Last Update: February 12, 2023, 12:25 IST
Happy Mahashivaratri 2023: This year Mahashivaratri will be celebrated on 18 February. On this day devotees worship Lord Shiva and keep a fast for the whole day. Devotees visit temples in large numbers to worship Lord Shiva on this day. Many devotees spend the entire night lighting lamps in Shiva temples.
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Like many other cities in Maharashtra, Mumbai is also home to many ancient and famous Shiva temples. The celebration of Mahashivaratri is not complete without visiting a temple and if you want to witness some spectacular festivities on this auspicious day in Mumbai, you can plan a visit to some of these temples.
Here are the popular Shiva temples in Mumbai:
Walkeshwar Temple
Walkeshwar Temple is historically and culturally significant to Mumbai. Located on the Malabar Hill in South Mumbai, the temple was built by the Shilahara dynasty about a thousand years ago. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The name is derived from Valuka Ishvara, as it is believed that the Shivalinga worshiped in the temple was made of sand.
Twice, in the seventeenth century and again in the 1950s, the temple underwent modifications. Grand events are held here on the occasion of Mahashivratri.
Read also: Lord Shiva Temples In Delhi For A Divine Experience
Babulnath Temple
The existing Babulnath Shiva temple was constructed in the 1890s. The temple building is exquisite, and it is one of the most famous temples in Mumbai, attracting thousands of devotees daily. Located on a small hillock near Girgaon Chowpatty, it is easily accessible and remains open from 5 in the morning till 10 in the night.
The original temple was built in the 12th century, and the idols were discovered during the 18th century after the temple was buried. The four original 12th century idols worshiped in the temple are of Shiva, Ganesha, Hanuman and Parvati.
Read also: Famous Lord Shiva Temples To Visit In South India | check photos
Ambreshwar Shiva Temple
Chittaraja, an emperor of the Silhara dynasty, built the Ambareshwar Shiva temple in the 11th century, making it one of the few centuries-old temples in the region that survives in its entirety. However, according to other local legends, the Pandavas are claimed to have built the temple overnight as they were looking for sanctuary during their exile.
Since they were here only for one night, they were unable to complete the temple and hence the roof is still incomplete. The temple is just 47 km from Mumbai and is a popular weekend getaway for Mumbaikars.
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