Mahalakshmi Temple, Mumbai

Mahalakshmi Temple (महालक्ष्मी मंदिर) is a Shakti Peetha in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Overview

The Mahalakshmi Temple sits on the flank of Malabar Hill overlooking the Arabian Sea, enshrining the goddess Mahalakshmi with her consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama. It is one of the most important Shakti Peethas in western India and the most visited shrine in Mumbai.

History and Legend

The temple was built in 1785 by Dhakji Dadaji, a Hindu merchant, after a vision of the goddess. During British colonial construction of the area, workers uncovered the ancient idol and a shrine was established. The temple has been expanded multiple times, with significant renovations in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Architecture and Features

The temple houses three murtis: Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, and Mahasaraswati, arranged in a row. The sanctum is adorned with gold-plated doors and a jewelled crown. The Navaratri festival draws enormous crowds, and the annual Navratri procession through south Mumbai is a major cultural event.

Modern Status

The temple is managed by a private trust and is one of Mumbai’s most visited religious sites, especially during Navaratri and Diwali. It sits amid the affluent Malabar Hill residential area.

Verification Notes

• Temple history documented in local accounts and Maharashtra government tourism records.
• Audited against Wikipedia (September 2026).