MUMBAI

The Afghan Church, formally known as the Church of St. John the Evangelist, is a 19th-century Anglican church located in Colaba, South Mumbai. Built in memory of soldiers who died in the First Anglo-Afghan War (1839–1842), it remains a significant colonial-era landmark and an example of Gothic Revival architecture in India.

The idea for the church came after the devastating retreat of British and Indian troops from Kabul in 1842. Many of the soldiers who died in the campaign belonged to the Bombay Presidency, and the church was meant as a memorial to their sacrifice.

The foundation stone was laid in 1847, and the church was consecrated in 1858. Its 198-foot spire, added a few years later, served not just as an architectural feature but, according to many, also as a navigation point for ships approaching the Mumbai harbor.

The church was designed by Henry Conybeare, a civil engineer, and features many elements typical of Gothic Revival style: pointed arches, ribbed vaults, stained glass windows, and a high vaulted nave. The materials used, local basalt and limestone, give it a distinct character. Notable contributions came from architect William Butterfield, who designed parts of the interior, and William Wailes, who made the stained glass. Inside, there are memorial plaques listing the names of officers who died in both Anglo-Afghan wars, alongside an inscription that honors the many unnamed soldiers who also fell.

The Asthika Samaj sits along Bhandarkar Road in Matunga and was established in 1923 by Tamil Brahmins who migrated from Kerala. The mandir holds deep cultural significance for the Tamil Brahmin community in the city and is dedicated to Bhagwan Krishna, Sri Ayyappan (closely associated with the Sabarimala yatra and worshipped for his ideals of discipline and devotion), and Bhagwan Ram.

The Mandir began as a simple prayer hall with a portrait of Bhagwan Ram and gradually developed into a full-fledged mandir in 1953, with guidance from the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham (a Hindu monastic center based in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu).

The mandir has a distinct architectural style, featuring a prominent gopuram (ornamental tower) and intricate sculptures. Its vibrant colors also add to its striking presence.

The mandir’s calendar features a range of religious activities rooted in South Indian traditions. Rituals and observances include Kalabhabhishekam (ritual anointing with sandal paste), Panchamrutha Abhishekam (ceremonial bathing with five sacred substances), and Ayilyam (a day linked to the pooja of nag devtas). Daily poojas (prayer rituals) are performed in line with Vedic (scriptural), Tantric (esoteric), and Agama (mandir ritual) traditions.

Babulnath Mandir, located in Gamdevi near Girgaum Chowpatty, sits atop a hill around 1,000 feet above sea level, overlooking parts of the city. In some older texts, the site is referred to as Tekriwala. Many believe it holds a special connection to Mount Kailash, considered the abode of Shiv, and view this mandir as an earthly counterpart of that sacred space.

Due to the slope of the hill, the entrance hall lies below the main sanctum. Devotees climb 108 steps (an auspicious number in Hinduism) often chanting Om Namah Shivaya as they make their way up. The surrounding hillside is home to native trees, including Acacia arabica, locally known as Babul, which is likely the source of the mandir’s name.

The shivling and murtis here are believed to have been consecrated in the 12th century by King Bhimdev (also known as Bhima or Bimba Shah, a 13th-century ruler who established his capital at Mahikavati, present-day Mahim). The site was lost over time, and the murtis were only rediscovered in the 18th century, after which the first mandir was built in 1780.

There is an interesting local story which is tied to the site’s rediscovery, according to which, around 200 years ago, a goldsmith named Pandurang lived on the southeast side of Malabar Hill. His cow, Kapila, suddenly stopped giving milk. Curious, he followed her and found that she would release her milk at the same spot every day. When he dug there, he found a large shivling. That location became the site of the mandir.

The first mandir was constructed in 1780 on land owned by the Parsi community, who initially opposed its construction due to the proximity of five Dakhmas (Parsi burial sites) in the area. This resistance persisted until the late 1800s, when a court ruling ultimately favored the establishment of the mandir.

Initially supported by Hindu merchants, the mandir saw further development in 1890 with the construction of a larger structure, funded in part by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda (r. 1875–1939). The current structure dates back to this period.

The mandir sees the highest footfall on Mondays, as well as during Mahashivratri and the month of Shravan (typically July–August, depending on the lunar calendar). It is maintained and operated by the Shri Babulnath Mandir Samiti.

