Shri Walkeshwar Temple

Lake surrounded by many temples. Must visit
Many Fish and ducks inside lake.
Temples remain closes in afternoon so preferable time to visit is morning and evening.
Devotee / visitors should not throw any items in lake water to maintain its cleanliness
Good place to Photo shoot

Walkeshwar Temple, also known as the Baan Ganga Temple, is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in Walkeshwar, near Malabar Hill neighbourhood, in South Mumbai precinct of the city of Mumbai, India. It is situated at the highest point of the city and close to the temple lies the Banganga Tank.

Story:

Legend has it that Hindu god,  Rama paused at that spot on his way from Ayodhya to Lanka in pursuit of the demon king, Ravana who had kidnapped his wife, Sita. Then Lord Rama was advised to worship Shiva lingam and he is said to have constructed the original linga of sand, after getting tired of waiting for his brother, Lakshman to bring an idol. The name is etymologically derived from the Sanskrit word for an idol made of sand -- Valuka Iswar, an Avatar of Shiva.

As the story progresses, when Rama was thirsty, as there was no fresh water readily available (only sea water), he shot an arrow and brought Ganges over here. Hence Bana (arrow in Sanskrit) Ganges. The water that feeds the tank stems from an underground spring at that spot, despite its proximity to the sea.

My review:

One can easily reach there via local taxi. There is a lift to reach main temple too in case someone don't like to go by steps. Good place to sit in silence and peace, away from the world.

The temple's architecture is a beautiful blend of traditional and modern styles, with a stunning white marble facade and a spacious prayer hall. The prayer hall houses the idol of Lord Shiva, which is beautifully adorned with flowers and jewelry. The temple also has a natural freshwater spring, which is believed to have healing powers. The water from the spring is used for the temple's various religious rituals and is considered to be sacred by the devotees.

It is a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and the devotion of its people to Lord Shiva. The temple's serene and peaceful atmosphere, along with its rich history and cultural offerings, make it a must-visit place for those interested in spirituality and Indian mythology.

Nice and serene temple in south mumbai, near raj bhavan. Happy to have received blessings of mahadev. The water tank of the temple needs maintenance and upkeep. Request authorities to pay attention and get the tank rejuvenated and ensure that the surroundings are kept clean.

Present on the hill. Forms a part of a temple lake complex in present in Southern Mumbai. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and there are many other sample temples dedicated to various deities present in nearby areas.

A temple with a pond located in the interior of the city. There are steps surrounding the pond on all 4 sides. It is not very approachable by car because of the narrow lanes. Not a very touristy place and even locals failed to give the direction. Good place to sit in silence and peace, away from the world.

Temple is great 😊 but bad experience with cleaning and caring no one caring this banganga pound very beautiful view but due to uncared face bad odours i appeal to Maharashtra government tale care of this dharohar of Maharashtra it can be a tourist place Temple is great 😊 but bad experience with cleaning and caring no one caring this banganga pound very beautiful view but due to uncared face bad odours

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the most revered Hindu deities, and is considered to be one of the oldest temples in the city.

The temple's architecture is a beautiful blend of traditional and modern styles, with a stunning white marble facade and a spacious prayer hall. The prayer hall houses the idol of Lord Shiva, which is beautifully adorned with flowers and jewelry.

According to historical records, the temple was built in the 12th century by the Silhara kings, who ruled the region at the time. The temple was later renovated and restored by various rulers and philanthropists over the centuries, including the Maratha ruler, Baji Rao I.

The temple's name is believed to have originated from the Sanskrit words "Valuka Ishwar," which means "Lord of Sand." According to legend, Lord Rama, the hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana, is said to have constructed a lingam (a symbol of Lord Shiva) out of sand at the site where the temple now stands. Lord Rama is believed to have worshipped this lingam during his exile in the forest.

The temple also has a natural freshwater spring, which is believed to have healing powers. The water from the spring is used for the temple's various religious rituals and is considered to be sacred by the devotees.

Walkeshwar Temple is not only a beautiful temple but also a significant historical and cultural landmark in Mumbai. It is a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage and the devotion of its people to Lord Shiva. The temple's serene and peaceful atmosphere, along with its rich history and cultural offerings, make it a must-visit place for those interested in spirituality and Indian mythology.