Shree Jagnath Mahadev Temple ... Banganga Temple Tank Area — Mumbai, India.

Preparing an altar for offerings ... Shree Jagnath Mahadev Temple — Mumbai, India.

Preparing offerings to sell to the Hindu devotees @ Shree Jagnath Mahadev Temple — Mumbai, India.

Temple tower on our way to the Banganga Temple Tank — Mumbai, India.

Siddheshwar Mahadeo Temple ... Banganga Temple Tank Area — Mumbai, India.

The Walkeshwar Temple tower behind us ... Banganga Temple Tank Area — Mumbai, India.

Siddheshwar Mahadeo Temple ... preparing offerings on the tank steps — Mumbai, India.

Shree Venkatesh Balaji Temple ... Banganga Temple Tank Area — Mumbai, India.

Shrimali Bhraman Mahalaxmi Temple ... Banganga Temple Tank Area — Mumbai, India.

Looking across to the Siddeshwar Mandir ... Banganga Temple Tank — Mumbai, India.

Kids hamming it up at the Banganga Temple Tank — Mumbai, India.

Mumbai Day 2: Banganga Temple Tank Area

May 1, 2023 in India ⛅ 84 °F

The same group from yesterday … and once again we joined Husaina for a tour around Mumbai. Our first destination … a Hindu neighborhood in Malabar Hill.

This footprint is Part I of our visit … it tells the story of the Banganga Temple Tank Area and focuses on the temples and the tank.

Banganga is a temple tank that is still in use today. A heritage structure of national and historic significance, it is part of the Walkeshwar Temple complex. Originally built in 1127, the tank was rebuilt in the 18th century. Although its heritage status prevents redevelopment, recent construction work has reinforced the concrete structure.

Rectangular in shape, the tank is fed by a fresh-water spring. Legend would have us believe that it sprang forth at the spot where Rama — the exiled hero of the Hindu epic, Ramayana — stopped during his search for his kidnapped wife. Wikipedia explains further …

“As the legend goes, overcome with fatigue and thirst, Rama asked his brother Lakshmana to bring him some water. Lakshmana instantly shot an arrow into the ground, and water gushed forth from the ground, creating a tributary of the Ganges, which flows over a thousand miles away – hence its name, Banganga, ie the Ganga created by a baan (arrow).”

The area became a place of pilgrimage … which explains the 100+ temples in the immediate vicinity. Husaina took us to a couple of different ones as we wandered the narrow streets of the neighborhood. She also explained that these streets — lined with temples, homes, and dharamsalas — religious rest houses — form the parikrama … a holy route around the tank that the Hindus believe affords purification to the true believer.

Unfortunately, as I later read, the water in the tank has become quite polluted. Not surprising, considering its many uses. Kids, for example, play on the steps leading down to it … we saw a number of them swimming; locals come to worship … some of the rituals requiring things to be thrown into the water. We didn’t see anyone doing this, but there were people on the steps preparing offerings.Read more