Mumba Devi Temple, located in the midst of Zaveri Bazaar, was first built in 1675 in Bori Bunder, now called the ‘Chattrapati Shivaji Terminus’. It was destroyed by the Muslim invaders and was reconstructed again in Zaveri Bazar in 1737. On occasions of celebration, the street fills up with the devotees, singing and rejoicing - doing the Aarti and celebrating the greatness of the Devi. The temple is also surrounded by many flower shops as people like to buy flowers in offering to the Goddess. These shops are opened as according to the timings of temple i.e. during mornings and evenings. A round of prayer, also called the ‘aarti’, takes place every morning and evening, except on Monday, when the temple remains shut. The festival of Navratri is celebrated in magnificent and cultural way and temple gets decorated during the nine days.
The structure of the Mumba Devi Temple is a marvelous sight. Inside the holy sanctum, appears ‘Mumba Devi’, divinely and beautifully decorated in rich clothes and silver and gold. The depiction of the deity is in a black statue. The statue is decorated with ornaments like silver crown on its head and a golden necklace in neck and a nose stud in its nose. The unique thing about this statue deity is that it has no mouth, it is said that this symbolizes earth. The idol is on an altar, decked with marigold flowers. Within the temple there are also figures of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha along with a stone idol of ‘Annapurna’ seated on a gorgeous peacock. On the side, there is a sculpture of a fierce, strong and powerful tiger, the carrier of the Goddess. The tiger’s power is in resemblance to that of Goddess Mumba Devi, for she is also known as the Goddess of Power.
As temple is situated in the crowd area it is advised to visit the temple during it will be more peaceful. Nearby attraction to the temple are
Steel and cloth markets of Mumbai. One can go to Chowpatty beach which is located at the northern end of Marine Drive.
Temple can be reached by boarding on local train or bus. The nearest stations are Charni Road station and Church gate station. One can go by hiring cab or auto too.