Banaji Limji Agyari, located in the Kala Ghoda area, is considered the oldest Zoroastrian fire temple in Mumbai. Built in 1709 by Banaji Limji, a Parsi philanthropist, the agyari has been a place of worship for generations of Parsis in the city. At the heart of the agyari is a fire that has been kept burning without interruption since the day the temple opened. In Zoroastrianism, fire is treated as a living presence and keeping it aglow is part of the priest’s daily duty. As with other Zoroastrian fire temples, entry is restricted to members of the faith.

The Agyari serves as a focal point for several Zoroastrian festivals, including Navroz (the Persian New Year), Khordad Sal (the birth anniversary of Prophet Zoroaster), and Jashan ceremonies (thanksgiving prayers). During these celebrations, the temple is beautifully decorated, and special prayers and rituals attract a larger number of devotees. At Banaji Limji Agyari, offerings typically include sandalwood, incense, and prayers. Devotees often light oil lamps and present fruits and flowers as part of their worship.

Bikha Behram Well, located in the bustling Fort area of Mumbai, is a significant landmark for the Parsi community. It was constructed in 1725 CE by Bhikhaji Behramji Panday, a Parsi trader and philanthropist who had migrated to Bombay from Broach (present-day Bharuch). The well is considered one of the oldest surviving structures associated with the community in the city.

According to historical accounts, Bhikhaji Behramji arrived in Bombay in 1715 and, after a brief imprisonment during a local conflict, established trade relations in the English Bazaar, later known as Medows Street, now changed to Nagindas Master Marg. Recognising the need for a reliable freshwater source in the area, he commissioned the construction of the well. A shallow trough for animals was also built nearby to serve travellers with cattle and horses.

At the time, the Arabian Sea reached much farther inland, and the area around the well served as a resting point for people arriving from Colaba and Old Woman’s Island by bullock cart to grind grain at local mills. The site was also known for its sea breeze and open surroundings, well before modern development in the area.

Today, the well remains a significant religious and cultural site for the Parsi community. It is especially active during festivals such as Jamshedi Navroz (Parsi New Year) and Khordad Sal (birth anniversary of Prophet Zoroaster). During these occasions, the well is adorned with flowers, and special prayers are conducted, drawing larger crowds of attendees. They often light candles or oil lamps and offer sandalwood, which hold special significance in Zoroastrian worship.

The Gateway of India is a monumental stone arch located at the edge of the Arabian Sea in Colaba, South Mumbai. Completed in 1924, it was originally built to mark the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to India in 1911, and later became one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country.

The foundation stone was laid in 1913, but construction began only in 1915 and took nearly a decade to finish. The Gateway was designed by George Wittet, a Scottish architect who also worked on the Prince of Wales Museum. It was intended as a ceremonial entrance to the city, especially for colonial dignitaries arriving by sea.

Although built to honor a British royal visit, the Gateway is best remembered today for a different moment: in 1948, just a few months after India gained independence, the last British troops exited the country through this arch—a powerful, unplanned reversal of its original purpose.

The Gateway is 85 ft. tall, built from yellow basalt and reinforced concrete. Its design blends Indo-Islamic and European Gothic styles, a hallmark of Indo-Saracenic architecture. A central arch with a shallow dome is flanked by four corner turrets and decorative jali (lattice) work, echoing design elements from Mandirs and Mughal structures alike.

Its location, facing the sea and directly across from the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, makes it one of Mumbai’s most photographed landmarks. Today, the Gateway of India stands both as a tourist destination and a gathering place. It’s the starting point for boat rides to Elephanta Island, and the site of countless public events, protests, and celebrations over the years. While its colonial origins are undeniable, the monument has since taken on new meanings—as a symbol of Mumbai itself, and of India’s transition from empire to independence.

Gloria Church, officially known as Our Lady of Glory Church (Portuguese: Nossa Senhora de Gloria), is located in Byculla, Mumbai. It is one of the city’s oldest Roman Catholic churches, with roots tracing back to the early Portuguese presence in Bombay.

Mazgaon, one of the original seven islands that later formed Mumbai, became a key settlement for Portuguese civilians and clergy. The church’s origins are tied to this place and go back to around 1548, when a private chapel was built as part of Captain Antonio Passao’s manor here. As the Catholic community grew, the chapel was replaced in 1596 by a church funded by the widow of Lionel de Souza Lima (a Portuguese nobleman). This early Gloria Church, built and expanded over time by Portuguese Franciscans (a Roman Catholic religious order), became a prominent religious site.

