Mahalaxmi Temple, Mumbai
The well-known temple of Mumbai is Mahalaxmi temple. It is worshipped and visited in the honour of Goddess Mahalaxmi. It has gained its solid structure in 1831 by Dhakji Dadaji (a Hindu merchant). It has gained one of the positions among the ancient sanctums of the city. It is a belief that all the desires of the aficionados are fulfilled by the divine goddess. Devotees visit this temple not only to fulfill their wishes but also to get blessed form the goddess. The exotic designs have decorated this temple and this temple is an example finest architecture of India. It has esteemed position among the different shrines of India. The erection of the sanctum is in accordance to the directives of Goddess Mahalaxmi. This sanctum is famous for its elite history and piousness.
Getting There
One can reach Mumbai by mean of three modes road, rail and air. The journey through air can be carried out by Chhatrapati Shivaji international Airport and Santacruz domestic airport. Mumbai is connected by many cities through the rail network. The other way to reach Mumbai is by mean of self-drive. After reaching Mumbai one can reach the shrine by local bus, metro or by hiring taxi.
Security And Some Tips
There are excellent security arrangements by police and traffic department. This shrine has got extended support from an NGO. CCTV cameras are installed to visualize each and every activity of devotee. There is also bomb detection squad and dog squads. There are also door frame metal detectorsso as to avoid the entry of unwanted element like gun, knife etc. People should not carry cash and ornaments with them. They should place their luggage at safe and secure place.
When To Visit
This temple can be visited throughout the year. This temple is opened all the days of the week. The timings of the temple are 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The duration of visiting this temple is 45 minutes to 1 hour. There is no entry fee to visit this temple.
What To See And Do
Before entering into the temple premises one has to move up towards the 100 stairs. After the stairs there is a platform made of marble. After the platform there comes the main shrine which is also made up of marble. The corridor of the temple consists of stalls of flowers, sweets incense sticks. It consists of three deities. Among the three the central one is of Mahalaxmi. The other two is of Mahakali and Mahasaraswati. All of the three idols are adorned with nose rings, gold bangles and pearl necklaces. Tiger is the sawari of the goddess along with the demon. These deities are polished up with gold. Peda, Laddu, Mixed murmure, Makhane, coconut, sweets, Revdi and bhabuti are distributed as Prasad.
Where To Stay
There are many dharamshalas in Mumbai to have stay at reasonable prices. These dharamshalas are: Agashi Jain Dharamshala, Shree Kshetrapal Jain Atithi Bhavan, Kabutar Khana Jain Dharmashala and Mahavir Dham Dharamshala etc.
Where Else To Stay
Yatri can also have their stay at hotels which provide luxury. These hotels are: Aifa Residency, Savoy Suites, Hotel Arma Residency and Mumbai Metro The Executive Hotel etc.
Festivals
The festival of navratri is celebrated here with great zeal of enthusiasm. People flocked towards this temple from distant places. People use to stand in a long queue in order to offer coconuts, flowers and sweets.
Side trips
There are many places near mahalaxmi temple to visit. These places are: shree mahakali mandir, Hareshwar Temple, Shree Durga Mandir, Paras Dham Temple, cinemax r odeon mall, chembur kali Bari temple, parja shree ganesh mandir, Marathi Church and good shepherds methodist Marathi.
Travel Tips
Yatris should take a video camera with them so as to trap the whole of the visit. Yatri should also take a personal diary for keeping written record of the trip along with the feelings and emotions at that moment. They should also hire a tourist guide for having a complete knowledge of the trip including its history. They also should take the first aid in order to cure frequent injury.
Thus, the best way to gain divinity and spiritualism along with the fulfillment of wishes of the common people is the journey of Mahalaxmi temple.