Babulnath Temple, Mumbai (must see)

The Babulnath Temple is one of the oldest Hindu shrines in the city and is dedicated to Shiva. Although the present structure dates to the late 18th century and was expanded in the 1890s, the site itself is believed to be much older. Local tradition suggests that the idol worshiped here may date back to the 12th century, during the reign of King Raja Bhimdev.

According to one popular legend, a wealthy goldsmith discovered the sacred image of the deity after noticing that his cow mysteriously stopped at a particular spot each day and released all of her milk there. Curious about this unusual behavior, he followed the animal and eventually had the ground dug up. Beneath a babul tree, a Shiva idol was uncovered, and a shrine was established on the site. The temple’s name, Babulnath, is believed to derive from this tree, meaning “Lord of the Babul”.

Visitors reach the temple by climbing a long staircase that leads up the hillside, though an elevator now offers an easier option. At the top, the complex opens into a courtyard and shrine hall where devotees gather for darshan, the sacred viewing of the Shiva lingam. Inside, carved pillars and traditional decorative details frame the sanctum, creating a quiet space for prayer and reflection.

The temple becomes especially lively during Maha Shivaratri, when thousands of worshippers visit throughout the night to offer prayers and seek blessings. Devotees bring offerings such as milk, flowers, and sacred leaves to place before the shrine. Even outside festival periods, Babulnath Temple remains an active place of worship.