Temple

There is no entry fee for the temple.

If you are looking to performing any ritual under your name, you need to book for the ritual.

Special Havan – INR 2,500

Mahapooja – INR 251 (can be done at any day)

Abhishek – INR 20 (throughout the day)

Archan – INR 10 (throughout the day)

The temple has plans to start online booking in the near future. Until then, booking has to be done at the counter inside the temple complex.

Best Time To Visit Mahalaxmi Temple

Best time to visit the temple is during any ritual.

Morning main ritual – 7 am to 7:20 am

Evening ritual – 6:30 pm to 6:40 pm

Evening main ritual – 7:30 pm to 7:50 pm

Night ritual – 10 pm

However, the ultimate time to visit is during the celebration of Navratri. The temple will be heavily decorated and many rituals and celebrations will be conducted.

Remember that the temple will be very crowded during this festival. Diwali is also an important time to visit the temple.

During the four days of celebration of Diwali, the Laxmipoojan celebration is quite common in this temple. The day after Diwali, Annakut celebration is held and the deity is served with 56 types of food items and the same will be distributed to the public.

Marathi New Year, which takes place in March-April, is also an important day to visit the temple. Every year, on 17th of June, a special procession is conducted.

In general, the best time to visit Mumbai is during the winter. Winter starts in September and ends in March. Fortunately, Navratri and Diwali fall during winter. Summers are hot and humid and monsoon invites heavy rainfall.

How To Reach Mahalaxmi Temple

The temple is quite well known and you can find it easy to hire cabs from any part of the city to the temple. If you are looking for a local train journey, you need to get down at the Mahalaxmi Station and hire an auto rickshaw or taxi from the station to the temple.