Mahalakshmi Temple

Mahalaxmi Temple is one of the most famous temples in Mumbai, situated on Bhulabhai Desai Road in the Mahalaxmi area. It is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi, the central deity of the Devi Mahatmyam. The temple was built in 1831 by Dhakji Dadaji, a Hindu merchant.

The Mahalaxmi Temple houses the images of the Tridevi goddesses—Mahakali, Mahalakshmi, and Mahasaraswati. All three idols are adorned with nose rings, gold bangles, and pearl necklaces. The idol of Mahalakshmi is placed at the center and is depicted holding lotus flowers in her hands. The temple परिसर also has several stalls selling flower garlands and other items used by devotees for worship and offerings.

The festival of Mahalaxmi is celebrated with great devotion during Navaratri. Mahalaxmi’s presence is believed to bless the entire Mumbai region, including the areas inhabited by wealthy and influential families. Nearby localities such as Peddar Road, Breach Candy, and Carmichael Road are home to many prominent businessmen and notable personalities, including Mr. Mukesh Ambani. The temple is easily accessible, and devotees believe that Goddess Mahalaxmi’s blessings bring prosperity and well-being to the entire area.

Goddess Mahalaxmi is believed to reside at this sacred place along with her two sisters, Mahakali and Mahasaraswati, since around 1784–85.

During British rule, Governor John Hornby planned the construction of the Mumbai and Worli bunds to reclaim land and protect the coastline. At that time, seawater used to flow freely between the Mumbai islands and Worli village, making travel possible only by boat. This breach in the sea was known as “The Great Breach.”

Hornby decided to close this breach by constructing a bund (dam) without waiting for approval from England. The task of constructing the Worli Bund was entrusted to a young engineer named Ramji Shivaji Prabhu. However, despite repeated efforts, the bund kept collapsing due to strong sea waves, and the construction failed multiple times. The rising costs and repeated failures created great concern.

One night, Ramji Shivaji had a dream in which Goddess Mahalaxmi appeared and said, “I am lying at the bottom of the sea along with my sisters. Bring us out, and your dam will be completed.” Believing in the divine vision, Ramji Shivaji shared this with Governor Hornby and sought permission to search for the idols in the sea.

Although Hornby was initially skeptical, he allowed the search due to repeated construction failures and increasing pressure. Ramji Shivaji, with the help of local fishermen, searched the sea using nets. Eventually, they discovered three idols—Mahalakshmi, Mahasaraswati, and Mahakali—exactly as described in the dream.

Following this miraculous discovery, the idols were installed at the present location of the Mahalaxmi Temple. After the installation, the Worli Bund was completed successfully without any further obstacles. Later, Ramji Shivaji spent a large sum of money (around 80,000 rupees at that time) to construct the Mahalaxmi Temple in its present form.

Map location