Religious Place

Mumbai, the commercial and economic capital of India, is also the city of dreamers and a melting point of culture. Although, this metropolitan city is known for the fast paced life, it stands still during religious processions. You will find people, on their way to the office, bowing their head to the deity at a roadside temple and thronging to a Hanuman temple on Saturdays. 


There are several religious place in Mumbai where you can witness this city’s religious passion. Mumbai is home to thousands of temples and each of these temples has diverse architectural style, tradition and religious legacy. Some of them are iconic and are a must visit to experience the spiritual grandeur. Here is a list of some of the most famous religious place in Mumbai.

Mumba Devi Temple

Dedicated to Mumba, the patron goddess of the native Somavanshi Kshatriya, Koli (fishermen) and Agri communities, Mumbadevi temple is said to be constructed in 1675 At Bori Bunder. The temple was rebuilt later at Bhuleshwar. The Koli community considers Mumbadevi as a guardian. Goddess Mumbadevi is an incarnation of Goddess Parvati and Mumbadevi temple is a Shakti temple. Situated on Bhuleshwar Road, the temple is very popular among devotees and tourist alike. Mumbadevi temple is among the oldest temples in Mumbai and the main deity of here is made of black stone and her face has orange color. 

The deity, adorned with jewelry like nose pin, crown and necklace, stands on a decorated altar. The idol of the goddess does not have a mouth to symbolize earth. The temple complex also includes idols of other deities. The city’s name Mumbai is derived from Mumbadevi.

Location: Mumba Devi Marg, Zaveri Bazar, Mumbai.

Timing: The temple remains open on all days of the week except Monday. The timing for darshan is between 6 am to 12 pm and 4 pm to 9 pm. The temple sees maximum rush on Tuesdays.  Thousands of devotees visit the temple on Tuesday, as it is a significant day at Mumbadevi temple.

Siddhivinayak Temple

Siddhivinayak temple is one of the most important landmarks of Mumbai. Located in PrabhaDevi, Mumbai, the temple is dedicated to Ganesha, the elephant headed god. The temple is known to fulfil wishes and prayers of the devotees. It was founded in the year 1801 by Laxman Vithu and Devbhai Patil. The temple is among the Ashtavinayak temples in Maharashtra. The Siddhivinayak temple is also called Navasacha ganapati and Navasala Pavanara Ganapati. Tuesdays are special at this temple as the timing for Aarti as well as darshan is different from the other days of the week. Thousands of devotees throng to this temple on Tuesdays to offer prayer and seek blessing.

The main deity of the temple is Ganesha or Siddhivinayak with his consorts Siddi and RIddhi. The idols are placed on a small mandapam. The most striking feature of the Ganesha idol is that his trunk is on the right side. The trunk of almost all other Ganesha idol is on the left side. The idol has four hands holding a lotus, a small axe, a bowl of modaks and prayer beads. Earlier the temple was small and it had a small idol of Ganesh made of black stone. The temple also has a statue of Hanesha’s ride or vahan, Mushak. People believe that if you whisper your wishes into the ears of the mushak, it will come true. Today Siddhivinayak temple is Mumbai’s richest temple. 

It is said that the temple receives up to Rs 25 crore as donation annually. This temple has a unique and innovative architectural style. The roof of the sanctum sanctorum is gold plates and the wooden doors have images of Ashtavinayaka. The temple is very popular among celebrities. Bollywood actors usually visit Siddhivinayak temple before their movie’s release.

Address: SK Bole Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai

Timing: The temple is open on all days of the week. From Wednesday to Monday, the timing for darshan is from 5:30 am to 10 pm and on Tuesday, it is between 3:15 am to 10 pm.

ISKCON Temple

Located near Juhu Beach, ISKCON is the places you should visit if you are searching for inner peace. The spiritual aura and the serenity of this place will take you to another world. You can sit and meditate in here. One of the most famous temples in Mumbai, ISKCON attracts thousands of devotees and tourists. This beautiful temple is made of pristine white marbles. The intricate carvings and the architecture of the temple is a sight to behold. The main deity is Krishna along with Radha. The temple also has idols of other deities.  This ISKCOn temple in Mumbai was established by the Acharya A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the Hare Krishna movement, in the year 1978.This sprawling structure includes an auditorium, guest houses, libraries and a restaurant. The auditorium hosts many religious performances. The temple is also known for its delicious food.

