A popular place of worship in Mumbai is the Walkeshwar Temple alias Lord
of the Sand temple, near Malabar Hill neighborhood. Also known as the
Baan Ganga Temple, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
It is situated in South Mumbai precinct of the city, facing the sacred
tank of Banganga near its southwestern corner. The temple draws large
crowds of devotees every day especially every month during the full
moon and at Amavasya.
The temple is the venue of annual Hindustani Classical Music Festival
organized by the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, held in
January.
The original Walkeshhwar Temple was built by the Silaharas
around 1050 years ago. According to Ramayana, Rama rested here on his
way to rescue Sita in Lanka and constructed a lingam Waluk (sand) at the
site. The temple thus become known as Waluka Eshwar or Walkeshwar. The
original Walkeshwar Temple was destroyed by the Portuguese and the sand
lingam is said to have jumped into the sea to avoid desecration.
The temple was rebuilt by Rama Kamath in 1715, though
the current temple dates only 1950's. Its curving plastered tower is divided
into clustered elements with carved images of sages and musicians beneath.
Inside the shrine, infront of the sanctuary, there is a stone tortoise
and Nandi. The shrine is the focus of much religious activity during Diwali,
which celebrates Rama's homecoming. The Banganga tank, attached to the
temple, is one of the oldest structures in Mumbai. This water tank is
enriched with fresh water all through the year.
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