In 1794, church administration in Bombay was divided between the Padroado (the Portuguese royal patronage system for church oversight) and the Propaganda Fide (a Roman Catholic body overseeing global missionary work). Gloria Church remained under Padroado jurisdiction, prompting some parishioners to establish Rosary Church in Mazgaon under Propaganda Fide.

By the early 20th century, the original Gloria Church in Mazgaon was demolished in 1910 due to land acquisition by the Bombay Port Trust Railway. A new church was constructed in Byculla between 1911 and 1913, designed in the English Gothic style. This structure, known today as Gloria Church, continues the legacy of the original parish.

In 2019, the restored church received the Award of Merit under the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. Gloria Church is also recognised as a popular location for film shoots in Mumbai, including several major Bollywood productions.

The Haji Ali Dargah is located on an islet off the coast of Worli in Mumbai. It is dedicated to Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, a 15th-century Sufi saint and merchant from present-day Uzbekistan. The structure is a notable example of Indo-Islamic architecture and is among the most prominent religious landmarks in Mumbai.

According to tradition, Haji Ali Shah Bukhari traveled from Central Asia to India after renouncing worldly possessions and devoting his life to spiritual pursuits. One popular legend recounts that he once helped a woman retrieve spilled oil by miraculously causing oil to emerge from the ground. Troubled by this act, which he believed disturbed the natural order, he undertook a pilgrimage and eventually settled in Mumbai.

Prior to his death, he is said to have instructed his followers to place his body in a coffin and cast it into the sea. The coffin, many say, came to rest on a rocky islet near Worli, where the dargah was subsequently established.

The Haji Ali Dargah complex spans approximately 4,500 square meters and reaches a height of 85 ft. It is constructed primarily from Makrana marble (white marble from Rajasthan), the same material used in the Taj Mahal. The architectural style blends elements of Indo-Islamic and Mughal design.

The complex includes a mosque and the tomb of Haji Ali Shah Bukhari, which is surrounded by marble pillars and silver-framed enclosures.  A 700-yard causeway (narrow raised path) connects the dargah to the mainland. This path is submerged during high tide, and at night, the structure appears to float in the Arabian Sea, creating a striking visual effect.

The dargah is visited by people of diverse faiths and is associated with numerous legends and accounts of miracles. It has withstood several natural events, including a storm in 1949 and the 2005 Mumbai floods, events which many view as signs of divine protection.

The site also includes a Qawwal Khana (space for devotional music) and a three-storey sanatorium (charitable medical facility]. A key annual observance is the Urus (commemoration of a saint’s death), Niyaaz (offering of shared food), and special programs. Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s birth anniversary) is also marked with prayers, the public display of sacred relics, and the distribution of food.

The Hasnabad Dargah, located in the Mazgaon area of Byculla, Mumbai, is a prominent mausoleum dedicated to Imam Hasan Ali Shah, also known as Aga Khan I. The complex includes a playground and an adjoining Jamatkhana (Ismaili community prayer hall), and serves as a place of spiritual significance and quiet reflection for members of the Nizari Ismaili Khoja (Shia Ismaili Muslim sub-group) in India and abroad.

Imam Hasan Ali Shah was a Persian noble and the 46th hereditary Imam of the Nizari Ismailis. In 1846, he arrived in Mumbai from Iran, establishing the Seat of the Ismaili Imamat (institution of spiritual leadership) in India. He passed away in April 1881. His son and successor, Imam Ali Shah (Aga Khan II), received news of his death via telegram while in Karachi. Following administrative arrangements, his burial took place on 1 July 1881 in Mazgaon, where the foundation of the present-day dargah was laid. The mausoleum was later built, aided by the contributions of Ismaili community members.

In 1891, a decade after the Imam’s death, Abba Nasru, an Ismaili from Zanzibar, fulfilled a personal vow by donating 1,000 tolas (approximately 10 kg) of pure gold for the dargah’s domes. Acts like this remain part of community tradition, including the symbolic ritual of placing a coconut (offering symbolizing a wish or vow) on each step of the shrine. The site also hosts an annual Urus among other rituals.