Address: Harekrishna Land, Near Chandan Cinema, Juhu.

Timings: The temple is open on all days of the week from 4:30 am to 1 pm and 4:30 pm to 9 pm.

Global Pagoda

The Global Vipassana Pagoda is a Meditation Hall near Gorai, North-west of Mumbai, India. The Pagoda was inaugurated by Pratibha Patil, then President of India on 8 February 2009. It is built on donated land on a peninsula between Gorai creek and the Arabian Sea. The pagoda is to serve as a monument of peace and harmony. The Global Vipassana Pagoda has been built out of gratitude to Sayagyi U Ba Khin (1899 - 1971), Vipassana teacher and the first Accountant-General of Independent Burma, who was instrumental in Vipassana returning to India, the country of its origin.

Built entirely through voluntary donations, the purpose of the Global Vipassana Pagoda is to: 1) share information about Vipassana, and 2) remove misconceptions about the Gotama the Buddha and his teachings. "The Buddha did not teach Buddhism. During his lifetime, he did not convert a single person to Buddhism", said the late Principal Vipassana Teacher S.N.Goenka (whose idea it was to build the Global Vipassana Pagoda), in his article 'Why the Vipassana Pagoda'."One will be surprised to hear this and will not want to believe it, because we have been hearing, speaking, reading and writing contrary to this fact for such a long time. But the historical truth is that the Buddha neither taught Buddhism nor made any person a Buddhist." Vipassana is the practical quintessence of the universal, non-sectarian teachings of the Buddha.Its traditional Burmese design is an expression of gratitude towards the country of Myanmar for preserving the practice of Vipassana. The shape of the pagoda is a copy of the Shwedagon Pagoda (Golden Pagoda) in Yangon, Myanmar. It was built combining ancient Indian and modern technology to enable it to last for a thousand years.

Where: Gorai, in the far northern Mumbai suburbs,Boriwali.

Haji Ali

The Haji Ali Dargah is a mosque and dargah (tomb) located on an islet off the coast of Worli in the southern part of Mumbai. Near the heart of the city proper, the dargah is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Mumbai.

An exquisite example of Indo-Islamic Architecture, associated with legends about doomed lovers, the dargah contains the tomb of Sayed Peer Haji Ali Shah Bukhari.One of the top attractions in Mumbai, the imposing Haji Ali is both a mosque and tomb.

It was built in 1431 by wealthy Muslim merchant and Sufi saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, who was inspired to change the course of his life after going to Mecca. It also contains his body. Situated in the middle of the ocean, Haji Ali is only accessible during low tide from a narrow, 500 yard long walkway. On Thursdays and Fridays tens of thousands of pilgrims flock there to receive blessings from the dead saint. If find you need to pass some time until the tide lowers enough, there's a shopping center on the opposite side of the road.Unfortunately, women are no longer permitted to enter the shrine's inner sanctum. However, they can still visit its large open area.

Where: Central south Mumbai, just off the coast of Worli, not far from Mahalaxmi railway station.

St. Thomas's Cathedral

St. Thomas's Cathedral offers a peaceful respite in a busy part of the city and is renowned for its award winning stained glass work. The first Anglican church in Mumbai, St. Thomas's dates back to 1718. The church was constructed to provide a moral foundation for the growing British settlement. It became a cathedral in 1837. The tower and clock were added a year later.

Mumbai's Churchgate district derived its name from the gate in the Fort, built by the British East India Company, that was the entrance to the church. The whole area west of the church is still known as Churchgate today.

Where: Veer Nariman Road, close to Horniman Circle Gardens and the Flora Fountain.

Afghan Church

The Presbyterian Afghan Church is officially known as The Church of St John the Evangelist. It was built by the British in memory of the thousands of soldiers who lost their lives in the First Afghan War from 1835-43. Hence, the reason why it's referred to as the Afghan Church.

The church, quintessentially English in design, is a Grade I heritage building and a substantial amount of money has been allocated to restore its stained glass windows.

Where: Navy Nagar, Colaba, south Mumbai.

