Temples all across the country are gearing up to celebrate the historical moment of the inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Special prayers, devotional music, homams (fire sacrifice), processions and lavish meals have been planned to ring in the occasion. Join in the festivities at these six Ram temples in Mumbai with their own unique history and significance.
Ram Mandir, Wadala
This prominent temple located in the heart of Mumbai is managed by followers of Shree Samsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevottam Muth of the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin (GSB) community. The presiding deity is Lord Ram with Lakshman and Sita. The temple organises many religious festivals round the year, Ram Navami Mahotsav being the most prominent among them. To celebrate pran prathistha of Ram Lalla at Ayodhya the temple has organised various religious programmes which include abhishek by sacred waters from nine rivers in Maharashtra, a maha mangal aarti, prasad distribution and a shobha yatra procession.
Location: Katrak road, Wadala West, Mumbai. Tel: 022 2412 1535
Ram Mandir, Oshiwara
This 150-year-old temple has been an important landmark in Mumbai. In fact a suburban railway station is also named after this temple. Its weathered dome lends it a pleasant patina of age. A signboard inside the temple informs visitors that it was renovated in 1897, and residents say that a temple existed at the current location prior to that year. The idols of Lord Ram, Lakshman and Sita inside the sanctorum of the smaller temple were transferred to the renovated structure. Apart from daily aarti and puja, Ram Navami is celebrated with great fanfare including the solah sringar, the jhula function and singing of bhajans.
Location: Goregaon West, Mumbai
Ram Mandir near Dadar Kabutarkhana
Built in 1889 this Ram temple on the busy Bhavani Shankar road has been a serene sanctuary for Mumbaikkars for ages. The structure went through several renovations the latest in 2014. In the current avatar the temple interiors are made of white marble with beautiful carvings on the pillars. Idols of Ram, Sita and Laxman are worshipped along with Ganesha, Vitthal and Rakhumai. A special aarti, floral decoration and prasad has been planned for January 22.
Location: Bhavani Shankar Rd, Near Kabutar khana, Dadar West, Mumbai.
Ram temple, Bhuleshwar
This beautiful Ram temple provides a peaceful and spiritual escape away from the hustle and bustle of Bhuleshwar, one of Mumbai’s most congested areas. It’s believed to have been built in the 16th century by the Bhuleshwar family. The silver doors of the temple narrate the epic of Ramayana through its intricate carvings. Idols of Lord Ram along with Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman are worshipped here. The temple is still highly active and reverberates with bhajans and pujas on any regular day.
Location: Fanas Wadi, Bhuleshwar Road Kabutarkhana.
Walkeshwar temple, Malabar Hill
Built by the Shilahara Dynasty about a thousand years ago Walkeshwar Temple holds a historical as well as cultural significance to the city of Mumbai. According to legend, Lord Ram on his way to Lanka, made a shivaling from sand and paused at this place to do a puja. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and honours both the Silhara Dynasty and the tale of Lord Rama. Interestingly, the wold Walkeshwar is derived from Valuka Ishwar, which translates to Lord of the Sand in Sanskrit. The temple was renovated twice — in the 17th century and once during the 1950s. Several Hindustani classical music festivals are held at the temple premises.
Location: Banganga Cross Lane, Teen Batti, Malabar Hill, Mumbai
Ramanjaneya Devasthan, Vile Parle East
Popularly known as Madrasi Ram Mandir, this temple was founded in 1935 and is run by members of the GSB community. There are two main temples within the premises (one dedicated to lord Ram and the other to Hanuman) and a well-maintained gaushala. The temple follows a great blend of Saraswat and Warkari traditions. The Ram Navami Chariot festival is one of the most sought after events at this temple. Devotees love the peaceful and calm atmosphere here. Auspicious occasions like Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti are celebrated with much vigour and enthusiasm.
Location: near Madhavrao Bhagwat School, Vishnu Prasad Society, Navpada, Vile Parle East, Mumbai.
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