Notably, the architecture of Hasnabad Dargah draws inspiration from the Taj Mahal, combining Mughal and Indo-Islamic influences. It features three domes topped with intricately designed minarets. The dargah’s blue central dome is a striking feature, and as the sun sets, the structure is bathed in golden light, evoking comparisons to historic Islamic monuments in Delhi and Hyderabad.

The Knesset Eliyahoo Synagogue, located in Kala Ghoda, Fort, was established in 1884 by Jacob Elias Sassoon in memory of his father, Eliyahoo Sassoon. It is one of Mumbai’s oldest synagogues and an important centre for the city’s Baghdadi Jewish community, many of whom migrated from Iraq and other parts of the Middle East.

The name Knesset Eliyahoo means “Assembly of Elijah.” The synagogue is easily recognised by its blue and white façade, an unusual feature among synagogues globally. Inside, it features Victorian stained glass, chandeliers, and an ornate ark that holds the Torah scrolls. The design reflects a blend of Indian and European influences.

In addition to religious services, the synagogue hosts educational and cultural programs and is involved in interfaith dialogue. Jewish festivals such as Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Pesach (Passover), and Hanukkah are celebrated here with special services and traditional decor, offering a glimpse into the city’s Jewish heritage.

The Kwan Kung Temple in Mazgaon is Mumbai’s only Chinese temple, quietly preserving the legacy of a community that few know once lived here.  Established in 1919 by immigrants from southern China, particularly members of the See Yup Koon association (who had settled in the then Bombay for trade and dockyard work), the temple is dedicated to Kwan Kung (also known as Guan Yu), a historical figure from the Three Kingdoms era (a 3rd-century period of civil war in China) who is venerated as a symbol of loyalty, integrity, and courage.

The temple features traditional Chinese architectural elements, including red and gold accents, and is adorned with statues and offerings. The upper floor houses the main shrine to Kwan Kung, while a later addition on the ground floor honors the goddess Guan Yin (a Buddhist figure associated with compassion).

Despite the decline of Mumbai’s Chinese population following the Sino-Indian War in 1962, the temple remains a place of worship and cultural significance, especially during festivals like the Chinese New Year.

Lalbaug Pandal is the temporary mandap (ceremonial structure) erected annually in the Lalbaug neighborhood of South Mumbai, serving as the home of Lalbaugcha Raja, one of India’s most iconic public idols of Lord Ganesha. The pandal is the focal point of Mumbai’s Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, drawing lakhs of devotees and visitors each year.

The origin of Lalbaugcha Raja is closely connected to the working-class communities of Lalbaug, including the Koli samaj, Mumbai’s original fishing community. In 1932, when the Peru Chawl Market was shut down, many vendors were left without work. In response, they made a navas (a sacred vow) to Bhagwan Ganesh, promising to install a public murti if they were granted a new permanent market space. After the land for Lalbaug Market was allotted, the first public Ganesh murti was installed in 1934, beginning a tradition that continues to shape Mumbai’s cultural identity.

Interestingly, from the very beginning, the visual form of Lalbaugcha Raja has been created by the Kambli family, traditional artisans based in Mumbai. The first was sculpted by Madhusudan Kambli, and his descendants have continued the legacy. The depiction of the Devta has remained largely unchanged, seated in a majestic posture with one hand raised in blessing. Standing around 18 to 20 ft. tall, Lalbaugcha Raja is admired not only for its size but for its calm expression and intricate detailing.

Notably, the Lalbaugcha Raja is often called the “Navasacha Ganpati” the Ganesh who grants wishes made with vows. Over the 10 days of the festival, many visit Lalbaug to get a darshan of the Devta. There are two main lines, the first being the Navasachi line, for those wishing to touch his feet. The other being the Mukh darshan line, for those who want to view the Devta from a distance. Some wait for over 12 hours, often overnight, to receive darshan. 

The immersion procession on Anant Chaturdashi, the final day of the festival, is one of the largest in the city. The murti is immersed in the Arabian Sea at the end of the festival, in a large procession that passes through central Mumbai.

The Lokmanya Tilak Samadhi, also known as Swaraj Bhoomi, is a memorial located at Girgaon Chowpatty in Mumbai. It marks the cremation site of Bal Gangadhar Tilak (1856–1920), a prominent leader in India’s struggle for independence.