Holy Name Cathedral

The opulent Catholic Holy Name Cathedral was built to replace the older one in nearby Bhuleshwar, and is decorated with an array of artwork. It opened its doors for worship in 1905. It's renowned for its delicate frescoes, pipe organ, a gifts from various Popes including the huge bell that hangs outside the church -- it was a gift from Pope Paul VI who visited in 1964.

Where: 19 Nathalal Parekh Marg/Wodehouse Road (opposite the YMCA), Colaba, south Mumbai.

Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Temple

Jain temples are usually the most elaborate ones in India, and the Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji temple is no exception. Built in 1904, it's adorned with colorful ornate sculptures and paintings. The entrance has two stone elephants on either side of it. Inside, the dome ceiling is resplendent with the signs of the zodiac.

As its name suggests, the temple is Lord Adishwar (also known as Rushabhdev), the first of 24 Jain "Tirthankaras" (special liberated souls who have attained omniscience, and guide other souls from the cycle of death and rebirth) of the current era.

Where: Ridge Road, Walkeshwar, Malabar Hill, south Mumbai.

Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue

Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue was built in 1884 by Jacob Elias Sassoon and his brother Albert (the Sassoon family also built the Sassoon Docks), in memory of their father Eliyahoo Sassoon. This soothing light blue colored building has an attractive interior, resplendent with pillars, chandeliers, and stained glass windows. View it best in the afternoon when it's beautifully illuminated by sunlight. If you want to take photos inside, be prepared to pay 100 rupees.

Don't be surprised to find police outside the synagogue. Every synagogue in Mumbai now has 24-hour police security after the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack, which included an attack on the Jewish Chabad House at Nariman Point.

Where: V B Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda district (just around the corner from Rhythm House), Fort, Mumbai.

Mount Mary's Basilica

As the name suggests, Mount Mary's Basilica sits atop a small hill overlooking the ocean. Its current semi-Gothic style building is around 100 years old, although the statue of the mother Mary dates back to the 16th century.

The church and its grounds are particularly festive during the Bandra Fair. It takes place over an eight day period, starting on the first Sunday after September 8, as part of the annual Feast of Our Lady of the Mount celebrations.

Where: Mount Mary Road, Near Bandra Bandstand, Bandra West.

Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid is a mosque in the Kalbadevi neighborhood, near Crawford Market in the South Mumbai region of Mumbai, India. The Muslim community of Bombay possesses 89 mosques, of which 8 belong to the Bohras, 2 to the Khojas, one to the Mughals and the remainder to the Sunni Muslims. The most noteworthy are the Jama Masjid in the Janjikar street with its main gate facing Sheikh Memon street, the old mosque near the tomb of Sheikh Makhtum Faikh Ali at Mahim, the Zakaria Masjid in Masjid Bandar, Saat Tar (seven palms) Masjid near Masjid Bandar station, Ismail Habib Masjid in Memonwada, Minara Masjid at Mohammed Ali Road, the Khoja Ashna Ashari Masjid, opened in 1903, the Mughal Masjid on Jail road, which was built by Haji Mahomed Hussein Shirazi and Bohra Masjid to the west of the Jama masjid.

The Jama Masjid is located in Janjikar Street, Kalbadevi near 'Dhobi Talao' area, Mumbai 40003. To its west is Zaveri Bazar (the main jewellery market) and to its east lies Abdul Rehman Street. Nearest train stations are Marine Lines to west and Masjid Bunder to east. For bus journeys, use buses stopping at Mahatma Phule Market (old name Crawford Market). In the eighteenth century, a large tank (water reservoir) was situated at this site in the midst of gardens and open land and belonged to a Konkani Muslim merchant trading in Goa and Calicut, who in about 1775, agreed to the erection of a mosque at this site on condition that the tank was preserved intact. 

