History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Social & Religious Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Babulnath Temple, Mumbai, India
The Babulnath Temple is a primeval temple in Mumbai. The temple was formed in the devotion of Lord Shiva. It is located on a small hummock and is one of the ancient temples of the city. Here the idol is Lord Shiva in an avatar of the Lord of a Babul tree. People need to climb up the hillock to have a visit to the deity. Every year thousands of people gather to celebrate the festival of Maha Shivratri here. The temple is almost 1000 meters above sea level. The temple has 110 stairs to cover, to reach the main shrine of the deity. Every year thousands of devotees visit here. The first temple was built almost 250 years ago.
Interesting story associated behind the Babulnath temple, which is famous for almost 300 years.
Long ago, the area where the temple is located, used to be a priestly land owned by a wealthy man named Pandurang. And a boy, Babul used to take care of his cows. One of the cows did not give any milk one evening. So, Babul started searching for the cow in the field. He discovered that it discharged all the milk at a specific place in the evening. Babul complained about this to Pandurang, after observing this for a few days. One day Pandurang followed the cow and instructed some people to excavate the place. As a result, a large Shiva Linga came out. It is said to be that particular Shiva Linga found in the temple today, along with this, the statue of Goddess Parvati, Lord Ganesha, and Lord Hanuman was also found during the digging process.
Another history says that A Hindu king, Bhimdev built a Shiva temple at that place. But it was destroyed due to the Muslim invasion, and the statue was submerged beneath the Earth. Pandurang and Babul found that particular idol during excavation, and then a temple was built.
After the old temple was destroyed, a Gujarati businessman constructed the present shrine in the year 1890. The temple tower was the tallest structure in Mumbai at that time.
The structure of the temple resembles the common Hindu temple styles.
The walls are made up of limestone, which has finely curved designs.
The ceiling and the pillars are furnished with different figurines and stories from Hindu Mythology.
The flooring is done with marbles specially ordered from Rajasthan.
The overall architectural beauty is a visual treat to the eyes of the tourists.
Maha Shivratri is the biggest festival celebrated here. The temple authority organizes outstanding arrangements for the devotees who attend the festival. It takes not more than 40 minutes to reach in front of the idol, after joining the queue. Rangoli is made with flowers in the morning of the puja. The organizers decorate the temple beautifully with lights and flowers.
Babulnath Temple Mumbai daily darshan timings
The temple opens at 5 am and closes at 10.30 pm except for Mondays.
On Mondays, the timing is different. The temple opens at 4.30 am and closes at 11.30 pm.
The darshan timings are – from 5.45 am to 7.00 am, 11 am to 12 am, and 4.45 pm to 6.00 pm.
Though you can visit the temple anytime in the year the best time is during Maha Shivratri. In February, the Maha Shivratri is celebrated and devotees from all over India come to visit.
If you are traveling by train, the Grant Road station is the nearest option. You can also avail buses or private cars to reach there.
To have more idea about the temple, you can contact them at this number – 022 2367 8367.
The Babulnath Temple is a place of historical interest. So, people who are interested in mythology might find it interesting to visit the temple. Besides, the temple is a popular place for pilgrims.
How to Reach Babulnath Temple, Mumbai, The capital of Maharashtra, India
Babulnath Temple is one of the oldest temple of Mumbai located on small hillock near Girgaum Chowpatty. You can reach easily from any corner of city via public or private transport. As Mumbai is capital of Maharashtra and financial center of India, it is very well connected with all major cities of India and also all the major cities of world. You can easily get flights to reach Mumbai from any corner of world. Mumbai has major railway junctions from where you can get train to reach almost all major cities of India. Every year millions of tourist and visitors across the world reaches here at Mumbai for different purpose. So public transport is also very much develop to facilitate them. Mumbai is located at just 150 km from Pune, 166 km from Nashik, 84 km from Matheran, 82 km from Lonavala, 245 km from Shirdi, 197 km from Bhimashankar, 177 km from Trambak etc.