Tilak passed away on 1 August, 1920, at Sardar Griha in Mumbai. Due to the massive public turnout, estimated at over two lakh people, his funeral was conducted at Girgaon Chowpatty instead of a traditional crematorium. In 1923, a memorial was established at the cremation site. A statue of Tilak, sculpted by Raghunath Krishna Phadke, was installed atop a pedestal. Beneath the statue, a chest was buried containing Tilak’s personal items, including his turban, footwear, robes, and copies of his works Gita Rahasya and a biography by N.C. Kelkar.

In 2015, the Maharashtra government officially renamed the memorial site as Swaraj Bhoomi to honor Tilak's contributions to the freedom movement.

The Mahalakshmi Mandir, located on Bhulabhai Desai Road along the Worli seashore in Mumbai, is a prominent site dedicated to Devi Mahalakshmi. Built in 1831 by the Hindu merchant Dhakji Dadaji, the Mandir is known for its graceful architecture and enduring significance.

According to local tradition, during a time of political unrest, individuals immersed the images of the tridevi into the sea near Worli Creek to protect them from destruction. Years later, during British rule, the then Governor William Hornby initiated a coastal project to connect Worli and Malabar Hill. The engineer assigned to the effort, Ramji Shivji Prabhu, encountered repeated failures due to turbulent seas.

It is said that Mahalakshmi appeared to Prabhu in a dream and instructed him to recover the images from the sea and place them on a nearby hillock. After acting on this vision, the project was successfully completed. As recognition, the British administration granted him land at the site, where the Mahalakshmi Mandir was later constructed.

The Mahim Dargah, located in Mahim West, Mumbai, is a prominent Sufi shrine dedicated to Hazrat Makhdum Ali Mahimi, a revered scholar and spiritual figure. Known for his inclusive teachings, the dargah is seen as a symbol of unity, where people from all faiths come to seek blessings.

Makhdum Ali Mahimi, often referred to as Qutb-e-Kokan (“Polestar of Konkan”), spent much of his life in the Mahim region. He was among the earliest Indian scholars to write a Quranic commentary in Arabic, titled Tafsirur Rahman, which gained wide recognition. His works, written in Arabic, Persian, and Urdu, explored theology, law, mysticism, and the philosophy of Wahdat al-Wujud (Unity of Being), as advanced by Ibn Arabi. He is respected across Islamic sects and by people of other faiths for his intellectual depth and spiritual openness.

Following his death in 1431 CE, he was buried in Mahim, and the site developed into a dargah that continues to draw large numbers of visitors and pilgrims.

The most significant annual observance is the Urus. This ten-day event draws millions of pilgrims from across India. It includes devotional recitations, communal prayers, offerings, and a grand procession that honors Makhdum Ali Mahimi’s enduring influence.

Very notably, he holds a special place in the hearts of Mumbai Police personnel, who consider him a spiritual patron. It is customary for officers to visit the dargah when beginning service, solving difficult cases, or marking major professional milestones. During the Urus, police officers lead a ceremonial procession and respectfully place a chadar (decorative cloth offering) on his qabar as part of the ritual.

Maneckji Seth Agyari, located in Fort, Mumbai, is one of the city’s oldest Zoroastrian fire temples. It was established in 1733 by Seth Maneckji Limji Hataria, a philanthropist and remains an important place of worship for the Parsi community. The fire within has remained continuously lit since its founding.

Architecturally, the Agyari is a striking blend of Persian and European influences. Its entrance is framed by Persian-style columns topped with ram’s head capitals (animal-headed column tops), alongside Grecian wreaths (decorative motifs). Above, a relief of the sun graces the pediment, while the sacred symbol of fire is carved into the gable. Guarding the doorway is a five-legged Lamassu (a protective figure from ancient Mesopotamia), featuring the body of a lion or bull and the head of a wise man.

After years of neglect and weathering, the Agyari underwent a careful restoration led by conservation architect Vikas Dilawari. The project earned an Honorable Mention at the 2017 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

Like all Agyaris, this temple is open only to Zoroastrians. Still, its architectural richness, historical depth, and continued spiritual role make it one of the city’s most significant religious landmarks.

The Agyari plays a central role in key Parsi festivals, including Jamshedji Navroz (Parsi New Year), Khordad Sal (the birth anniversary of Prophet Zoroaster), and Jashan ceremonies (traditional thanksgiving rituals). On these occasions, devotees gather bearing sandalwood and incense, participating in sacred rites that have remained unchanged for generations.

