MAA MUMBADEVI temple is another Sakthi temple situated in Bombay. The name of the city Bombay (now correctly called Mumbai) is derived from MAA MUMBADEVI. This temple is dedicated to city's patron Goddess Mumbadevi. The temple of Mumbadevi, once stood on the site of the present Victoria Terminus in the central island which was called Mumbai.

The temple was built in honour of Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the Koli fishermen believed to be the original inhabitants of Mumbai. The original temple was built in 1737 was demolished and a new temple erected in its place at Bhuleshwar. The nearest station is Marine Lines.
Although the Mumbadevi Temple is not as striking as others are in the city, its resident deity, Mumbadevi, is the city's patron Goddess. The structure is about six centuries old, believed to be the handiwork of Mumbaraka, a sadistic giant who frequently plundered the city at the time. Terrorized by these unwelcome visits, the locals pleaded with Lord Brahma, Creator of all things to protect them. Brahma then "pulled out of this own body", an eight armed goddess who vanquished the brute. Predictably brought to his knees, Mumbaraka implored Her Holiness to take his name and built a temple in her honour. She still stands there, an orange faced goddess on an altar strewn with marigolds: devotees believe that those who seek her divine favour are never disappointed.

History
This temple was built in honour of the Goddess Mumbai, from whose name it is said, that the English word 'Bombay' is derived. The Mumbadevi temple is six centuries old. The first Mumbadevi temple was situated at Bori Bunder, and is believed to have been destroyed between 1739 and 1770. After the destruction a new temple was erected at the same place at Bhuleshwar. The Goddess personifies Mother Earth and is still worshipped by the descendants of the Dravidian population of western and southern India. The original temple built at the site where the Victoria Terminus station earlier was by Koli fishermen was demolished around 1737 and a new temple was erected in its place at Phansi Talao. The modern shrine contains an image of the Goddess Mumbadevi dressed in a robe with a silver crown, a nose stud and a golden necklace. To the left is a stone figure of Annapurna seated on a peacock. In front of the shrine is a tiger, the carrier of the Goddess.

Architeure
Mumbadevi Temple dedicated to city's patron Goddess Mumbadevi is located in Bhuleshwar, Mumbai. She is considered as Mumbai's resident deity. The temple of Mumbadevi once stood on the site of the present Victoria Terminus in the central island. The present name of the city is derived from the Goddess Mumbadevi.

The temple itself is not impressive but is an important landmark as it is dedicated to MumbaDevi, the city's patron deity. It is from her that Bombay gets its local name Mumbai.

Legend
According to a popular legend the structure of the temple is about six centuries old and it is believed be the handiwork of Mumbaraka, a sadistic giant who frequently plundered the city at the time. Terrorized by these unwelcome visits, the locals pleaded with Lord Brahma, Creator of all things to protect them. Brahma then "pulled out of his own body", an eight armed goddess who vanquished the Mumbaraka.

Predictably brought to his knees, Mumbaraka implored Her Holiness to take his name and built a temple in her honour. She still stands there, an orange faced goddess on an altar strewn with marigolds: devotees believe that those who seek her divine favour are never disappointed.

About the Deity
Dressed in silver robes and adorned with nose studs sits Mumba, the presiding goddess of Mumbai, inside this temple at Phansi Talao. Mumba is a goddess without a mouth and is a local representation of Mother Earth, and is worshipped by the Koli fisherfolk. Beside the statue of the orange faced goddess MumbaDevi also reside idols of Indra, Ganesh and Hanuman. It is common belief that the goddess does not disappoint any of her devotees if they pray to her sincerely. The temple is closed on Mondays.

Just outside the temple, the stalls sell flowers: garlands of sweet smelling jasmine, orange marigolds and pink lotuses -an offering, which is considered auspicious by the worshippers.

Places to see
The MumbaDevi road is to your right from the northern end of Zaveri Bazaar. It is a narrow street lined with stalls selling a spectrum of objects associated with Hindu religion - copper bracelets, rings, rudrakska malas, brass lingams, photographs of deities, incense, saffron and so on. Ochre clad sadhus flit along the street, their foreheads smeared with ash paste and vermilion.