The deity who gave the city its name

Located near the crowded alleys and by lanes of Bhuleshwar in South Mumbai is the iconic temple of ‘Mumbadevi’. 

The city of Mumbai derives it’s name from this deity and hence is widely revered by a cross-section of Mumbaikars. The word” Mumba” is derived from the Sanskrit root “ Maha-Amba” or Great Mother and is one of the important shrines in the city praying the God Mother in the form of Shakti.

The legend goes that the original Mumbadevi temple was built in 1675 in Boribunder (now called CST area). However, the original temple was demolished around 1737 and then rebuilt in Bhuleshwar where it currently stands. 

The land to build the current temple was donated by ‘ Pandu Sheth’ and his family were traditionally the caretakers of the temple. 

Later on ‘Mumbadevi Temple Board’ was formed after a High Court (HC) order. Till date, the temple board is entrusted with the administration of the shrine.

People from the fishermen or the Koli community, who are also the original inhabitants of the island city revere the godmother as their ‘protector’ from any obstacle that comes from the sea. 

Hence, she is worshipped during any pious occasion in their family.  The shrine continues to be one of the top attractions for national and international tourists visiting the commercial capital.