Mani Bhavan Gandhi Sangrahalaya is a historic house museum located at 19 Laburnum Road, in the quiet Gamdevi neighborhood of South Mumbai. From 1917 to 1934, it served as the Mumbai base of Mahatma Gandhi, and was a key site in the planning and promotion of India’s national movement. Today, it functions as a museum dedicated to Gandhi’s life and legacy.

The house was built around 1915–16 by Revashankar Jagjeevan Jhaveri, a diamond merchant and elder brother of Gandhi’s close associate Dr. Pranjivan Mehta. Jhaveri offered Gandhi a room in the house during his visits to Bombay.

It was from Mani Bhavan that Gandhi launched major national campaigns including Non-Cooperation, Swadeshi, Khadi promotion, and Satyagraha. It was also where he first learned how to card and spin cotton, which would later become a national symbol of self-reliance.

Mani Bhavan was converted into a museum in 1955, and has since been preserved as a quiet space for reflection and learning. The ground floor houses a library of over 40,000 books, and exhibits such as international postage stamps featuring Gandhi from countries like Hungary, the USSR, and the United States.

Upstairs, the first floor features letters written by Gandhi, including exchanges with Leo Tolstoy, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Rabindranath Tagore. One notable letter to Tagore, written on January 3, 1932, shows Gandhi’s reflective tone just a day before he was arrested from Mani Bhavan.

The second floor contains “Gandhi’s room,” preserved with minimal furnishings: a mattress on the floor, a spinning wheel, and a desk. The only original object in the room is the telephone.

After India’s independence and Gandhi’s assassination in 1948, the house continued to attract those inspired by his ideals. In 1959, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stayed at Mani Bhavan during his visit to India. In 2010, Barack and Michelle Obama visited the museum and brought with them a stone from the Martin Luther King memorial in Washington.

Today, the museum is overseen by the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi. Its president, historian Usha Thakkar, has described the site as a living reflection of Gandhi’s relationship with the city. As she writes in Gandhi in Bombay, “Gandhi’s important nationwide movements were intertwined with the life of this city and its people.”

The Mumbadevi Mandir, situated in the Bhuleshwar area near Kalbadevi, is an ancient mandir dedicated to Mumbadevi, the city’s kuldevi. Steeped in rich history, the mandir has deep connections to the local communities and plays a vital role in the cultural fabric of the city. The legend surrounding Mumbadevi is so intertwined with Mumbai’s identity that the city itself is named after her, highlighting her significance to its heritage and inhabitants.

The Mumbadevi Mandir is believed to be at least 600 years old. The original mandir is said to have been built in 1675 by a Hindu woman named Mumba at Bori Bunder, near the former landing site of Bori Bunder Creek. This mandir was later destroyed between 1739 and 1770, leading to the construction of a new mandir in Bhuleshwar. Prior to this, another mandir, built by Koli fishermen at the present site of Chhatrapai Shivaji Terminus was demolished around 1737, with a new shrine erected at Phansi Talav.

The folklore surrounding Mumbadevi is both rich and multi-faceted. One prominent legend holds that Mumbadevi is an eight-armed devi sent by Brahmadev to vanquish the evil asur Mumbaraka, who had been terrorizing the local population. Following his defeat, Mumbaraka requested the privilege of constructing a beautiful mandir in her honor, which ultimately led to the establishment of the Mumbadevi mandir.

Another legend suggests that the mandir is dedicated to Devi Parvati, known as Gauri, in her form as a fisherwoman. To embody Mahakali, Parvati was guided by Shiv to cultivate qualities of perseverance and concentration. As part of this transformation, she reincarnated as a fisherwoman named Mumba, settling among the fishermen of the region and eventually becoming known as Mumbadevi, or ‘Aai’ (meaning ‘mother’ in Marathi).

The Mumba Devi Mandir hosts several festivals throughout the year, including Hanuman Jayanti, Janmashtami, Chaitra Navratri, and the Shri Mumbadevi Annakut Mahotsav (offering of a "mountain" of food to the Devi), among others.

St. Michael’s Church, also known as San Miguel, is located in Mahim West, at the junction of L.J. Road and the Mahim Causeway. Built in 1540 by the Franciscan Portuguese, it is among the oldest surviving churches in the city, and is often referred to simply as Mahim Church by locals.

