Banganga Tank, Mumbai

The Banganga Tank is a sacred water reservoir that forms an integral part of the Hindu Walkeshwar Temple complex situated in the Malabar Hill region of Mumbai. Its historical roots trace back to the year AD 1127 when it was originally constructed by Lakshman Prabhu, a prominent minister in the court of the Silhara kings of Thane. In 1715, the tank underwent reconstruction, thanks to a generous donation from Rama Kamath. It's worth noting that the primary temple within the complex has been rebuilt more recently and is now a modern reinforced concrete structure.

According to local folklore, the temple's origin story is linked to Rama, the legendary hero of the Ramayana. He stopped here while searching for his kidnapped wife, Sita. Overwhelmed by thirst, Rama asked his brother Lakshmana for water. Lakshmana shot an arrow into the ground, creating a miraculous water source that later joined the Ganges River, miles away, giving rise to the name "Banganga," meaning Ganga from an arrow.

Today, the Banganga Tank takes the form of a rectangular pool enclosed by steps on all four sides. At its entrance, one can find two pillars that once held oil lamps in ancient times. The tank, as well as the primary Walkeshwar Temple and the Parshuram Temple, fall under the jurisdiction of the Goud Saraswat Temple Trust, which historically owned a significant portion of the property within the complex. Many Goud Saraswat Brahmin families still live in the Temple Trust buildings in this complex, and the nearby tank continues to provide fresh, sweet water due to natural springs.