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Mumba Devi Temple is the most famous shrine of Mumbai. It is situated at Bhuleshwar, in the southern part of the Commercial Capital of India. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mumba, who is considered as the patron deity of Koli fishermen - the first inhabitants of Bombay city. The Goddess is identified as the form of 'Shakti' and is worshipped by people with the utmost devotion.

As per the legends, Mumbadevi Temple was due to the result of attacks by Mumbarka - a cruel monster, who used to plunder the city for fun. As the people there were frightened by the violence of Mumbarka, the city inhabitants kept their situation before Lord Brahma. It has been regarded that Lord Brahma made a Goddess, who had eight arms, to slaughter the demon. The Goddess killed the demon and consequently, she came to be known as 'Mumba'.

In 1739, the temple of Mumbadevi was constructed at Bori Bunder that currently makes the site of Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. It was later destroyed and rebuilt at the present location of Bhuleshwar. In the sanctum sanctorum, the image of Mumba Devi appears divine, dressed in rich clothes and adorned with a silver crown, a nose stud and a golden necklace.


This temple was built in honour of the Goddess Mumbai, from whose name it is said, that the English word 'Bombay' is derived. The Mumbadevi temple is six centuries old. The first Mumbadevi temple was situated at Bori Bunder, and is believed to have been destroyed between 1739 and 1770. After the destruction a new temple was erected at the same place at Bhuleshwar. The Goddess here at this temple personifies Mother Earth and is still worshipped by the descendants of the Dravidian population of western and southern India. The original temple built at the site where the Victoria Terminus station is now present was demolished around 1737 and a new temple was erected in its place at Phansi Talao. The modern shrine in the temple contains an image of the Goddess Mumbadevi dressed in a robe with a silver crown, a nose stud and a golden necklace. To the left is a stone figure of Annapurna seated on a peacock. In front of the shrine is a tiger, the carrier of the Goddess.

On the left side, one can see Goddess Annapurna mounted on a Peacock. Goddess Mumba is depicted here without mouth, which symbolizes the Mother Earth. There are other shrines dedicated to Lord Ganesha, Maruti, Mahadev, Indrayani, Murlidhar, Jagannath, Narsoba and Balaji in the temple complex. Till date, Mumba Devi is worshipped by Koli fisher folks and Dravidians in the most sumptuous manner.

Other shrines within the Temple complex of Mumbadevi are dedicated to Ganesh, Maruti, Mahadev, Indrayani, Murlidhar, Jagannath, Narsoba and Balaji.

The goddess dressed in silver robes and adorned with nose studs sits Mumba, the presiding goddess of Mumbai, inside this temple at Phansi Talao. Mumba is a goddess without a mouth and is a local representation of Mother Earth, and is worshipped by the Koli fisherfolk. Beside the statue of the orange faced goddess Mumba Devi also reside idols of Indra, Ganesh and Hanuman. It is common belief that the goddess does not disappoint any of her devotees, if they pray to her sincerely. The temple is closed on Mondays. Just outside the temple, the stalls sell flower garlands of sweet smelling jasmine, orange marigolds and pink lotuses -an offering, which is considered auspicious by the worshippers.

Nearby tourist places to Mumba Devi Temple Mumbai Pune

Through Airways the city of Mumbai is a most important international doorway to India with international flights from major countries of the world. Air India and many other global air carriers operate regular flights to and via the city. Indian Airlines connects the city of Mumbai with nearly all tourist destinations of India. Private sector airlines also offer air-link to many key centres of the country. The Mumbai airport has two wings which are Chhatrapati Shivaji international Airport and Santacruz domestic airport.

Through Railways Mumbai city is the control center of the Central and Western Railways. Usual train services unite it with all main cities like Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Bangalore, Bhopal, Calcutta, Delhi, Goa, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Chennai, Nagpur and Thiruvananthapuram. You can travel to Mumbai from any part of the country by direct train service.

Through Road ways - there are good motorable roads with all major tourist centres connecting Mumbai. National Highways across the length and breadth of the country are great ways to go for the self-drive decision and head to Mumbai.