Shaar Harahamim Synagogue, located in Masjid Bunder near Mandvi, is regarded as the oldest synagogue in Mumbai. It was originally built in 1796 by Samuel Ezekiel Diveker, a Jewish officer in the Bombay Army. The building was later rebuilt and moved to its present location in 1860. During its centenary in 1896, it was formally given the name Shaar Harahamim (its name literally meaning ‘Gate of Mercy’).

The synagogue remains active during important Jewish festivals such as Pesach (Passover), Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Hanukkah. These days are marked by prayer services, quiet gatherings, and the decoration of the sanctuary, following customs that have been observed here for generations.

Siddhivinayak Mandir, located in the Prabhadevi neighbourhood of Mumbai, is one of the most well-known temples dedicated to Bhagwan Ganesh. It was established on 19 November 1801 by Lakshman Vithu and Deubai Patil, and over the years, has become one of the most visited religious sites in the city.

It is said that the idea for the mandir came from Deubai Patil, who prayed to Ganesh to bless women who were unable to have children. In time, the temple became associated with wish fulfillment, and Ganesh here came to be known locally as Navasacha Ganapati or Navasala Pavanara Ganapati, one who grants heartfelt wishes.

In response to the increasing number of attendees, the Mandir underwent a significant renovation starting in 1990, completed over three years. Architect Sharad Athale led the transformation, utilizing marble and pink granite to create a multi-storied structure resembling a palace.

There is a very interesting legend that connects the origins of the Mandir to Ramakrishna Jambhekar Maharaj, a disciple of Shri Akkalkot Swami Samarth. Acting on his guru’s advice, Jambhekar is said to have buried sacred images at the site, predicting that a Mandar tree would grow there and that the Devta would reveal himself, signs that a Mandir would one day rise in that spot.

St. Thomas Cathedral, located in Kala Ghoda, Fort, is regarded as the oldest Anglican church in Mumbai. Interestingly, for much of the 19th century, it served as the ‘point zero’ of the city, the spot from which all distances in Bombay were measured. Its location near the original Church Gate of Bombay Fort also gave the nearby Churchgate Station its name.

The foundation stone was laid in 1676 by Gerald Aungier (Governor of Bombay, 1669–77), then head of the East India Company in Bombay. Construction was paused after his death and resumed in 1715 under Richard Cobbe (East India Company chaplain). The church was opened to the public on Christmas Day, 1718, and later consecrated in 1837, with Thomas Carr (first Anglican Bishop of Bombay) appointed as its bishop.

Today, it remains active, with regular services and community events. The cathedral shares close ties with the Cathedral and John Connon School, and continues to host important observances such as Christmas, Easter, and Founder’s Day.

The Asiatic Society of Mumbai, located in Fort, is one of the city’s oldest and most respected cultural institutions. Housed in the Town Hall, a prominent heritage structure, the society has served as a centre for research, preservation, and public learning since the early 19th century.

Within its premises lies an extensive library and museum that safeguard ancient texts in languages such as Persian, Prakrit, Urdu, and Sanskrit. The collection also includes 1,000 ancient coins, among which is the ‘mohur’ (gold coin) once belonging to Mughal Emperor Akbar. Adding to its cultural wealth is a rare first edition of Dante’s Inferno.

Walkeshwar Mandir, also referred to as Bana Ganga Mandir, is situated in Malabar Hills, South Mumbai. According to local traditions, its origins trace back to Ramayan. It is believed that during his journey from Ayodhya to Lanka in search of Sita, Shri Ram stopped at the site and was advised to worship Bhagwan Shiv. As a result, he fashioned the original Shivling from sand, giving the mandir its name, Walkeshwar, a derivative of ‘Valuka Ishwar’, the Sanskrit term for a murti crafted from sand.

The story further recounts that when Shri Ram faced a lack of fresh water in the area, he shot an arrow (‘Baṇa’ in Sanskrit) to summon the Ganges to the spot. This act led to the creation of the Bana Ganga water tank, fed by an underground spring despite the mandir’s proximity to the sea.

The current Walkeshwar Mandir was originally built by the Silhara Dynasty in 1127 at the site of the revered ancient Shivling. However, it suffered destruction during Portuguese rule in the 16th century. The mandir was later reconstructed in 1715 by Rama Kamat, a Mumbai-based philanthropist, and the Gaud Saraswat Brahmin community.