Mumbai is India in a nutshell. People of all the religions have been staying here for ages and thus there are ancient temples, churches and mosques are standing tall along with the new buildings.

Mumbadevi Temple dedicated to city's patron Goddess Mumbadevi is located in Bhuleshwar, Mumbai. She is considered as Mumbai's resident deity. The original temple built by Koli fishermen, was demolished around 1737 where the present C.S.T. stands, and a new temple was erected in its place at Bhuleshwar. The modern shrine contains the original idol of the Goddess Mumbadevi dressed in a robe with a silver crown, a nose ring 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. The Goddess personifies Mother Earth.

One of the oldest temples in Mumbai which was built in 1780 is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is a monolithic temple nearly 1000 feet above sea level and situated near the Malabar hills, south Mumbai.

Walkeshwar temple: Legend says that Lord Ram in his search for Sita came to this place and worshipped Lord Shiva by making the Shiva - Lingam of Sand, which is walu in the local language. Hence, it is known by the name of Walkeshwar. Nearby is a tank, which also attaches with a legend, that Ram's brother, pierced his arrow for water, and the water sprung up. The tank has the name of Banganga, or the Ganges of arrow. The temple was destroyed by the Portuguese but was rebuilt in 1715 by a devotee.

This temple built on a rocky hillock of the sea has the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. The most interesting part of the temple is the rocky shore behind it. The waves come dashing and the feeling of actually being in the sea can be experienced here. Though quite centrally located, the temple has to be approached by climbing many steps. The temple also has images of Goddesses Mahalakshmi, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati.

This 200 year old temple of Ganesh is considered to be very devout. It has one of very rare idols of Ganapati whose trunk is turned to the right. People throng from all over Mumbai to seek blessings of the God on Tuesday. The temple has been recently renovated and is very centrally located.

Situated in south Mumbai, this is the oldest mosque of the city. The mosque has a unique architecture with beautiful arches. It was demolished by the British and was rebuilt at its present place in 1802.

While going towards south Mumbai via the Worli sea face road, one can see a road going into the sea, and nearly a kilometer away from the mainland stands a mosque. This is the shrine of Haji Ali, a rich Muslim merchant who renounced all his wealth before going to the Mecca. The body of the saint is enclosed by a semi-circular tomb. The beautiful mosque in white is nearly 800 years old. The pathway to the shrine is covered with water during high tide.

This shrine is another ancient Muslim shrine of Mumbai Built in 1415 to honour the great scholar Makhtum Fakir Ali Paru. His command over the holy Koran is well known.

One of the oldest Churches it is situated at the southern tip of Mumbai. Afghan Church stands in a quiet army cantonment, an imposing basalt edifice with a lofty limestone spire that can be seen several miles away. This is the church of St John the Evangelist, built in 1847 and consecrated in 1858 to honour the soldiers who died of sickness and sword in the conquest of Sindh and Afghanistan in 1843. Thus it came to be known as Afghan Church. It is impressive with the wide Gothic Arches and beautiful stained-glass windows.

A rich memoir of the Raj, St. Thomas' Cathedral, is city's first Anglican Church. It is situated in the heart of the commercial Fort area. The building was started in 1672 and was opened to public on the Christmas Day of 1718. Though simple in structure, the interior of the Church has some exquisite art adorations.

As the name suggests the church has been dedicated to mother of Christ, Mary. Situated on a hillock in the western suburb of Bandra this church attracts people from all the religions during the week long fair. Thousands of candles are lit during this time with the belief that Mother Mary fulfills all the wishes if a candle is lit with sacred heart.

Interestingly, not many know the ancient existence of this church. Built by the Portuguese in the 15th century this is apparently, the oldest church of Mumbai. Situated very near to the Dargah of Mahim, it bears a fair like atmosphere every Wednesday.

The Parsi community came to Mumbai in the late 16th century. They were good artisans and clever businessmen. Originally from Iran, the Parsis practice Zoroastrianism. The Zoroastrians believe in venerating the earth, fire, and water. They worship fire and therefore the temples are known as the fire temples. The huge fire temple in the Malabar hill area of Mumbai was built in 1672 A.D. The same year the Tower of silence was built. The Parsis prefer to expose their dead to the natural elements and flesh-eating birds within the confines of the Towers of Silence. Both of these structures can still be seen today although a non –Parsi can not enter them.

Date in India (GMT+5:30)
Mon. 22 March 2010