The construction started initially in 1775 with raising of foundations on the tank. Objections were raised by neighbours that delayed construction until 1778. More disputes arose with illegal construction activities to its west and south. Finally the erstwhile governor of Bombay, Sir Meadows Taylor decided in favour of the mosque authorities. The date of its completion (AD 1802)/(AH 1217) is derivable from the chronogram Jahaz-i- Akhirat, "The ship of the world to come" which contains an allusion to the fact that it was constructed on the tank . A one-story building was therefore erected over the tank and formed the original nucleus of the present Jama Mosque. A top floor was added with the munificence of a prominent konkani merchant Mohammad Ali Roghay in 1814. The Jama Mosque is a quadrangular structure of brick and stone, encircled by a ring of terrace roofed and double storeyed buildings, the ground floors of which are let out as shops. The chief or eastern gate of the mosque leads directly across an open courtyard to the ancient tank, which is now furnished with masonry steps and embankments, built in 1893, and contain about ten feet of water fed by springs at the bottom, that contains gold and silver fish and few turtles.

This is used for ritual ablutions (wudu), however modern facilities are also available for this purpose. From the depth of the tank rise sixteen black stone arches, constructed in 1874, which support the whole fabric of the mosque, the upper story being upheld by five rows of wooden pillars, each of which contains a receptacle for sacred books. The arches in the tank were built in 1874 at a cost of Rs. 75000/- while other noteworthy additions to the premises are the large windows in the north, east, and south sides constructed in 1898, and the school building Rs. 20000 in 1902. 

This is the main mosque for the sunnis and was constructed & is managed by Konkani Muslims. It follows the Shafie (شافعى) madhab (school) to which most Konkani Muslims adhere to.

Walkeshwar Temple

Dedicated to Shiva, Walkeshwar temple is a historically significant temple. It is among the oldest temples in Mumbai. Located close to the Banganga tank, the temple was built by the Silharas, who ruled the islands of Mumbai and Thane, about 1050 years back on Malabar hill. Walkeshwar temple is known for its ancient architectural style and design. The word Walkeshwar is derived from Valuka Ishwar, which can be translated to the lord of sand.

According to legends, Rama, on his way to Lanka, paused at this place. As he wanted to worship Shiva lingam, he asked his brother Lakshmana to find him one. After waiting for a long time for his brother to return, Rama made a Shiva lingam using sand. Rama placed it here and performed the puja.The temple was re-modified in the year 1717 and later during the 1950s. The temple is usually crowded during the full moon day. It also hosts the Hindustani Classical Music festivals.

Address: Banganga Cross Lane, Teen Batti, Malabar Hill, Mumbai

Timings: You can visit the temple on all days of the week from 6 am to 8 pm.

Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha

Known for its delicious langar, this place in Khar is the most popular Gurudwara in the area and is called Khar Gurudwara by many. You will find it buzzing with hundreds of devotees on every day of the year, especially during the festive seasons.

Where: 590, 3rd Rd, Ram Krishna Nagar, Khar West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400052.

Mahalakshmi Temple

Dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, Durga and Saraswati, Mahalakshmi temple was constructed in 1831 by a Hindu merchant, Dhakji Dadaji. The temple overlooks the sea and is one of the landmarks of the city of dreams. Located on Bhulabhai Desai Road, near Worli, the temple has a unique architecture. This iconic temple is a heritage structure and a popular tourist attraction.

There is stone-carved deepmala near the entrance of the temple. You will also find a wooden block wrapped in silver sheets. The Sabhamandap has a statue of a lion at the center, facing the main deity. The most important feature of the idol of Lakshmi of this temple is that it is ‘swayambhu’. The idol is decorated with bangles, nose ring and a golden mask. The three main deities sit on beautifully carved thrones. You will find the idols of Vithal-Rukmini and Ganesha outside the garbhagriha.

According to legend, Lord Hornby Vellard wanted to connect Malabar and Worli via Worli creek. Ramji Shivji Prabhu was appointed to do the work. After Prabhu and hi engineers failed to build a road connecting the two islands, he dreamt of the idol of Mahalakshmi in the creek. Prabhu recovered the idol from the creek and constructed a temple for it.

The temple is decorated during the Navaratri period. Devotees from near and far flock to this temple to offer their prayers during this period. There are many shops near the temple selling puja items and flowers.

Address: Bhulabhai Desai Road, Mahalakshmi, Mumbai.

Gurudwara Punjabi Sabha

This is a newly built place in Powai and is spread out across 7000 sq. ft. For all those residing in this area and other neighboring ones, this is the main place for worship. Renovated in 2008, this place is located centrally in the area and you can see hundreds of people lining up here for langar post the weekly gatherings.

Where: Hari Om Nagar, Behind Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai-400076