Babulnath Temple in Mumbai

Introduction to the Babulnath Temple

Babulnath Temple is one of the oldest temples in Mumbai, located near Girgaum Chowpatty beach. The Babulnath Temple is 1000 feet above sea level, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Its grandeur and magnificence are similar to Mount Kailash.

History of the Babulnath Temple

King Bhimdev built the Babulnath Temple and consecrated the idols in the 12th century. Over a period, Muslim invaders destroyed it, and the idols were buried in the earth. The idols were unearthed between 1700 and 1780. The idols of Shiva Linga, Parvati, Ganesha, Hanuman, and one more were rediscovered. The broken fifth idol was immersed in seawater.

The temple area was a pastoral land owned by Pandurang, a rich goldsmith. He had a boy named Babul to look after his cattle.

One evening, a cow named Kapila failed to give milk. So, Babul started watching it. He found that the cow poured all the milk in one place in the evenings. After watching it for a few days, he reported this strange incident to Pandurang.

Pandurang followed the cow and ordered him to dig the place the next day. He found a large Shiva Linga there. It is the place where the Babulnath Temple has been built. Idols of Ganesha, Hanuman, and Parvati were also found during the excavation. Pandurang built the Babulnath Temple in 1780.
The members of the Parsi community opposed the temple's construction as the temple land was near their Dakhma (Tower of Silence). The Mumbai court finally gave its judgment in favor of the temple in 1800.

The Architecture of the Babulnath Temple

A Gujarati named Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad of Baroda state built the present Babulnath Temple in 1890. The temple’s tower was the tallest structure in Mumbai at that time. However, lightning damaged the tower in the 1960s, which considerably lowered the present temple's height. The Babulnath Temple is built in Marathi architectural style.

It has beautifully carved pillars. The ceiling of the temple reflects the classical Hindu temple architecture. Beautiful and intricate structures built of marble and limestones impart a tranquil ambiance to the temple. The temple's presiding deity, Shiva, is placed inside a Babul tree.
Devotees descend 110 steps to reach the temple. An elevator facility is also here. Babulnath Temple also houses shrines of other deities. There is a prayer hall in the temple where devotees meditate and stand in queue for darshan.

Festivals in the Babulnath Temple

The temple attracts a large crowd throughout the year, particularly during Mahashivratri festival. Devotees highly revere the Shiva Linga at this temple. It is believed to be one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India. Other festivals are also celebrated in the Babulnath Temple.