Walkeshwar Mandir Temple, Mumbai

The Walkeshwar Temple is dedicated to Shiva and holds an important place in the city’s religious traditions. Believed to have been first established during the rule of the Silhara dynasty between the 9th and 13th centuries, the temple is said to have been built under the patronage of Lakshman Prabhu, a minister in the king’s court.

According to legend from the Ramayana, the temple’s origins are connected with the god Rama. While traveling toward Lanka in search of his abducted wife Sita, Rama is believed to have paused at this spot and wished to worship Shiva. Unable to find a proper idol, he fashioned a lingam from sand and offered prayers. Because the lingam was made from sand, the deity became known as Walkeshwar, meaning “Lord of the Sand”, giving the temple its name.

The temple seen today was rebuilt in the 18th century after the original structure was destroyed during earlier conflicts in the region. Around the temple lies a historic complex of smaller shrines, rest houses, and narrow lanes that lead down to Banganga Tank. This rectangular water reservoir is lined with stone steps and temples and has long been used for ritual bathing and religious ceremonies.

Local tradition holds that the water of Banganga Tank appeared when Rama’s brother Lakshmana shot an arrow into the ground to create a spring for the thirsty Rama. Even though the tank lies close to the sea, it is filled with fresh spring water.